AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy & Regional Peace: Angola is using the 2nd International Women’s Forum for Peace and Democracy in Luanda to push stronger women-led peacebuilding, with AU officials praising President João Lourenço’s dialogue-first approach and urging Angola to ratify the AU convention ending violence against women and girls. Financial Inclusion: The government says the next phase of Angola’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy will help mobile and digital providers move into credit, pointing to easing inflation and a 51.7% inclusion rate in the first quarter. Economy & Energy: Angola LNG has suspended operations in Soyo for 32 days of maintenance, cutting LNG output and loading by about 80% while work is coordinated with other facility campaigns. Public Policy & Governance: Officials aligned tourism and planning priorities for the 2026 Public Investment Program, focusing on integrated infrastructure and financing tools for private investors. Sports & International Exposure: Former Angolan player Carlos Morais is joining the Detroit Pistons’ technical staff for the NBA Summer League, continuing an Africa Coaches Program pathway. Infrastructure & Telecom: Unitel expanded 3G/4G/5G coverage in June, including 5G rollout in Sumbe, as the company also reported strong 2025 profits ahead of its IPO. Education & Accountability: Angola’s National Assembly ordered fresh investigations into a 1,000-bed students’ hostel project in Kenya’s JOOUST after audit concerns over contract variations and payments—highlighting how procurement and oversight failures can snowball.

Unitel IPO push and telecom expansion: Angola plans to sell a 15% stake in Unitel for about $320 million, with the IPO roadshow tied to the operator’s reported 2025 net profit of over AOA 158 billion; Unitel also says it expanded 3G/4G/5G coverage in June, including 5G in Sumbe. Lobito Corridor finance: A $753 million financing package is now finalized for Lobito Corridor modernization and long-term operation, with $553 million from the U.S. DFC and $200 million from DBSA, aiming to boost rail capacity and cut logistics costs. Public finance and governance pressure: MPs in Luanda opened fresh scrutiny into the JOOUST 1,000-bed hostel project after audit concerns over contract variations and payments totaling Ksh/ Sh844 million, with lawmakers set to summon officials and consultants. Inflation cools: Angola’s inflation fell to 10.11% in June, the lowest since 2015, led by transport, education, and housing-related price rises. Energy operations: Angola LNG in Soyo suspended operations for 32 days for maintenance, cutting LNG output and loading by about 80% during the shutdown. Women, peace, and leadership: The 2nd International Women’s Forum for Peace and Democracy begins in Luanda, focusing on women’s leadership as a driver of peace and inclusive growth. Sports and youth: Angola’s roller hockey team was called up for a Spain tournament ahead of the World Skate Games, while tourism and youth-focused plans continue to target jobs and investment.

Telecom Reform: Angola is set to raise about $320 million by selling a 15% stake in Unitel, with the public offering closing July 24, as the government pushes capital-market reforms and reduces reliance on oil revenues. Public Finance & Tax: The Government and Parliament have adjusted the first chapter of the Corporate Income Tax bill, focusing on how illicit income is handled for legal entities and protections for small and medium-sized firms. Inflation Watch: Angola’s inflation eased to 10.11% in June, the lowest since 2015, with transport, education, and housing-related costs driving the biggest moves. LNG Maintenance: Angola LNG in Soyo suspended operations for 32 days from July 8 for maintenance, cutting monthly LNG output and loading by about 80%. Lobito Corridor Push: A $753 million financing package has reached financial close for Lobito Corridor modernization and long-term operation, backed by DFC and DBSA. Women’s Peace Forum: Luanda hosts the 2nd International Women’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, spotlighting women’s leadership in peace, governance, and inclusive growth. Environment & UNESCO: UNESCO praised Angola’s conservation efforts, including its UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, while the environment minister renewed commitments to environmental education and waste management. Local Services: Kaimosi and Luanda have been elevated to municipality status to unlock funding and improve infrastructure and services. Sports (Roller Hockey): Angola’s national roller hockey team has been called up for a Spain tournament ahead of the World Skate Games in Paraguay.

Trademark Rights in Limbo: Angola’s Industrial Property Office delays registration certificates, leaving brand owners struggling to prove ownership and enforce rights even after trademarks are published. Capital Markets Push: UNITEL launched its IPO on the capital market, reporting 158 billion kwanzas net profit for 2025, as Angola targets up to 300 billion kwanzas from selling a 15% stake. Lobito Corridor Funding: Angola’s Lobito Corridor railway secured a $753 million financial close, including $553 million from the U.S. DFC and $200 million from DBSA, aiming to boost capacity and cut logistics costs. Industrial Jobs Drive: In Icolo e Bengo, the “Phoenix Bridge” complex opened with five manufacturing units for construction materials, backed by Chinese investment and set to expand hiring. Prisons Overcrowding: Angola’s Interior Minister says penitentiary facilities hold over 5,000 inmates beyond capacity, with new units due to ease overcrowding. Public Services & Tax: Angola confirmed full 13th salary payments for civil servants in a single installment plan, while the tax authority refunded 191 billion kwanzas in VAT so far this year. Sports & Events: Petro de Luanda begins its Women’s African Handball Cup Winners’ Cup campaign in Kinshasa, and Angola says it meets requirements to host the IMMAF World Championship in Luanda in late September.

UNITEL IPO Push: Angola’s biggest-ever public share offering is underway, with the state aiming to raise up to 300 billion kwanzas by selling a 15% stake in Unitel, after the telecom operator reported a 158 billion kwanzas net profit for 2025. Lobito Corridor Finance: The Lobito Corridor railway has reached financial close with a $753 million package—$553 million from the U.S. DFC and $200 million from DBSA—geared to modernize and boost freight capacity. Public Services & Pay: Angola says civil servants will get the 13th salary in a single payment, while prison overcrowding of over 5,000 inmates is set to be eased by new units. Governance & Oversight: The National Assembly is pushing for an excellence-based operational standard in public procurement and governance. Security & Diplomacy: Angola and the UN reviewed cooperation on peacekeeping, and Angola and Congo discussed deeper bilateral ties. Industry & Jobs: A Chinese-backed industrial complex in Icolo e Bengo was inaugurated, and tourism officials want tourism to become a top job-creator sector. Sports & Culture: Angola’s Petro de Luanda targets a Women’s African Handball title defense, while an Angolan artist won gold in Japan.

Lobito Corridor Financing: Angola’s Lobito Corridor railway has reached financial close with a $753 million package—$553 million from the U.S. DFC and $200 million from DBSA—aimed at rehabilitating and modernizing the 1,300-kilometre line to cut logistics costs and boost capacity. Capital Markets Push: UNITEL launched its IPO on the capital market, reporting 158 billion kwanzas net profit for 2025, as Angola targets up to 300 billion kwanzas from selling a 15% stake. Public Finance & Services: The tax authority says it has refunded 191 billion kwanzas in VAT so far this year, while civil servants will receive the 13th salary in a single payment. Anti-Corruption: Nigeria’s court ordered forfeiture of properties linked to convicted ex-power minister Saleh Mamman, underscoring the wider crackdown on illicit assets. Governance & Oversight: Angola’s National Assembly Speaker called for an excellence-based operational standard in public procurement to strengthen integrity and efficiency. Education & Inclusion: Mandume ya Ndemufayo University secured $3.5 million to expand STEM via World Bank support, and ANGOSAT-2 connectivity is bringing DStv World Cup broadcasts to universities in remote areas. Environment & Tourism: Cubango’s ecosystems were highlighted by the environment minister, while tourism officials said the sector is set to become a major job creator. Sports & Events: Petro de Luanda is set to defend its Women’s African Handball Cup Winners’ Cup title in Kinshasa, and Angola is also preparing to host the MMA World Championship in Luanda.

Lobito Corridor Rail Deal: Africa Finance Corporation says the $753m Lobito Corridor Railway Project has reached financial close, with $553m from the U.S. DFC and $200m from DBSA to rehabilitate and modernise the 1,300-km rail link from Lobito to the DRC border. UNITEL IPO Push: Angola’s telecom giant UNITEL launched its capital-market debut, reporting 158bn kwanzas net profit for 2025, as the state sells a 15% stake via an IPO expected to raise up to 300bn kwanzas. Sports Hosting Watch: IMMAF says Angola meets requirements to host the “IMMAF World Cup – Dipanda 2026” in Luanda (Sept 27–Oct 2), focusing next on logistics for delegations. Prisons Overcrowding: Angola’s Interior Ministry says penitentiaries are holding over 5,000 inmates above capacity and new units in Huíla, Bié, Cunene and Cabinda will open soon. Tax Relief: AGT reports 191bn kwanzas refunded in VAT to companies up to June, with electronic invoicing and tighter controls driving faster processing. Education & Connectivity: ANGOSAT-2-linked Conecta Angola Comercial will bring DStv World Cup broadcasts to universities and training centres in Bié, Namibe, Huíla and Malanje. Anti-Corruption Spillover: Court orders in Nigeria add to the fallout from ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman’s 75-year corruption sentence, with property forfeitures including assets tied to Abuja.

UNITEL IPO Push: Angola’s telecom giant UNITEL kicked off its capital market debut with a net profit of 158 billion kwanzas and an IPO aimed at raising 300 billion kwanzas from a 15% stake sale, with subscriptions open for citizens and foreign residents. Prison Overcrowding: The Interior Ministry says prisons are holding more than 5,000 inmates above capacity, with new units in Huíla, Bié, Cunene and Cabinda set to ease the pressure. Tax Relief: The tax authority AGT refunded 191 billion kwanzas in VAT to companies, citing stronger controls and electronic invoicing, with forecasts to reach about 300 billion in 2026. Education Access: ANGOSAT-2 and Conecta Angola Comercial will bring DStv World Cup broadcasts to universities and training centers in remote provinces. Health Trust & Training: WHO highlights health communication as key to public trust, while Angola plans training for about 38,000 health professionals by 2028. Security & Justice: SIC presented suspects accused of serious crimes in Luanda. Culture & Community: “Elefantito” in Luanda spotlighted child protection and children’s right to speak up.

Unitel IPO Push: Angola’s Unitel has kicked off an IPO roadshow to sell a 15% government stake on BODIVA, a major privatisation test after the state seized the telecom group from Isabel dos Santos’ empire. Capital Markets Watch: Angola’s Capital Market Commission has already approved the public offering of 7.5 million Unitel shares, with trading expected later this month. Lobito Corridor Momentum: The Lobito Corridor railway project in Angola has reached a $753m financial close, reinforcing the region’s push to move copper and trade faster. Health System Trust: Angola is ramping up health capacity and public trust efforts, with plans to train about 38,000 health professionals by 2028 and WHO stressing clearer health communication. Angola-Benin Ties: Angola and Benin begin political consultations in Cotonou, aiming to deepen cooperation and sign an air transport deal. Security Cooperation Angle: At the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Luanda, AFRICOM said the US has withdrawn most troops from Nigeria after an anti-ISIS operation, while keeping intelligence support. Sports in Luanda: Nigeria’s D’Tigers wrapped the FIBA qualifiers window in Angola with a dominant 106-62 win over Rwanda, booking a spot in the second round.

FIBA Qualifiers in Luanda: Nigeria’s D’Tigers sent a message in the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, crushing Rwanda 106-62 to finish the third window unbeaten and book a spot in the second round. Caleb Agada led with 13 points, 8 assists and a big defensive impact, as Nigeria’s point differential swung from -14 to +30. Angola vs Mali: Angola bounced back with an 88-74 win over Mali, ending Mali’s unbeaten run and forcing 27 turnovers, while Angola’s Selton Miguel and Childe Dundao powered the scoring. Health Trust & Training: Angola is pushing health communication as a pillar for public trust, with WHO stressing clarity and transparency, while the Health Ministry says about 38,000 health professionals will be trained by 2028. Angola-Benin ties: Angola and Benin launched political consultations in Cotonou, setting priorities from visa talks to air transport cooperation. Governance & money: Parliament urged stronger provincial revenue collection and better tax enforcement, while the Capital Market Commission approved UNITEL’s public offering of 15% of its share capital.

D’Tigers Qualification Drama: Nigeria’s D’Tigers sealed a spot in the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers after a 80-79 win over Guinea in Luanda, ending Guinea’s unbeaten run and setting up a final Group C game vs Rwanda. Sports Meets Administration: Despite the on-court progress, reports say the team could face hotel eviction and possible FIBA disruption over unpaid accommodation and participation fees. Historic Angola Upset: Egypt pulled off a landmark 79-73 win over Angola in Luanda, their first over Angola in more than three decades, with the result shaping the group race. Bilateral Diplomacy: Angola and Benin began political consultations in Cotonou to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, air transport, migration, and UN coordination. Forestry Push: Angola launched the AgroCorridors Angola program, with the agriculture minister urging wider silviculture and private nursery/seedling involvement to boost rural incomes. Capital Markets: Angola’s Capital Market Commission approved a public offering for 15% of UNITEL’s share capital, paving the way for trading on the stock exchange. Health Capacity: Nineteen Angolan health professionals were sent abroad for specialized training under a World Bank-funded human resources project. Maritime Security: Angola’s defence ministry highlighted the need for coordinated responses to piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, and smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea. Tourism Investment Platform: Angola joined UN Tourism’s UNT-PASS platform as a co-founding country to attract investment into high-impact tourism projects.

Angola–Egypt Basketball Shock: Egypt beat Angola 79–73 in Luanda, ending a long drought and securing qualification as Angola’s fans packed Kilamba Arena. D’Tigers Qualify in Luanda: Nigeria edged Guinea 80–79 to reach the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with the group race tightening ahead of final fixtures. Diplomacy in Cotonou: Angola and Benin began bilateral political consultations focused on trade, migration, and air transport, with an air deal on the agenda. Forestry Push: Angola launched AgroCorridors Angola in Benguela, betting on silviculture and eucalyptus plantations to boost rural incomes and diversify production. Capital Markets Move: Angola’s Capital Market Commission approved UNITEL’s public offering of 15% of its share capital, paving the way for trading admission. Health Training Abroad: Nineteen Angolan health professionals were sent for specialized training in Brazil, Portugal, and South Africa under a World Bank-funded project. Media Integrity: ERCA urged Angolan social media users and journalists to curb misinformation and hate speech ahead of elections. Maritime Security: Angola’s Navy anniversary symposium highlighted piracy, trafficking, and the need for coordinated maritime governance. Copper Watch: Analysts keep flagging a 2026 copper supply deficit, with recycling and AI-driven power demand shaping the outlook.

FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria’s D’Tigers booked the second round after edging Guinea 80-79 in Luanda, ending Guinea’s unbeaten run and setting up a final Group C game against Rwanda. Sports Momentum: The win followed a tight 84-81 victory over Tunisia, with Nigeria carrying results forward as the race for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar tightens. Angolan Governance & Health: Angola’s Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta was elected vice-chair of Gavi’s implementing countries committee, while the Vice-President reaffirmed the fight against violence against children. Maritime Security: Angola’s Defence Minister called for better coordination on maritime security, citing piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing. Tourism Investment Push: Angola joined the UN Tourism UNT-PASS platform to connect tourism projects with investors. Digital Inclusion: Angola licensed a Moxico startup to provide ANGOSAT-2 internet services, boosting connectivity and local entrepreneurship.

US-Nigeria Security Shift: AFRICOM says most U.S. troops sent for a May operation against ISIS in Nigeria have withdrawn, while intelligence sharing continues at Abuja’s request after the killing of ISIS’s Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Regional Security Agenda from Luanda: Nigeria’s Defence leadership and AFRICOM commanders used the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Angola to push an African-led, resilient security architecture, with stronger intelligence, border management, and anti-terror financing. Angola Maritime Security: Angola’s defence minister called for coordinated, multidimensional responses to piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing and smuggling, urging integrated maritime governance and better surveillance. Health & Global Partnerships: Angola’s Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta was elected vice-chair of Gavi’s implementing countries committee, boosting Angola’s role in vaccine governance. Children Protection: Angola’s Vice President reiterated the Executive’s commitment to combating violence against children and expanding education and science opportunities. Tourism Investment Push: Angola joined the UN Tourism UNT-PASS platform to connect tourism projects with investors and development banks. Digital Inclusion & Connectivity: Angola licensed a Moxico startup to provide ANGOSAT-2 internet services, aiming to reduce connectivity gaps. Agriculture Transformation: “AgroCorridors Angola” launched in Benguela to link economic corridors and scale irrigation, seeds, mechanization and rural extension. Sports—World Cup Qualifiers: Angola’s basketball team advanced with a 95-62 win over Uganda, while Nigeria beat Guinea 80-79 to reach the second round.

Lobito Corridor Rail Milestone: The Lobito Corridor railway project in Angola has reached a $753m financial close, backing the 1,300km brownfield rail link from the Port of Lobito to the DRC border, with funding including $553m from the US International Development Finance Corporation and $200m from the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Security Cooperation: US Africa Command says it has withdrawn most troops from Nigeria after the May operation against ISIS leaders, but will keep an intelligence-sharing partnership at Abuja’s request. Angolan Telecom Push: Unitel, Angola’s largest telecom operator, is set to launch an IPO roadshow next week as part of the country’s privatisation drive. Justice and Asset Recovery: Angola-linked developments in regional court reporting continue, with Nigeria’s courts ordering forfeiture of additional properties tied to convicted former Power minister Saleh Mamman. Sports in Luanda: Angola hosts the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers window (July 2–5), with Group C featuring Tunisia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Guinea, and Group D including Angola, Egypt, Mali and Uganda. Local Economy & Agriculture: Huambo’s PRODESI program reports over AKz 10bn financing for 125 projects and 30 agricultural cooperatives since 2022, though repayment and bank bureaucracy remain hurdles.

Court Watch: Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja ordered forfeiture of five more properties tied to convicted ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman, including Walijam Apartments and other Luanda-linked assets, with one property set for permanent forfeiture and four for interim forfeiture. Basketball in Luanda: D’Tigers opened their 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers campaign with a 84-81 win over Tunisia, a boost for new coach David Fizdale as Nigeria prepares for Guinea and Rwanda. Handball Final: 1º de Agosto and Interclube meet Friday at the Cidadela Pavilion for the Angola Handball Cup final after recent championship clashes. Agriculture & Jobs: In Huambo, PRODESI says it has financed 125 projects and 30 agricultural cooperatives with over AKz 10 billion since 2022, though repayment and bank bureaucracy remain hurdles. Science & Tech Policy: Angola is drafting a new National Science, Technology and Innovation policy aimed at stronger research, innovation funding, and better coordination. Regional Security: Angola co-hosts the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Luanda, with leaders stressing cross-border threats and deeper partnerships. Tourism & Culture: Angola’s Vice-President met the Tucker family on education, tourism and environment cooperation, including plans to spotlight Angola’s biodiversity and Calandula Falls.