Africa-Press. The President of Angola, João Lourenço, conducted a three-day state visit to Algeria at the invitation of his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The visit resulted in the signing of 11 cooperation agreements and the announcement of both countries’ intention to pursue a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
In a joint press conference, Tebboune stated that the discussions “allowed for a review of the reality of bilateral cooperation and prospects for its development,” emphasizing that both sides demonstrated “a strong political will to establish a comprehensive and fruitful strategic partnership.” He noted that the agreements would enhance cooperation in the sectors of hydrocarbons, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, renewable energy, health, digitalization, and training. He also announced the launch of a direct flight between Algeria and Luanda starting in July, along with an agreement to establish a joint business council.
For his part, João Lourenço stated in the same press conference that Angola and Algeria “have the capacity to contribute significantly not only to the development of their countries but also to the development of our African continent,” adding that his country is “interested in exploring opportunities in all sectors,” according to a local economic source.
11 Agreements in Various Sectors
The signed agreements covered sectors such as oil and gas, mining, air transport, higher education, science and technology, innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, investment, vocational training, water resources, postal services, communications, and information technology. Additionally, there was a protocol agreement in agriculture and fisheries, a health agreement, and a memorandum of understanding between the Algerian diplomatic institute and the Angolan diplomatic academy.
The local economic source noted that the trade volume between the two countries remained limited at $1.4 million in 2024, according to the International Trade Center. The new agreements could support Angola’s economic diversification strategy, which remains heavily reliant on oil exports, and enhance its access to North African markets. Meanwhile, they could strengthen Algeria’s position as a regional power by expanding energy partnerships with another hydrocarbon producer and opening opportunities in other sectors.
Political Positions
The joint statement between the two presidents confirmed, according to the local economic source, a convergence of views regarding regional peace and stability and African integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime and supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts on the continent.
Prior to the visit, Tebboune welcomed his Angolan counterpart at the international airport in Algeria. Lourenço laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument in the Algerian capital and visited the National Museum of the Mujahid to honor the martyrs of the Algerian War of Independence against French colonialism. The visit’s agenda included delivering a speech before members of the Algerian parliament and visiting a seawater desalination plant to learn about the Algerian experience.
Media Coverage
Algerian media described the visit as historic, being the first by an Angolan president to Algeria. The Angolan ambassador to Algeria, Toco Diakenga Sirao, stated in remarks reported by a local source that both countries are committed to “enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in energy, hydrocarbons, higher education, technical training, and political and diplomatic coordination.”
Internationally, the local economic source characterized the visit as an attempt “to transform the historical ties established during the anti-colonial era into a strategic partnership focused on economic development in both countries and across Africa.”
