Adilson Catala, Angolan Secretary of State for Civil Aviation, Maritime and Port Affairs – The development of Barra do Dande is likely to have a major impact on economic diversification and sustainability.
Barra do Dande is emerging as one of the key driving forces behind Angola’s economic transformation, combining logistics, industry and energy within an integrated ecosystem with regional ambitions. In an interview with Villas&Golfe Angola, Adilson Catala highlights the strategic role of the Free Zone and the Ocean Terminal in ensuring energy security, attracting investment and establishing the country as a logistics and energy hub in Africa.
Barra do Dande is proving to be one of the country’s major infrastructure projects. What strategic role could it play in transforming Angola into a leading logistics and energy hub in Africa?
The Barra do Dande Integrated Development Free Zone, which is in line with the National Development Plan, was created to stimulate industrialisation, drive exports and attract investment. Its geostrategic location enhances its connection to key regional and international logistics corridors, increasing connectivity with African and global markets. The presence of the Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal (BDOT), which houses the country’s largest fuel reserve, plays a critical role in energy security and places Angola as a key energy distribution hub on the continent.
«The presence of the Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal (BDOT), which houses the country’s largest fuel reserve […] places Angola as a key energy distribution hub on the continent.»
What role can the Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal play in strengthening national energy security and establishing Angola as a global player?
The BODT is a strategic infrastructure for energy security and for the country’s regional and global standing. On the domestic front, it modernises and optimises storage and distribution logistics, increases reserve capacity, improves efficiency and reduces vulnerabilities, and is therefore essential to the market liberalisation process. On the international stage, it takes on a regional role as a point of entry and redistribution of fuels for the SADC and Africa, while being integrated into the Free Zone, which opens up new trade routes and flows.
Multimodal integration is key to logistical competitiveness. How is this interconnection being planned?
Multimodal integration is at the heart of the Barra do Dande model, linking road, rail and sea transport for logistical efficiency. The region is connected to the national road network via the EN100-1, with a rail link to the north-south corridor planned. In relation to maritime transport, the future Port Terminal, scheduled for completion within the next two years, will be instrumental in connecting to markets and boosting exports.
What message would you like to give to international investors?
Angola is open to investment, and Barra do Dande is a strategic gateway. The Free Zone offers a competitive legal framework, with tax and customs incentives, exchange and financial facilities, streamlined immigration procedures and favourable working conditions. More than just incentives, it also provides an integrated ecosystem with infrastructure, a strategic location and operational efficiency, ensuring predictability and sustainable returns.
What projects are already in place and what are the future prospects?
The Free Zone is home to a number of significant projects and has a robust pipeline. Particular highlights include the Sino-Ord Industrial Park, which has been in operation since 2018, covering around 400 hectares, employing 3,000 workers and featuring 13 manufacturing units in sectors that include construction, plastics and paper, exporting to countries such as Congo and Botswana. The Aluminium Industrial Park – Phase I covers 72 hectares, with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes per year, an initial investment of USD 250 million and 1,200 jobs, with the potential to reach USD 1.6 billion. The National Grain Reserve (USD 34.72 million), the Food Oil Refinery (USD 29.99 million, 105,000 tonnes per year) and the Logistics Hub (USD 175.48 million, 60,000 containers per year) are currently under development. Projects such as a coach assembly plant, petrol stations and the Port Terminal are at an advanced stage. There are also proposals for a Metallurgical Industrial Park (500 hectares) and other investments to promote diversification and exports.
«In relation to maritime transport, the future Port Terminal […] will be instrumental in connecting to markets and boosting exports.»
What is the potential structural impact of this ecosystem on the Angolan economy?
The development of Barra do Dande is likely to have a major impact on economic diversification and sustainability. Given the country’s dependence on oil, the Free Zone is a strategic tool for the non-oil sector and for bringing the trade balance back into equilibrium. By interlinking logistics, industry and energy, it drives new value chains, industrialisation, replacement of imports with exports. It will contribute towards skilled employment, skills development and business strengthening, making Angola more resilient, competitive and sustainable in the long term.
Text: Editorial team
Photos: Edson Azevedo