UAE And Angola Enhance Development Partnership Through Strategic Agreements And Investments

The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Angola signifies a crucial step in enhancing relations between the two nations. This visit aims to bolster cooperation across various sectors, aligning with development goals and fostering growth for both countries. The UAE's engagement with Angola is part of its broader strategy to support Africa's prosperity and address future challenges.

Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1997, the UAE and Angola have seen their relationship flourish. Regular meetings and official visits have driven progress in joint initiatives. The partnership is marked by close cooperation at all levels, with several bilateral agreements strengthening this bond. These include agreements on avoiding double taxation, promoting mutual investments, and aviation cooperation.

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The UAE is keen to expand its economic ties with Angola through significant investments in key sectors like energy, technology, and maritime logistics. Opportunities also exist in food security and agriculture. In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Angola reached USD 2.2 billion, reflecting a 36.3% increase from 2019.

In recent years, economic relations have advanced significantly. In 2021, several memoranda were exchanged to enhance cooperation in various fields. These included a collaboration between Masdar and Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water on solar energy projects and an agreement between Abu Dhabi Ports and Angola’s Ministry of Transport on transport sector cooperation.

In 2023, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed strategic agreements with Angolan institutions. A framework agreement was established with Angola’s Ministry of Transport for developing maritime services nationwide. Additionally, a preliminary agreement was made to form a joint venture with Unicargas for operating Luanda's main port terminal.

The Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) signed financing agreements worth AED 445 million with the Angolan government to establish data centres and eco-friendly street lighting in several cities. EDGE Group also secured a €1 billion contract for constructing frigates for the Angolan Navy.

Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Initiatives

During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, Masdar agreed with Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water to develop renewable energy projects totalling 2 GW capacity. In April 2024, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a long-term concession agreement to modernise Luanda Multipurpose Terminal, investing USD 251 million initially.

This investment aims to upgrade the terminal by 2026 while developing a logistics hub. Potential investments could rise to USD 379 million over the concession period based on market demand.

Support for Health and Education Sectors

Apart from economic ventures, the UAE has initiated projects supporting health, education, and digital transformation in Angola. In January, the UAE sent ambulances and medical supplies as part of its USD 220 million Global Initiative for Africa's healthcare sector.

The DP World Foundation renovated schools in Luanda at a cost of USD 250,000. Additionally, "The Digital School," part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, partnered with Angola to provide educational opportunities using digital technologies for children in underserved areas.

With inputs from WAM