Africa-Press – Angola. The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, on Saturday in Benguela encouraged provincial governments and municipal administrations to take the lead in creating opportunities, boosting local economies, and improving the quality of life of the population.
The Head of State, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the Municipalities and Cities Fair of Angola, emphasized that inclusive decentralization is fundamental for the harmonious development of the territory.
He said that this is the first edition of the fair held after the new political-administrative division came into effect, increasing the number of provinces to 21 and municipalities to 326, and coinciding with the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence.
For João Lourenço, the new territorial configuration aims to bring the State closer to its citizens and accelerate economic and social progress throughout the country.
“Because life is built in the municipalities, it is crucial that we all mobilize for this endeavor,” he stated. To this end, he emphasized the need to create networks of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurial initiatives that promote the exchange of goods and services nationwide.
Furthermore, the President of the Republic highlighted that Angola currently holds the chairpersonship of the African Union, a position that projects the country on the continental and global stages.
Growing Economy
Regarding the economy, the Head of State announced that, in the first quarter of 2025, non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.4%, with a notable increase in food production, which reached approximately nine million tons.
He reiterated the strategic commitment to knowledge, agriculture, and industry as pillars for food sovereignty, a balanced balance of payments, and job creation, especially for young people.
He also highlighted the need to increase workforce productivity, overcome barriers to private investment, and continue streamlining public administration, providing local governments with more human and financial resources.
Lobito Corridor
João Lourenço also spoke of the strategic role of the Lobito Corridor as a “driving force” for regional development, stating that its importance “does not end at national borders.”
He noted that the number of investors and countries interested in the project is growing, including the European Union, which announced a financial package to support investments in trade, vocational training, transportation, and heritage.
The Head of the State added that the largest portion of the funding will be allocated to technical and vocational education, aligned with the 2023-2027 National Development Program, aiming for productivity gains and the creation of career opportunities.
Infrastructure and Structural Projects
At another point in his speech, the President of the Republic announced the opening of two university campuses in eastern Angola this month and the start of operations of the Cabinda refinery in September.
He also highlighted the resumption of the Lobito refinery construction project, which will reduce dependence on fuel imports.
He mentioned progress on other structural projects, such as the Caio Deepwater Port (Cabinda), the redevelopment of the Port of Namibe, the construction and rehabilitation of national and municipal roads, and the expansion of telecommunications, energy, and water supply networks.
The Head of State highlighted the positive impact of the integrated infrastructure program on urban redevelopment, which also covers other municipal centers in several provinces.
The Head of State has been in Benguela province since Friday to preside over the extraordinary meeting of the Local Government Council this Saturday. After speaking at the event, João Lourenço cut the ribbon for the pavilion where various local and export products are on display.
Cities and Municipalities Fair
The Angolan Cities and Municipalities Fair (FMCA) is a highly important national event that brings together municipal and provincial authorities, public institutions, private companies, and civil society to promote local development across a variety of fronts.
This 5th edition will see the participation of all 326 municipalities from the country’s 21 provinces for the first time, in accordance with the new political-administrative division.
Organized by the Ministry of Territorial Administration, with the support of provincial governments, the fair typically includes exhibitions, lectures, and business meetings and aims to share information about their territories, projects, programs, and investment opportunities.
It aims to stimulate local development by encouraging partnerships and attracting investment to municipalities, promote cooperation and exchange between different municipalities and cities, enable learning and replication of best practices, and showcase regional potential, such as infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and education, sparking the interest of investors and authorities. It serves as a strategic platform that promotes dialogue, visibility, and investment in the territories, strengthening local development and municipal governance.
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