Alberto António Bengue, PCA do Porto de Luanda – «The Port of Luanda plays a key role in establishing Angola as a leading logistics hub […]»

Set against a backdrop of growing economic integration and a commitment to modernising infrastructure, the Port of Luanda stands out as Angola’s main gateway for the import and export of goods. In this interview, its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alberto António Bengue, explains how concessions to international operators, improved operational efficiency and coordination with strategic projects are strengthening the port’s status as a regional logistics hub.

What role does the Port of Luanda play today in confirming Angola’s position as a logistics hub on Africa’s Atlantic coast?
The Port of Luanda plays a decisive role in establishing Angola as a leading logistics hub on Africa’s Atlantic coast. As the country’s main port infrastructure, it is responsible for a substantial proportion of goods traffic and acts as the central hub for foreign trade operations. Its geostrategic location is ideal for meeting the needs of the domestic market and serving as a distribution hub for countries in the hinterland, thereby contributing to regional integration and enhancing logistics connectivity across the continent. The port sector is strategic for economic development, with the Port of Luanda acting as the main point of entry and exit for goods in the country. Modernisation has been driven by government reforms, including granting concessions for terminals to international private operators. The arrival of these operators has enabled the introduction of modern equipment, the replacement of obsolete infrastructure and an increase in operational capacity. In terms of efficiency, there have been improvements such as reduced waiting times for ships, greater productivity in cargo handling and better organisation of operations. From an economic perspective, there have been increases in revenue and reductions in costs, resulting from more efficient management and control of wasted resources. Alongside this, the port is becoming more attractive internationally, through its integration into global logistics chains and growing investor interest. The presence of operators such as DP World, Sogester and Noatum Ports encourages healthy competition, resulting in improved efficiency, service quality, price competitiveness and a drive for innovation through continuous investment in technology and modernisation.

What tangible impact have concessions granted to international operators, such as DP World, had on the efficiency and modernisation of the port?
Concessions granted to international operators such as DP World have had a significant impact on the modernisation and efficiency of the Port of Luanda. These partnerships have brought investment in technology, infrastructure improvements and the introduction of more advanced management practices. In terms of efficiency, key benefits include reduced waiting times for ships, increased productivity in cargo handling and better organisation of operations. From an economic point of view, they help to increase revenue, reduce costs and enhance international attractiveness. On the other hand, they encourage competition among operators, improving services, stimulating innovation and ensuring more competitive rates. In addition, they facilitate knowledge transfer through the training of local technicians, the sharing of know-how and the adoption of modern management practices.

«Concessions granted to international operators such as DP World have had a significant impact on the modernisation and efficiency of the Port of Luanda.»

What are the main strategic priorities of your management to increase the capacity and competitiveness of the Port of Luanda in the coming years?
The strategic priorities include the expansion and upgrading of port infrastructure, speeding up the digital transformation of operational processes, and enhancing logistics efficiency, including rail intermodality. Other important priorities include the ongoing training of staff, the promotion of strategic partnerships and the attraction of private investment. Added to this is a commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that the growth of the port is in line with the best international practices.

How does the Port of Luanda interact with major national projects, such as the Lobito Corridor, to boost integrated logistics and Angola’s economic growth?
Coordination between the Port of Luanda and infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor is key to an integrated and efficient logistics system. The integration of national logistics corridors enables the Port of Luanda to operate as a complementary hub, establishing links between the coast and the interior, as well as with neighbouring countries, thereby facilitating the movement of goods and boosting value chains. It should be noted that there is no direct competition with the Port of Lobito, but rather strategic complementarity: whilst the Port of Lobito is specialised in the export of minerals, the Port of Luanda has established itself as the main gateway for consumer goods. At regional and international level, the corridor links Angola to countries such as the DRC and Zambia, with Luanda able to function as an alternative or complementary port, attracting regional traffic. This integration contributes to economic growth through increased cargo volumes, the stimulation of the logistics sector, job creation and GDP growth. At the same time, it promotes the development of industrial zones, distribution centres and intermodal logistics parks. In summary, this logistical integration, combined with functional complementarity and the development of multimodal chains, reduces costs, increases transport efficiency, stimulates domestic and regional trade, and positions Angola as a strategic logistics hub in Southern Africa.

«Coordination between the Port of Luanda and infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor is key to an integrated and efficient logistics system.»

Text: Editorial team
Photos: Visage Estudio, Rights reserved