AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: President João Lourenço heads to New York for the UN General Assembly, set to deliver Angola’s speech on “Restoring trust, managing transformation.” Education & Labour: The government says it fully met SINPROF demands and is open to dialogue as the union signs off on ending the strike. Water Infrastructure (Luanda): The Bita water supply system is 52% complete, with commissioning planned for Jan 2027 and service for about 2.5 million people. Road Costs: New toll charges start on Angola’s national road network, with rates tied to vehicle class and weight. Sports (MMA): Angola’s juveniles dominate the “Angola Dipanda Open World Cup” in Luanda, winning 15 medals and topping the medal table. Sports (Football): Angola’s U-20 crushes Eswatini 4-0 in the COSAFA qualifier; Sagrada Esperança vs Petro is postponed due to national team commitments. Telecom Investment: Africell secures a $99.6m EXIM loan to expand and upgrade mobile networks in Angola. Energy Trade Watch: A global supertanker shortage is pushing shipping costs higher, raising risks for long-distance oil flows. Oman-Angola Deals: Oman’s state visit to Angola delivers multiple agreements, including energy and a proposed 500MW renewable project with storage.

Water & Infrastructure: Luanda’s Bita water supply system is at 52% physical execution, with completion due December 2026 and commissioning starting January 2027; the project includes a treatment plant (295,200 m³/day), about 3,500 km of distribution network and 170,000+ household connections, covering Belas, Kilamba, Camama and Talatona. Justice Reform: Angola’s Bar Association chief José Luís Domingos urged lawyers to actively join the debate on justice reforms, stressing the need for a free and independent legal profession. Huambo Roads: The Huambo governor says about 200 km of roads are under execution, including key stretches and bridges, with some works running to Feb 2027. Sports (MMA): Angola dominated the MMA “Angola Dipanda Open World Cup” for juveniles, winning 15 medals at Kilamba. Road Fees: New toll charges on Angola’s national road network begin this week, with rates set by vehicle class and weight. Diplomacy (UN): President João Lourenço travels to New York for the UN General Assembly, delivering Angola’s address during the General Debate. Oman Partnership: Oman and Angola signed 13 instruments and MoUs worth $1.4bn+, spanning energy, transport, agriculture, taxation and investment, including a proposed 500MW renewable project with storage. Telecom Investment: US EXIM approved a $99.6m loan to Africell to upgrade Angola’s mobile network and expand connectivity. Youth & Jobs (Lobito Corridor): Huambo youth leaders push training for agriculture, logistics, commerce and services to tap opportunities from the Lobito Corridor.

Oman–Angola State Visit: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik wrapped up a two-day trip to Luanda with President João Lourenço, signing 5 agreements and 8 MoUs plus an executive programme, including visa exemptions, double-tax relief, air transport, logistics and defence cooperation, alongside energy and a planned 500MW renewables project with battery storage. Parliament & China Ties: Angola’s National Assembly President Adao de Almeida praised China’s legislative model for citizen participation, and said a new legislature-to-legislature MoU will deepen Angola–China strategic cooperation. Lobito Corridor Momentum: The Lobito Atlantic Railway continues to draw support, with MIGA backing Mota-Engil’s 30-year concession to modernise and operate the 1,300km line linking Lobito to Luau and boosting mineral exports. Youth & Jobs: In Huambo, the CPJ urged stronger training for young people to seize opportunities in the Corredor do Lobito, warning that school dropouts cut future talent. Sports & Culture: Sagrada Esperança vs Petro de Luanda was postponed due to national team commitments; meanwhile Sumbe hosted Fest Cuanza-Sul with music and dance celebrating Cuanza-Sul identity.

Oman–Angola State Visit: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President João Lourenço signed 5 agreements and 8 MoUs worth over $1.5bn, covering visas, double-tax relief, air transport, logistics and defence, plus energy and a planned 500MW renewables project with battery storage. Bilateral Talks & Next Steps: Leaders also stressed deepening cooperation and aiming to double trade, pointing to the opening of the African Bank of Oman in Angola and Omani moves in mining. Luanda Governance Watch: Parliament’s probe into secondary school fees and capitation flagged mismatches between funding, enrolment data and NEMIS records, with questions over whether fee structures need review. Infrastructure & Trade Corridor: The Lobito Corridor got a boost as MIGA issued $62.6m in guarantees for modernising the Lobito Atlantic Railway under a 30-year concession, linking Angola’s port to the DRC copperbelt. Industry Update: A soda caustic and chemicals plant began production in Baía Farta, supplying water treatment, sanitation and industrial users. Economy & Costs: Angola’s construction materials inflation eased, with the IPMC year-on-year variation at 5.66% in August.

Oman-Angola Deal Push: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik wrapped up a two-day state visit to Luanda, after talks with President João Lourenço and the signing/exchange of agreements and memoranda spanning visas, double taxation, logistics, defence, energy and renewable power, with the Sultan citing deals worth over $1.4bn and urging public and private sectors to scale investment. Bilateral Energy & Investment: Lourenço publicly reiterated Angola’s openness to direct private investment from Oman across agro-industry, mining, oil & gas, power, pharma and defence, while Oman highlighted cooperation momentum in sectors like maritime and air transport. Parliament Oversight: Angola’s National Assembly probe into secondary school fees and capitation flagged inconsistencies in funding and enrolment figures, with questions over whether fee structures need review. Industry in Benguela: A new chemical plant in Baía Farta began producing caustic soda and other key inputs, aiming to support water treatment, hygiene and local business opportunities. Transport & Trade: The Lobito Corridor got a boost as the World Bank’s MIGA issued $62.6m guarantees for railway operations and modernisation, reinforcing Angola’s role as a trade gateway. Economy Watch: Angola’s construction materials prices slowed, with the IPMC year-on-year at 5.66%.

Transport & Costs: New road toll rates in Angola kick in today (18 Sept), set by Presidential Decree 147/26, with fees ranging from 250 to 85,000 kwanzas depending on vehicle class and gross weight, including separate tariffs for border and non-border posts. Diplomacy & Investment: Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik begins a 48-hour state visit to Luanda, aiming to deepen cooperation in energy, mining, ports, logistics, agriculture and technology, with talks and an agreement exchange on the agenda. Economy Watch: Angola’s construction materials inflation cools slightly—August’s year-on-year rise in the Building Materials Price Index (IPMC) is 5.66%—while key movers include ready-mix concrete, steel, aluminium and bricks. National Memory: Angola’s 17 September commemorations continue across the region, with diplomats in Lusaka honoring António Agostinho Neto and Angola reiterating the push for UN Security Council reform to correct Africa’s under-representation. Public Safety: Police launch “Prolongado Seguro” from 05:00 on 17 Sept to 06:00 on 21 Sept to curb crime and road accidents during the holiday period. Sports & Culture: Angola hosts the MMA World Cup for the first time in Africa this week in Luanda, while athletics and local events mark the day with community-focused competitions.

Omani-Angolan Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in Luanda for a two-day state visit, received by Angola’s foreign minister Tete António, with a formal ceremony and talks expected to expand cooperation in energy, mining, logistics and ports. Influence Operations: New research by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab says Israeli firm BlackCore trained Angolan government communications staff and helped run covert social media influence work, including fake accounts and a fictitious “Agita News” page. National Day Politics & Memory: The MPLA marked 17 September by stressing Agostinho Neto’s continental historical role, while Angola also held events across Luanda and beyond to honor the National Hero. Digital Angola: Projecto Angola Digital says it now has 180 free internet access points across 18 provinces, alongside satellite connectivity expansion under Projecto Conecta. Economy & Finance: Angola’s central bank projects GDP growth of 6.15% and targets inflation at 8.6% for end-2026, while BAI’s public bond offer raised over Kz 57.5bn. Public Safety: Police launched “Prolongado Seguro” to curb crime and road accidents during the holiday period. Sports & Culture: Angola prepares to host Africa’s first MMA World Cup-style event in Luanda, while LeBron James’ Angola visit continues to fuel the E1 electric raceboat spotlight.

National Memory & Security: Angola marks 17 September, the Day of the Nation’s Founder and National Hero, honoring António Agostinho Neto, while the Police launch “Prolongado Seguro” from 05:00 on 17 Sept to 06:00 on 21 Sept to curb crime and road accidents during the holiday period. Patient Safety: Health workers warn that medication errors linked to misdiagnosis, wrong prescriptions and poor communication can endanger patients, as Angola marks World Patient Safety Day. Public Health Update: Angola confirms 15 new Mpox cases in 24 hours, bringing the total to 442 positives and two deaths. Sports & Culture: Angola declares readiness to host Africa’s first MMA World Cup in Luanda, and Luanda rolls out “Circuito Sinfónico” blending classical and traditional music to celebrate Neto. Finance & Economy: BAI’s public bond offer raises over Kz 57.5bn, while the BNA cuts its main rate to 14.75% as inflation continues easing. Energy & Diplomacy: TotalEnergies reports new Block 17 success (Acacia-5) and Angola’s leaders also push regional and bilateral ties, including a state visit from Oman’s Sultan.

Monetary Policy Shift: Angola’s central bank cut the main interest rate to 14.75% as inflation keeps easing, with the BNA also lowering other key rates and reserve requirements. Public Health Update: Angola confirmed 15 new Mpox cases in 24 hours, bringing the national total to 442 positive cases and two deaths, with Cabinda and Moxico Leste most affected. Finance & Banking Cleanup: The Banco de Desenvolvimento de Angola signed a deal transferring a non-performing credit portfolio worth 261.92 billion kwanzas to Recredit, aiming to reduce the BDA’s bad-loan rate from 57% to 30% and improve stability. Development Backing: The World Bank said it will keep supporting Angola’s priority projects, highlighting the Bita water supply and the Lobito Corridor. Trade & Industry Links: Angola and Brazil signed an agropecuária memorandum to boost cereal production and bring Brazilian firms and credit access into Angola from 2027. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Lobito Corridor plans are pushing for higher cargo volumes, while Turkish Airlines made its Luanda route suspension permanent, adding pressure to the new airport’s struggling traffic. National Memory & Culture: Angola received a major Agostinho Neto archive for preservation, while Luanda launched a “Circuito Sinfónico” blending classical and traditional music for the 17 September celebrations.

Monetary Policy Shift: Angola’s central bank cut its main interest rate by 100 basis points to 14.75%, citing slower August inflation (8.78%) and lifting its 2026 growth forecast to 6.15%. Lobito Corridor Boost: The Lobito Corridor is set to double cargo volumes to 800,000 tons in 2027 after a $300m drawdown tied to a US-backed financing push for critical minerals. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Angola’s National Assembly Speaker Adão de Almeida visited China and signed a memorandum to deepen interparliamentary cooperation, with a focus on legislative know-how and strategic institutional links. Business & Rights: Angola reiterated its commitment to a safer, more predictable business environment, stressing enforcement of the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights. Aviation Pressure: Turkish Airlines permanently axed its Luanda route as Angola’s new airport struggles to attract international traffic. Energy & Oil Moves: TotalEnergies plans to fast-track development of a new Block 17 discovery (Acacia-5) and expand exploration in the Lower Congo basin. ICE Case in the US: An Angolan national arrested by ICE in Lewiston asked a federal judge to dismiss his detention challenge, ending the case without a ruling. Sports & Culture: LeBron James and Will Smith drew crowds in Luanda for E1 electric powerboat racing, while Angola’s beach football team began medical and recovery work ahead of Mauritius.

Luanda’s aviation shake-up: Turkish Airlines has permanently dropped Luanda from its future routes, joining other carriers that have scaled back as Angola’s new airport struggles to attract traffic. Judicial appointments: President João Lourenço named Domingos da Costa Mesquita vice-president of the Supreme Court, and appointed Osvaldo dos Santos Varela as ambassador to Turkey. National heritage dialogue: Luanda’s vice-governor Manuel Gonçalves urged open family and community dialogue to preserve Angola’s cultural heritage, stressing the role of women, churches and social action. Science and research mapping: FUNDECIT mapped five public research institutions under the EU–Angola “Diálogos” programme, feeding into an accreditation process starting in 2027. Transport and logistics: Secil Marítima will add a new Ro-Pax ferry, “TCHIOWA,” from October to strengthen coastal links between Luanda, Cabinda and Soyo. 17 de Setembro commemorations: Angola’s Hero of the Nation events begin with a flower-laying ceremony in Congo and a central act in Cuanza-Sul. Digital connectivity boost: Africell secured a $99.6m U.S. EXIM loan to expand mobile network technology in Angola. Oil and offshore work: Saipem won a ~$350m subsea pipeline contract for Azule Energy’s West Hub Tails project, while TotalEnergies outlined plans to fast-track new offshore development after a Block 17 discovery. Sports: Unam FC’s CAF Confederation Cup run ended after a 3-1 second-leg loss to Kabuscorp; Angola’s beach soccer squad completed medical tests ahead of Mauritius.

Aviation & Connectivity: Turkish Airlines has permanently dropped its Luanda route, joining other carriers that have cut services as Angola’s new airport struggles to stabilize international links. Oil & Gas Push: TotalEnergies says it will fast-track development after its Acacia-5 discovery on Block 17, aiming for first oil about three months after the June 2026 find, while also expanding into Lower Congo basin blocks. Maritime Security Tech: UAE’s EDGE Group has delivered six HT-100 naval helicopter drones to the Angolan Navy, boosting shipborne surveillance and reconnaissance. Finance & Markets: Standard Bank Angola’s OPV will float 34% of the bank, opening capital to more local investors and expanding BODIVA trading instruments. Public Safety: Angola’s civil protection and firefighters report 13 deaths over the weekend, with road accidents and weather-related incidents among the main causes. Sports & Culture: Luanda hosted the E1 electric powerboat debut with LeBron James and Will Smith drawing crowds, while Carlos Morais was honored in Ingombota with a basketball court named after him. Water Infrastructure: Quilonga Grande is set to supply 518 million litres of potable water per day, targeting completion in November. Justice Watch: Angola’s Supreme Court has postponed the INAD former director’s peculato trial after failing to notify the accused, currently in Portugal.

Public Safety Update: Angola’s Civil Protection and Fire Service (SPCB) reported 13 deaths and 28 injuries nationwide over the weekend, after 100 incidents were logged; traffic accidents drove most casualties, alongside cases including lightning strikes, drownings, suicides and even a crocodile attack. Sports & Youth: IMMAF confirmed 19 countries for Luanda’s Open World Cup (Sept. 17–20), with a press conference set for Thursday on accreditation and logistics. Central Banking: The BNA’s remuneration commission is set to strengthen the central bank’s institutional capacity, with a focus on transparency and independence. Water & Infrastructure: The Quilonga Grande project will deliver 518 million litres of safe water per day in Bom Jesus (Icolo e Bengo), targeting 5 million people and 170,000 household connections. Energy & Industry: Saipem won a $350m subsea pipeline contract for Azule Energy’s West Hub Tails project, while TotalEnergies says it plans $10bn in Angola over five years to protect and grow output. Justice: Angola’s Supreme Court postponed the start of the INAD former director’s peculato trial because the accused still hasn’t been properly notified from Portugal. Trade & Ports: Hapag-Lloyd signed with DP World for long-term terminal capacity in Luanda and other African ports, aiming to scale its network across the continent. Diplomacy: Angola-Ghana ties were praised by the outgoing Ghanaian ambassador, and Angola-Botswana cooperation advanced with new agreements in Luanda.

Oil & Shipping: Brent prices are splitting as Middle East chokepoint risks reshape crude routes, with some grades discounted and others premium-priced. CAF & Football: Scottland FC booked the next CAF Champions League round after a 0-0 draw with Nsingizini Hotspurs, setting up a tie with Atlético Petróleos de Luanda. E1 Luanda GP: AOKI Racing took pole in qualifying, while Team Brady won the world electric-boat title’s Luanda GP race; LeBron James and Will Smith were in the mix. Competition Law: Angola’s competition authority fined the Câmara dos Despachantes Oficiais de Angola over minimum customs-clearing fees, ordering the table’s immediate revocation. Water & Power: President João Lourenço inspected Quilonga Grande, aimed at cutting the Bom Jesus potable-water deficit by 30%, while Benguela pushes electricity coverage expansion. Health Capacity: MINSA said 21,713 health professionals were trained under the PFRHS, reaching 57.13% of the 2028 target. Diplomacy & Business: João Lourenço discussed deeper ties with the UAE, and Botswana’s President Duma Boko’s visit advanced defense and trade cooperation. Culture & Sports Tourism: LeBron James visited Luanda’s Museum of Slavery, and António Paulino was honoured in Kilamba.

E1 GP Luanda 2026: AOKI Racing arrancou na pole na qualificação da 5.ª etapa, com Westbrook (Visit Angola) em 3.º e Will Smith/Team Brady entre os destaques, enquanto Angola reforça a imagem desportiva e o turismo com o evento na Baía de Luanda. Turismo e Memória: LeBron James visitou o Museu da Escravatura em Luanda, emocionado com a história da rota transatlântica, e já tinha recebido João Lourenço em audiência com Will Smith, com foco em turismo e cinema. Infraestruturas Hídricas: Quilonga Grande, em Bom Jesus (Icolo e Bengo), está com execução física acima de 90% e deve concluir em Novembro, para atender cerca de 5 milhões de pessoas; o projecto ProÁgua também mira elevar a produção da EPAL para perto de 400 mil m³/dia. Energia e Desenvolvimento: Benguela quer elevar a cobertura eléctrica (hoje ~37%) com expansão da rede e ligações como Lomaúm-Huambo, para impulsionar o Corredor do Lobito. Financiamento e Conectividade: Os EUA aprovaram um empréstimo de US$99,6 milhões à Africell para upgrade de rede, com foco também na região do Corredor do Lobito. Desporto (CAF): Petro de Luanda empatou 2-2 com o Songo e avançou; Scottland FC vai defrontar Atlético Petróleos de Luanda na segunda pré-eliminatória da Champions. Negócios: Unitel venceu o Grande Prémio da Feira Internacional de Benguela 2026, enquanto a Solevo projeta colocar mais de 100 mil toneladas/ano de fertilizantes no mercado.

CAF Champions League: Petro de Luanda drew 2-2 with UD Songo in the second leg but still qualified after winning 3-2 on aggregate; they now await their next opponent after Scottland FC advanced by beating Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 on aggregate. Water & Power: President João Lourenço inspected the Quilonga Grande water project in Icolo e Bengo, targeting potable water for 5 million people and completion in November; EPAL’s ProÁgua plan would lift production to about 400,000 m³/day. In Benguela, electrification efforts aim to raise electricity coverage beyond 37% and support the Lobito Corridor. Diplomacy & Business: João Lourenço discussed deeper ties with the UAE, including infrastructure and port investment; Botswana’s state visit ended with new defence, energy and trade cooperation instruments. Sports & Culture: LeBron James visited Luanda’s Museu da Escravatura ahead of the E1 GP Luanda electric boat race, while Angola’s Huambo governor urged collective participation in public policy with religious institutions. Industry & Transport: CFM plans to move 5 million tonnes of cargo in 2027; Lobito Atlântic Railway targets doubling freight volumes, citing Congo bottlenecks. Finance & Markets: IGAPE launched the Standard Bank Angola share sale (34% state stake) as part of the privatization programme.