During the closing ceremony of the FRESAN program in Namibe, southern Angola, Francisco Alegre Duarte emphasized the significance of this initiative, the largest EU program in Angola, noting its substantial co-management by Instituto Camões. He highlighted its role in executing European aid.
“It’s tens of millions of euros, the largest EU-financed program in Angola, and it’s largely co-managed by Instituto Camões,” he noted.
Over the past three and a half years, the diplomat has closely observed FRESAN’s impact in the southern provinces, underlining its support for agricultural production and the enhancement of families’ quality of life in subsistence farming.
He also stated that Portugal stands as Angola’s second-largest trading partner, following China, with over 1,250 enterprises of Portuguese or mixed capital operating in the country.
“These are companies that pay taxes in Angola, create tens of thousands of jobs, and train Angolan technical staff,” he highlighted, noting the country’s capacity to directly contribute to Angola’s economic diversification through a focus on human capital.
This effort is augmented by a 2.5 billion euro funding line, currently aimed at public infrastructure, which the diplomat suggests should expand to sectors like agriculture, tourism, and health.
Regarding the Lobito Corridor, he pointed out that the current visible investment is European and private, notably involving Portugal’s Mota-Engil, part of the consortium responsible for the concession (Lobito Atlantic Railway), which has already generated over a thousand jobs in Angola.
The company is also running a training center in collaboration with Portugal’s Fernave.
“It is crucial for this operation to succeed. If successful, it will inspire others and attract more investors,” he remarked.
When asked about the Angolan state’s financial obligation compliance, he acknowledged some complaints from Portuguese companies about payment delays but assured that there is “excellent dialogue” with the government, particularly with the Ministry of Finance, to resolve issues.
Concerning the future public tender for the Moçâmedes Corridor, he deemed it premature to predict Portuguese involvement, advocating for a focus on the success of the Lobito project.
“Let’s make the Lobito Corridor a great success. When we have a concrete proposal on Moçâmedes, we’ll discuss it,” he concluded.
