Lusophone Nations Launch Tourism Forum and €200 Million Fund

CPLP tourism forum CE‑CPLP fund Lusophone economic cooperation Angola tourism promotion regional connectivity

The Community of Portuguese‑Speaking Countries (CPLP) created a Business and Investment Forum on tourism during the 13th meeting of CPLP tourism ministers in Dili, Timor‑Leste. The forum will promote connectivity, youth and women entrepreneurship, and support micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises across member states. Mozambique was represented by Secretary of State for Tourism Affairs Fredson Bacar, and the meeting also extended the CPLP Strategic Plan for Tourism Cooperation.

In Lisbon, the Confederation of Lusophone Business Communities (CE‑CPLP) launched a €200 million Development and Cooperation Economic Fund, aiming to mobilise up to €500 million for strategic projects in the nine CPLP member states. Priority sectors include agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, the blue economy and digital transformation. The fund seeks to address the low intra‑CPLP trade share, currently under 5 % of total commerce.

Angola highlighted its tourism potential, noting new international airports in Luanda and Benguela, cruise‑port facilities, and its first participation in the ITB Berlin fair. Tourism Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel said the country is “betting on green oil: tourism,” while the fair’s director described Angola as a “hidden gem gaining international spotlight.”