Nuno Borges, Founder of Toyota de Angola - Angola: 50 years of Challenges and Future

Nuno Borges, founder of Toyota de Angola and member of the Angolan Economic and Social Council, reflects on 50 years of independence with the experience of someone who has closely followed the country’s evolution. He recognises the obstacles, values the advances and believes in Angola’s potential as a regional power, provided that it invests in diversification, training its citizens and improving the business environment.

What do these 50 years of independence mean to you?
Independence in 1975 brought with it freedom and sovereignty, but also major challenges. Angola endured geopolitical disputes that resulted in a long civil war, which only came to an end in 2002. Until then, the economy was plagued by negative growth, high inflation and heavy dependence on oil. The end of the conflict allowed for reconstruction: millions of families returned to their lands, life expectancy increased, infant mortality decreased, and the number of schools and hospitals grew. In spite of all these advances, there’s still inequality, poverty, and a need to improve education and healthcare.

What have been the greatest economic advances of this half-century?
The reconstruction of roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports has proved fundamental, as has the expansion of telecommunications, the construction of dams and the growth of solar energy production. The new Dr Agostinho Neto airport, the Cabinda refinery, the Caio port and the Lobito Corridor are structuring projects that leverage and promote economic diversification.

What structural challenges remain?
The country’s excessive dependence on oil revenues puts it in a very vulnerable position. We urgently need to diversify the economy, taking advantage of its agricultural, mineral, energy and tourism potential. At the same time, there is a need to strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve the business environment, invest in training and promote scientific research.

Which sectors do you believe are strategic for economic sovereignty?
Agriculture, fisheries, tourism, mining and local processing, promoting its industrialisation. Angola has an abundance of natural resources, arable land, minerals, water and sunshine, which should form the basis of a diversified, sustainable and job-creating economy.

What should be the role of foreign investment?
It is essential, not only for the injection of capital, but also for the transfer of knowledge, technology and job creation. Angola has to become more attractive to investors by removing barriers and reducing risks.

«We urgently need to diversify the economy, taking advantage of its agricultural, mineral, energy and tourism potential.»

Can Angola make its mark as a regional power?
Without a doubt. Its strategic location, abundant natural resources and young population all point to this. To consolidate this role, it is crucial that we improve the quality of education, train management staff both inside and outside the country, and improve the business environment.

What is your assessment of your years at the helm of CFAO Mobility Angola?
Founded in 1991, Toyota has been a very enriching professional and personal challenge. Working with the Japanese culture of discipline and high standards, and leading Angolan teams with great success, has been a source of pride for me. We learn from our successes and also from our struggles, but always with motivation and passion.

“Working with the Japanese culture of discipline and high standards, and leading Angolan teams with great success, has been a source of pride for me.”

What message would you give to young Angolan entrepreneurs?
Believe in your country. Nothing is easy, but with humility, integrity, persistence and hard work, we will be able to make our dreams come true. You have to know how to listen, always keep learning and do everything with passion and resilience.

How would you imagine Angola in 50 years’ time?
I see Angola as a regional power, a global logistics and technology hub, with greater social equity and opportunities for young people. There will be risks, but I believe that economic diversification, technological innovation and training for Angolans will lead to a promising future.

“[…]I believe that economic diversification, technological innovation and training for Angolans will lead to a promising future.”