AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy & Culture: France’s Embassy in Luanda and AFD opened a photo exhibition at the “Palácio de Ferro” marking 50 years of Angola–France diplomatic relations, running until 3 October and featuring short films by Angolan youth. Digital Governance: Angola moved up to the World Bank’s GovTech “Group B” (0.593), citing progress on digital public services, interoperability, e-signatures and cybersecurity under the 2022–2027 digital transition roadmap. Mining Policy: Angola’s Resources Minister said “local transformation” must be realistic and market-driven, and announced a broad study to review how the Mining Code fits today’s needs. Regional Integration: Angola will speed up continental economic integration to 2028 under the TTTFP, targeting better cross-border roads, border procedures, logistics efficiency and driver training. Education Labor: Angola’s general school strike is set to end next Monday after a deal between the Education Ministry and SINPROF. Energy Infrastructure: Government approved financing for the Angola–Namibia Transmission Interconnector (ANNA), a 400kV line linking Kunene to Cahama.

Education & Labor Peace: Angola’s general school teachers’ strike is set to end as aulas may resume nationwide next Monday (28), after the Education Ministry and SINPROF reached consensus on the outstanding demands, with a new meeting planned after workers’ assembly. Power & Infrastructure Finance: Government approved a N$4bn financing arrangement for the Angola–Namibia Transmission Interconnector (ANNA), a 166-km 400 kV line linking Kunene to Cahama, aimed at easing regional power constraints. Digital Governance: Angola moved up to Group B in the World Bank’s GovTech maturity index, citing progress on digital public services, interoperability, e-identities, e-signatures, and cybersecurity under the 2022–2027 digital transition agenda. Mining Policy & Local Value: Angola marked 15 years of the Mining Code, with the minister stressing “realistic” local transformation and announcing a competitiveness study that could clarify or update parts of the Code. Cross-Border Trade: Angola will push transport facilitation up to 2028 under the TTTFP, including better road profiles, border process simplification, and logistics efficiency measures. Culture & Rights: A Luanda seminar urged clearer rules between collective management entities and publishers to prevent double charging and legal uncertainty in copyright collections. Regional Memory Diplomacy: The Cassinga Memorial Park reached 99% completion, with Angola and Namibia moving toward inauguration of the transnational remembrance site.

UN Security Council Reform: President João Lourenço urged “urgent and profound” UN Security Council reform at UNGA, calling for Africa, Latin America and Asia as permanent members and warning that the world is drifting toward confrontation as rules give way to force. Angola-Canada Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mark Carney met Lourenço on UNGA sidelines, backing a path to a Canada–Angola economic cooperation MOU and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, with emphasis on mining and critical minerals. SME Financing Push: The International Trade Centre and Access Bank launched a three-year plan to expand SME financing, market access and skills across 14 African countries, starting with a Ghana pilot and including Angola. Lobito Corridor Power Plan: The US USTDA signed a feasibility-study deal with Anzana Electric Group to expand hydropower and upgrade distribution in DRC’s Lualaba and Zambia’s northwest, aiming to improve reliability for copper/cobalt mines and 3+ million residents. Education Capacity Building: Angola’s education ministry plans to strengthen faculty and create new double-titled courses with China’s Xiangtan University under the Angola Capital Humano programme. Sports—AFCON 2027: Angola is drawn in AFCON 2027 qualifiers’ Group B, with matches kicking off Thursday.

UNGA Diplomacy: President João Lourenço used the 81st UN General Assembly to push an immediate reform of the international financial architecture, arguing Africa pays more for debt than for health, education and infrastructure, and calling for accessible financing, debt relief and technology transfer. Peace & Memory: He also reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to peace through dialogue, announced an October Luanda monument for victims of political conflicts since independence, and reiterated that “no weapon is more powerful than diplomacy.” Regional & Humanitarian Stance: Lourenço urged an end to the embargo against Cuba, calling it inhumane and unjust under international law. Luanda Governance: Angola’s electoral data update continues, with 2.5 million adults already updated and preparations for communal “single windows” underway in Malanje. Education Labor Talks: The Ministry of Education and SINPROF resume negotiations Wednesday over the teachers’ grievance notebook and the nationwide strike, alongside claims of validated career updates and school budget injections. Economic Diplomacy: Angola’s AIPEX reported 383 private investment projects worth $14.6bn (2023-2025), with 75% in execution, while Angola Economic Forum officials reiterated “Made in Angola” and investment climate reforms. Environment Policy: Angola begins a nationwide ban on several single-use plastics under PLANEPP 2025-2027. International Tech Access: OpenEvidence and Anthropic plan to roll out free AI clinical support to about 100 low- and middle-income countries, including Angola. Cross-border Rights Dispute: Namibia challenges Amnesty International’s handling of a report on displaced Angolan women and children, alleging insufficient consultation.

UN Diplomacy: President João Lourenço will speak at the UN General Assembly in New York, stressing Angola’s priorities on peace, dialogue, mediation and multilateral reform. Economic Diplomacy: Angola is pushing “economic diplomacy” to attract more FDI, with promises of less bureaucracy, stronger legal security and investment in energy, water, ports and rail. Social Protection: Angola’s labour and social security leadership backs expanding protection for workers in the informal economy, linking social coverage to employment, training and formalisation. Water Security: The Quilonga Grande water project is being urged to keep its pace to finish this year, aiming to boost potable water supply for millions around Luanda. Reconciliation & Rights: In Cunene, CIVICOP is highlighted for protecting families’ rights to dignified funerals for victims of past political conflicts. UN Staff Pipeline: Angola says it is working to increase the number of Angolan professionals in the UN through training and support for competitive recruitment. Energy & Investment: Angola’s access to international markets continues despite high financing costs, with calls for a more differentiated risk view of African economies. Luanda International Links: Angola’s cultural peace agenda is reinforced through UNESCO recognition tied to the Bienal de Luanda’s water theme. Sports & Soft Power: Angola’s presence abroad also shows up in international events, including football and martial arts.

UNGA Diplomacy: President João Lourenço met UN officials in New York on child protection in armed conflict and discussed Angola’s cooperation on UN peace and security priorities. UN System Careers: Angola is pushing to expand the number of national professionals in the UN, with the Foreign Ministry outlining training and recruitment support for competitive posts. Finance & Sovereign Access: José de Lima Massano says Angola still meets financial obligations and keeps market access, but financing costs remain high and need a more “differentiated” risk view of African economies. Water Governance & Peace: UNESCO and Angola’s Bienal de Luanda spotlight water governance as a tool for conflict prevention and mediation, with the forum set for 22–23 October. Labour Enforcement: The second phase of “Trabalho Digno” begins Tuesday, using a risk-based inspection approach to tackle child/forced labour, discrimination, harassment, and wage minimum breaches. Professional Standards: Angola’s accounting body (OCPCA) runs a national exam in Luanda for new and repeat candidates, aiming to grow certified membership. FAO Bid: MIREX launched a guide for Josefa Sacko’s FAO director-general candidacy for 2027–2031.

Angola’s UN diplomacy: President João Lourenço arrived in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, with Angola set to push for peaceful conflict solutions, dialogue and mediation, alongside multilateral reform and Africa’s interests. Luanda migration administration: Angola’s Migration and Foreigners Service launched a new official eVisa portal (evisa.ao), requiring applicants to create an account, upload documents, pay online and track status, with processing promised within 72 hours. Oil & gas investment push: Angola’s ANPG signed multiple upstream agreements at Angola Oil & Gas 2026 in Luanda, targeting new acreage, deepwater development and more exploration wells, as operators including Shell and TotalEnergies outline further activity. Bilateral energy ties: OQ and Sonangol, with Angola’s energy ministry, signed renewable and energy memoranda during OQ’s renewable-energy engagement. Regional politics & security: A report on Cameroon highlights migrants deported from the US into a legal limbo, raising questions about third-country removal practices. Sports & youth: Angola’s MMA federation says it aims to maintain or grow medal counts ahead of the 2027 World Championships in Georgia, after recent local competition used to assess the national team.

UN Diplomacy: President João Lourenço arrived in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, set to deliver Angola’s general debate speech on Tuesday under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation,” with a packed diplomatic agenda. Bilateral & Cultural Ties: In Cairo, Angola and Egypt marked 50 years of relations with the inauguration of an Agostinho Neto bust and a cooperation push that includes training Angolan specialists in paleontology and archaeology. Digital Government: Angola’s Migration and Foreigners Service launched a new eVisa portal (evisa.ao) with account creation, online payment and real-time tracking, promising processing within 72 hours. Public Services & Infrastructure: Luanda’s Bita water supply system is reported at 52% physical execution, targeting completion in December 2026 and commissioning in January 2027. Justice & Legal Reform: Angola’s Bar Association leadership urged lawyers to actively engage in justice reforms and defend the constitutional role of the profession. Sports & National Teams: Angola’s league fixture Sagrada Esperança vs Petro de Luanda was postponed due to Palancas Negras commitments. Regional Security/Defense: Soldiers and pilots showcased capabilities at South Africa’s AAD airshow, highlighting rapid response and close air support skills.

Water Infrastructure: Angola’s Luanda “Bita” water system is at 52% physical execution, with completion due December 2026 and commissioning/testing starting January 2027, covering treatment capacity of 295,200 m³/day, 3,500 km of distribution network and 170,000+ household connections for about 2.5 million residents. Justice Reform & Legal Profession: Angola’s Bar Association president José Luís Domingos urged lawyers to actively join justice reform debates, stressing the constitutional role of an independent, responsible and free legal profession. Labour Dialogue: The government says it fully met SINPROF’s demands and is open to dialogue, following a meeting to sign an act cancelling the teachers’ strike. Diplomacy & UN Agenda: President João Lourenço heads to New York for the UN General Assembly, with Angola’s address set for the general debate under “Restoring trust, managing transformation.” Angola–China Parliamentary Ties: National Assembly President Adao de Almeida highlights deeper cooperation with China, including infrastructure upgrading and a push toward modernization and AI, plus a legislative exchange MoU. Oman–Angola Economic Push: Oman’s state visit to Angola produced agreements across energy, mining, aviation, investment, water management and logistics, with OQ exploring Angola energy value-chain projects. Transport Policy: New road toll rates begin in Angola, set by Presidential Decree 147/26, with tariffs varying by vehicle class and weight. Telecom Investment: US EXIM approved a $99.6m direct loan to Africell to expand Angola’s mobile network coverage and reliability. Sports & National Team Impact: Sagrada Esperança vs Petro de Luanda was postponed due to Palancas Negras commitments ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Water Infrastructure: Luanda’s Bita water supply system is at 52% physical execution, with commissioning and progressive start-up planned for January 2027 after physical works finish in December 2026; the project includes a 295,200 m³/day treatment plant, about 3,500 km of distribution network and 170,000+ household connections, targeting roughly 2.5 million residents across Belas, Kilamba, Camama and Talatona. Justice Reform: Angola’s Bar Association president José Luís Domingos urged lawyers to actively join the debate on justice reforms, stressing that a free, independent and responsible legal profession is essential for the rule of law. Road Policy: New road toll rates entered into force this week under Presidential Decree 147/26, with tariffs varying by vehicle class and weight, alongside the start of mechanical demolition of an unsafe unfinished building in Luanda’s Maianga area. Diplomacy/UN: President João Lourenço travels Sunday to New York for the UN General Assembly, where Angola’s address is set for Tuesday during the General Debate. Oman-Angola Deals: Oman and Angola signed multiple agreements and MoUs during Sultan Haitham’s state visit, covering visa exemptions, double-tax arrangements, air transport, logistics, energy and a proposed 500MW renewable project with battery storage. Telecom Finance: US EXIM approved a $99.6m direct loan to Africell to expand Angola’s mobile network using advanced US/EU technology. Energy/Investment Outlook: OQ says it is exploring Angola investments across the energy value chain, including LNG, fertilisers, ammonia and petrochemicals, plus a 500MW renewables concept. Sports (Local Impact): Sagrada Esperança vs Petro de Luanda was postponed due to Palancas Negras commitments ahead of AFCON qualifiers.

Angola–Oman State Visit: President João Lourenço and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik wrapped up a two-day Luanda visit marked by the exchange of agreements and MoUs covering visas, double taxation, technical cooperation, air transport, logistics, defence industries, energy, and a planned 500MW renewable project with battery storage. Parliament–China Ties: Angola’s National Assembly President Adao de Almeida used his China trip to praise China’s legislative model and citizen participation, saying it boosts legitimacy and better reflects public interests. IAEA Governance: Angola was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, joining Brazil, Nigeria and others, with the board set to meet Sept. 21. Energy & Infrastructure Partnerships: Oman and Angola also signed sector pacts spanning investment, trade, water management, and infrastructure, while Angola’s broader push for strategic cooperation continues alongside major regional deals. Sports (Angolan-linked): Angola appears in the COSAFA U20 group stage draw, with South Africa’s Amajita set to face Angola, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Oman-Angola Deal Push: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President João Lourenço wrapped a two-day state visit in Luanda, exchanging 13 legal instruments and signing 5 agreements plus 8 MoUs worth over $1.5B, spanning visa exemptions, double-tax relief, air transport, logistics, defence cooperation, and energy— including a proposed 500MW renewables project with battery storage. Diplomacy & Conflict Posture: In a joint communiqué, both leaders called for immediate ceasefires across conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe, backing dialogue, UN principles, and respect for sovereignty. Economic Banking Signal: Lourenço highlighted the opening of the African Bank of Oman as a tangible outcome, alongside Omani moves into Angola’s mining sector and broader interest in agriculture, fisheries, oil & gas, and pharma. Regional Security/Church Narrative: Angola’s Council of Christian Churches urged preservation of Agostinho Neto’s legacy—patriotism, humanism, and moral courage—while linking faith to concrete service. Parliament Watch (Education): A Luanda parliamentary probe into secondary school fees and capitation flagged inconsistencies in funding, enrolment figures, and NEMIS records, with questions over whether fee structures need review.

Oman–Angola State Visit: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met President João Lourenço in Luanda, with both sides pushing to double bilateral trade and citing deals worth over $1.5bn across oil, mining, food security, and transport. Parliament Oversight: Angola’s National Assembly probe into secondary school fees and capitation flagged inconsistencies between funding, enrolment figures, and the NEMIS system, including cases where schools sought extra charges beyond approved amounts. Regional Health Security: Tanzania, Angola and the DRC agreed on a coordinated push to stop PPR spreading south, focusing on vaccination, surveillance, and tighter livestock movement controls. Infrastructure & Trade: The Lobito Corridor got a boost as MIGA issued $62.6m in guarantees for the Lobito Atlantic Railway under a 30-year concession, reinforcing Angola’s role in moving Central Africa’s copper and cobalt to global markets. Transport Policy: New road toll rates in Angola start today under a presidential decree, with tariffs set by vehicle class and weight. Cultural Diplomacy: Angola’s 17 September commemorations continued abroad, including a wreath-laying tribute to Agostinho Neto in Lusaka by multiple ambassadors.

Omani-Angolan Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in Luanda for a 48-hour state visit, with talks and deal-signing expected to expand cooperation in energy, mining, tech, ports and agriculture. UN Reform & Foreign Policy: Angola’s FM Téte António told ANGOP the UN Security Council reform is urgent to correct Africa’s under-representation, ahead of the 81st UNGA High-Level Week in New York. National Memory & Youth: Angola marked 17 September with renewed focus on Agostinho Neto’s legacy, from MPLA’s continental framing to defence and culture officials urging youth to study his works and ideals. Luanda Infrastructure & Services: Kilamba Kiaxi turned 50 with ongoing road, bridge, drainage and water/energy projects, while Angola Digital reported 180 free internet access points and new connectivity services. Information Integrity Risk: Research by Citizen Lab says Israeli firm BlackCore trained Angolan government communications staff to run covert social media influence operations, including a fictitious “Agita News” outlet. Regional Investment Push: Ohangwena launched an investment map and action plan aimed at turning “potential” into jobs and local business income, not just plans on paper.

Influence & Governance: Citizen Lab research says Israeli firm BlackCore trained Angolan government officials to run “positive government” online influence operations, including fake social media personas and ad campaigns; a key Facebook page (“Agita News”) is now offline. Diplomacy & Economy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s landmark state visit to Angola is framed as a push to deepen cooperation in energy, mining and maritime logistics, building on the Oman African Bank in Luanda and earlier Lourenço ties. Digital Angola: In Benguela, minister Mário Oliveira launched “Tudonosso Fibra” and reiterated plans for new ANGOP premises in 2027, while Ngola Digital reported 180 free internet access points nationwide and a reabilitated primary school with internet access. National Identity: MPLA marked 17 September by stressing Agostinho Neto’s continental historical dimension. Parliamentary Oversight: Angola is set to be part of the IPU Arusha meeting where lawmakers will scrutinize Africa’s critical-mineral value-add push. Sports & Society: Angola prepares to host the first African MMA World Cup; separately, Angola’s readiness to welcome major international events continues to be tied to broader tourism promotion. Public Finance: BAI’s public bond offer raised over Kz 57.5bn, with sustainable bonds now moving toward secondary trading.

MMA & Sports Diplomacy: Angola says it is ready to host Africa’s first-ever World Cup of mixed martial arts, running 17–20 September in Luanda with 22 countries and 200+ athletes. Public Finance: BAI’s public sustainable bond offer on BODIVA raised about Kz 57.5bn, with demand exceeding supply and trading expected to start 22 September. Maritime Governance: The fisheries minister urged urgent formalisation of 116 informal jetties along Angola’s coast, linking it to better order, social inclusion and economic growth. Digital Infrastructure: Angola Telecom launched “Tudonosso Fibra” in Benguela’s Baía Farta, pushing fibre-to-the-home connectivity as part of the national broadband rollout. Justice & Memory: President João Lourenço joined a global consultative debate on restorative justice, focusing on slavery and proposals for an international reparations fund. Economy Watch: The BNA projected GDP growth of 6.15% ahead, citing improved non-oil performance and keeping inflation guidance at 8.6% for end-2026. Development Finance: The World Bank group said it will maintain and expand support for priority Angola projects, including Bita water supply and the Lobito Corridor. Regional Diplomacy: Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe reviewed cooperation in Morocco, while the Sultan of Oman is set to visit Luanda to deepen ties across energy, mining, ports and logistics.