Angolan political and diplomatic developments

Angolan President João Lourenço delivered his State of the Nation address to the National Assembly, focusing on diplomatic influence, the Lobito Corridor, and regional mediation. During this period, the government also inaugurated the ‘Eternal Alliance’ Memorial in Luanda to promote national reconciliation regarding past civil conflicts.

The address drew criticism from opposition leaders, including UNITA’s Adalberto Costa Júnior, who characterized the administration’s tenure as a ‘lost decade’ due to unemployment and food insecurity. Additionally, the Cabinda Independence Movement rejected government economic reports, citing local poverty and repression.

Following these domestic developments, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah began a state visit to Angola to strengthen bilateral political and economic cooperation. This engagement culminated in the inaugural session of the Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Luanda, where the two nations signed seven new bilateral agreements. These pacts aim to bolster cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, sports, arts, and culture, and include the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post at Oshikango and Santa Clara.

Energy and infrastructure remain central to the partnership. President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed interest in leveraging Angola’s experience in oil exploration to develop Namibia’s hydrocarbon potential, while discussions addressed accelerating cross-border projects such as the Baynes Hydropower Station, railway expansions, and electricity interconnection.

Regarding economic performance, Angolan State Minister for Economic Coordination José de Lima Massano reported that the non-oil sector now accounts for approximately 85% of the GDP. President Lourenço emphasized the necessity of local value addition, encouraging African nations to process natural resources locally rather than relying on crude exports.