Africa-Press – Angola. President João Lourenço is already in the northern Province of Cabinda for a 48-hour working visit, primarily dedicated to the inauguration of the first phase of the local oil refinery (Cabinda Refinery).
Accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, the Head of State was welcomed by the provincial governor, Suzana de Abreu, and members of the Executive upon his arrival at the airport.
The Head of State’s visit to the region is part of the open presidency cycle and also aims to hear local authorities on the general situation of the territory, from the perspective of its political and socio-economic development.
The inauguration of the Cabinda Refinery, initially designed to produce 30,000 barrels daily, is considered a historic milestone, making the province the first region in the country, outside of Luanda, to refine crude oil and have an industrial facility of this type.
Immediately after the inauguration ceremony, the Head of State will travel to the Caio deepwater terminal, where he will learn about the progress of the ongoing construction.
On Tuesday (02), president João Lourenço will inaugurate the new headquarters of the Cabinda provincial government, followed by a working meeting with the local government.
The meeting aims to assess the province generally, highlighting the progress of public works, such as schools, roads, and health facilities.
João Lourenço is scheduled to return to Luanda on Tuesday afternoon.
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 features.
With an area of approximately 7,283 square km 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 is responsible for around 60% of national oil production, mainly 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 7 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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