Africa-Press – Angola. The governor of Cabinda province, Suzana de Abreu, on Sunday highlighted the impact of the local oil refinery on the country’s socioeconomic development.
The project, to be inaugurated this Monday by the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, marks the completion of the first phase of construction of the plant and the start of the commissioning process, which precedes commercial production, initially projected at 30,000 barrels per day.
In statements to the press, Suzana de Abreu emphasized that the people of Cabinda are “very excited” about the arrival of the Head of State, who, for the first time, will inaugurate an industrial oil refining unit outside of Luanda, with an investment estimated at approximately US$470 million in the first phase of the project alone.
The governor emphasized that the project will strengthen the national oil industry’s value chain by enabling the integration of the downstream component (production of crude oil derivatives), which was previously lacking in the province.
“The refinery will pave the way for oil logistics, bring more services, and generate jobs for young people,” she said.
The governor noted that Cabinda has seen gains in several social and economic areas, notably the rehabilitation of urban roads and increased agricultural production, including bananas, cassava, cocoa, and rice.
She also highlighted improvements in health services, particularly the opening of the General Hospital, considered a national benchmark.
In terms of infrastructure, she highlighted the completion of the André Pitra “Petroff” center and the construction of the 11 de Novembro University, as well as other structural projects that contribute to the well-being of the population.
“We are happy and expectant. The people of Cabinda enthusiastically welcome the visit of the country’s highest authority, which will greatly contribute to strengthening local development,” he emphasized.
About Cabinda Province
Located in the far north of Angola, Cabinda Province is one of the country’s most strategic regions, not only due to its economic importance but also due to its geographic, environmental, and social characteristics.
With an area of approximately 7,283 square kilometers and an estimated population of over 800,000, Cabinda borders the Republic of Congo to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Economically, Cabinda accounts for approximately 60% of national oil production, primarily from offshore exploration, making the province one of the largest contributors to the country’s exports.
In addition to oil, the region also boasts agricultural potential, particularly in the production of bananas, cassava, cocoa, coffee, and rice, as well as timber resources.
Phosphate and manganese reserves remain largely unexplored.
Environmentally, Cabinda is home to the Maiombe Forest, recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of Angola.
It is the second-largest tropical forest in the world, after the Amazon, which reinforces the province’s importance for biodiversity conservation.
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