José Paulo Nóbrega, Chairman of ICB-URBE (Icolo e Bengo – Urbe) - «The Airport City […] is proof that Angola has entered the 21st century—and is here to compete for a place among the continent’s strategic hubs.»

A city is rising up around Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), designed from scratch to redefine Angola’s standing on the world map. In this interview, José Paulo Nóbrega, chairman of ICB-URBE, explains the strategic vision behind the IcoloeBengo Airport City, the cornerstones of the project, the role of international architecture, the integration of Angolan companies, and the ambition to transform AIAAN into an economic, logistical and tourist powerhouse on an international scale.

What is the strategic vision for ICB-URBE regarding the development of the new airport city around AIAAN?
ICB-URBE’s vision derives from the idea that AIAAN represents a historic opportunity to build a new economic hub based on the best international practices. It is founded on five pillars: establishing Angola as a hub for regional and global economic integration; consolidating the area surrounding the airport as a logistics, industrial and commercial hub; creating a fully-fledged ecosystem with housing, services and innovation that can attract talent and investment; ensuring phased, demand-driven growth aligned with ESG criteria; and placing Angola on the radar of major international investors. A key element is the protection of the airport itself, which is the starting point of the mission. The Airport City is not merely built around the airport, but rather an ecosystem in which both can grow in an interdependent and mutually reinforcing manner. The vision isn’t to build a city around an airport. It’s to create an ecosystem where the city and the airport grow together—each making the other stronger.

“[…] AIAAN represents a historic opportunity to build a new economic hub[…]”

When we talk about the IcoloeBengo Airport City, which concept are we talking about exactly?
The concept is that of an aerotropolis, an urban model in which the airport acts as the anchor of a broader economic ecosystem, similar to cases such as Dubai, Singapore or Amsterdam. ICB-URBE manages the land reserve around AIAAN, ensuring control over the concession, the type of construction and its purpose. This framework provides predictability and legal stability for investment, which are essential for reducing risk and increasing attractiveness. The operating of the airport requires strict compliance with international civil aviation standards, which regulate the use of the surrounding land. Urban planning regulations do not limit development – they ensure it. The choice of Foster + Partners for the masterplan further enhances this ambition, as it is one of the most renowned firms in the world, responsible for infrastructure such as Hong Kong and Beijing airports. The process included a phase of consultation on specific Angolan requirements, which also involved national companies participating in the development and execution of the projects, thereby strengthening the country’s technical capacity.

What key projects are currently underway and what impact are they expected to have?
An Airport Services Hub is currently being developed, which will include hotel services, restaurants, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, catering and crew support. This collection of services creates an efficient ecosystem, improves the passenger experience and generates non-aeronautical revenue that is essential to the airport’s sustainability. It also includes aeronautical and technical training centres, thereby promoting skilled employment and establishing the airport as a strategic hub. Alongside this, the Airport Logistics Hub aims to transform Angola from a logistics consumer into an active logistical hub, equipped with international cargo terminals, industrial zones, support infrastructure and business services. The impact is considerable: companies now have direct access to global routes and simplified processes through a One-Stop Shop, reducing red tape and accelerating investment. The aim is to establish Angola as a regional hub for Central and Southern Africa, diversifying the economy and reducing its dependence on oil.

How does ICB-URBE intend to attract investment, and what role does tourism have to play?
The investment attraction strategy is built on an active approach, involving international roadshows and direct contact with sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure funds, private equity firms and specialist operators. Each proposal is tailored to the profile of the investor. High-end tourism plays a pivotal role. The project includes a golf course designed by Ernie Els, luxury resorts, a spa, a convention centre, casinos and duty-free retail. These are complemented by assets such as Quiçama National Park, covering around 9,600 km² and located close to the airport, and Cabo Ledo, renowned for its excellent surfing conditions. This combination offers a range of unique experiences – golf, safaris and surfing – helping to position Angola as a competitive destination in international tourism and enhancing its global image.

What role might this airport city play in the future of Angola?
Its impact will depend on its ability to deliver, its consistency and its long-term vision. When fully developed, it will enable Angola to establish itself as a leading logistics hub in Central and Southern Africa, attract more foreign investment and boost sectors such as tourism, services, logistics and innovation. More than just an urban project, it serves as a safeguard for the airport itself, ensuring its sustainable operation and protecting it from disorganized growth. The protection of the land reserve needs to be seen as a national priority, involving both the state and society in safeguarding a strategic investment. The Airport City is not just the largest urban development project in our recent history. It is proof that Angola has entered the 21st century—and is here to compete for a place among the continent’s strategic hubs.

“The aim is to establish Angola as a regional hub for Central and Southern Africa, diversifying the economy and reducing its dependence on oil.”

Text: Editorial Team
Photos: Rights Reserved