By Ebi Kesiena
The Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, José Bamoquina Zau, has called on Nigerian investors to explore Angola’s expanding business opportunities.
The Ambassador noted this at the 49th anniversary of Angola’s independence celebrated in Abuja.
With the theme, ‘Unity, Productivity, and Sustainable Development’, Ambassador Zau emphasized on the importance of bolstering political, economic, and military ties between the two nations, adding that the celebration underscored Angola’s commitment to economic cooperation with Nigeria and the global community.
According to the Ambassador, there are plans to host an Angola-Nigeria Bilateral Joint Commission Meeting in 2025, adding that this will renew and update agreements on mutual cooperation between both countries.
“We invite investors from Nigeria to explore projects in Angola’s Lobito Refinery, tourism infrastructure, Special Economic Zones, the 1,300-kilometer Angola Highway project, and sectors such as agri-food and renewable energy,” Zau said,
Highlighting Angola’s strides in improving its investment climate, Zau mentioned recent legislative reforms that ensure investor protections, enable profit repatriation, and foster economic diversification.
“Angola is investing $4 billion in clean energy projects, including photovoltaic and hydroelectric initiatives, to reach an 8-gigawatt electricity capacity by 2025,” he added.
The ambassador also recognized Nigeria’s longstanding support for Angola, dating back over six decades to Angola’s independence struggle. He credited Nigeria and other allies for assisting Angola through its liberation movement and post-war reconstruction efforts, as well as recent economic advancements.
“Our cooperation with Nigeria continues to thrive through increased trade, business exchanges, and alignment on energy issues via the African Petroleum Producers Organization,” Zau noted.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that Angola’s current economic objectives stem from the collaborative support of the international community, with notable contributions from Nigeria, Cuba, Russia, and China.
Celebrating nearly five decades of independence since Angola’s liberation from Portuguese rule on November 11, 1975, Zau reflected on the nation’s journey from armed conflict to sustainable peace and development.