Ricardo Viegas d'Abreu, Angolan Minister for Transport – «Angola has the objective conditions to establish itself as a strategic bridge between Africa and the rest of the world.»
In the year that Angola commemorates half a century of independence, the transport sector has emerged as one of the key cornerstones underpinning the country’s economic transformation and integration into the global landscape. In an interview, Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, Angolan Minister for Transport, sets out the strategic vision for the development of the country’s infrastructure – covering airports, ports, railways and logistics hubs – and explains how these key projects are establishing Angola as a regional hub for mobility, trade and investment.
In the year Angola celebrates 50 years of Independence, how does the Transport sector position itself today as one of the main drivers of economic development, territorial cohesion, and the country’s openness to the world?
Angola marks 50 years of Independence at a moment of structural consolidation of its development model. The Transport sector is a critical pillar of this trajectory, acting as a lever for territorial integration, economic efficiency, and external projection. The Government’s strategy is focused on building an integrated, modern, and competitive system, designed to connect production, markets, and borders, reduce logistics costs, and enhance value chain efficiency. This alignment, enshrined in the Master Plan and the 2023–2027 National Development Plan, accelerates economic diversification, strengthens productive sectors, and ensures a more balanced access to opportunities and services across the territory.
The inauguration of Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport represents a historic milestone. What impact will it have on mobility and investment?
This is a structuring infrastructure, designed to meet current demands while anticipating the evolution of air mobility. With capacity for approximately 15 million passengers per year and 130,000 tonnes of cargo, it positions Angola as a connectivity platform between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. More than an airport, it constitutes an integrated economic ecosystem, including logistics, commercial, and residential zones, capable of attracting investment, generating employment, and driving new economic activities. Its commissioning marks a qualitative leap in international connectivity and the country’s competitive positioning.
«The Government’s strategy is focused on building an integrated, modern, and competitive system […]»
The Lobito Corridor is advancing with international involvement. What is its significance?
The Lobito Corridor stands out as one of the most relevant logistics projects on the continent, linking the Atlantic to the interior of Southern and Central Africa and creating an efficient route for the flow of resources and goods. In Angola, it has a direct impact on boosting inland regions and strengthening territorial integration along the Lobito–Huambo–Luena–Luau axis. It also addresses structural challenges such as economic diversification, food security, and energy transition. At the regional level, with strong links to the Copperbelt, it offers a competitive logistics alternative, reinforcing Angola’s role as a strategic gateway to international markets.
How do you frame the current role of national ports?
National ports are undergoing a structural transformation focused on competitiveness and efficiency. Notable developments include the Deep-Water Terminal at Caio Port in Cabinda, whose international public tender for construction and management has recently been launched, as well as the expansion of Namibe Port and the modernization of infrastructure in Luanda, Soyo, and Porto Amboim. These infrastructures strengthen operational capacity and service quality, positioning Angola within regional and global trade routes. By ensuring the efficient flow of minerals, agricultural products, fuels, and containerized cargo, they help reduce logistics costs and increase export competitiveness.
What transformation will the Luanda Metro bring?
Luanda faces structural mobility challenges linked to rapid urban growth. The Surface Metro integrates a multimodal solution combining BRT systems, buses, and rail, focused on efficiency and sustainability. Its implementation requires close coordination with the Provincial Government of Luanda, which holds direct responsibility for urban transport management, including road networks and operators. Its impact will be reflected in reduced travel times, improved quality of life, and less pressure on the road network. Strengthened urban planning and integrated governance will be essential to ensure its effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
«The Lobito Corridor stands out as one of the most relevant logistics projects on the continent […]»
How do logistics platforms contribute to positioning Angola as an African hub?
Logistics platforms are critical elements in structuring efficient supply chains, enabling the integration of different transport modes and optimizing the flow of goods. The Caála Platform, linked to the Lobito Corridor, strengthens support for agribusiness and export capacity. The Luvo border post demonstrates facilitation gains within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. Together, these infrastructures consolidate Angola as a regional distribution hub, capable of serving domestic markets as well as Southern and Central African countries.
What investments are being made in railways?
The railway system is regaining centrality in the national economic structure. Projects are underway to interconnect the Benguela, Luanda, and Moçâmedes corridors, aiming to create an integrated and functional network. The development model includes concessions and partnerships with specialized operators, with the objective of improving efficiency and attracting private investment. At the same time, the Namibe Corridor and the Northern Corridor projects are advancing with IFC support, strengthening internal and regional connectivity and consolidating economic development corridors.
What is the vision for TAAG?
TAAG is a strategic asset for Angola’s positioning in regional and international air transport. The fleet renewal and operational modernization process aims to enhance competitiveness, improve service quality, and expand the destination network. With the new airport, the airline gains the conditions to intensify connectivity between Africa and key global markets. The strategy includes opening capital to private partners who add value, ensuring a more efficient, market-oriented airline aligned with the ambition of positioning Angola as a relevant air hub.
How do you assess international confidence in Angola?
Strengthened alignment with international standards and multilateral institutions has been decisive for the sector’s credibility. Organizations such as ICAO and IMO establish essential operational benchmarks. The involvement of the World Bank, IMF, and European Union reflects confidence in institutional reforms, regulatory improvements, and transparency. This framework has enabled the mobilization of financing, technical expertise, and private investment – critical factors for accelerating the implementation of strategic projects and consolidating Angola’s positioning.
What message would you leave to international investors?
Angola presents itself today as an investment destination with solid fundamentals: a strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and an increasingly predictable and transparent institutional framework. Ongoing reforms strengthen regulatory stability and create conditions for sustainable partnerships. The concessions and public-private partnership program opens concrete opportunities in the port, airport, logistics, and railway sectors. The proposition is clear: a reliable partner for long-term projects with national and regional impact.
«TAAG is a strategic asset for Angola’s positioning in regional and international air transport.»
What future challenges does the Ministry face?
The challenges focus on consolidating structural reforms, embodied in PROCREST, with emphasis on governance, operational efficiency, digitalization, and human capital development. Ensuring the financial sustainability of public transport systems and addressing the demands of urban mobility in major cities are also critical. At the same time, it is essential to deepen integration between transport modes, transforming logistics corridors into true axes of economic development with direct impact on national competitiveness.
How do you envision Angola on the global transport map?
Angola has the objective conditions to establish itself as a strategic bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. The combination of geographic location and investment in infrastructure creates a solid foundation for this positioning. The goal is to consolidate an integrated, efficient, and competitive transport system capable of supporting international trade, accelerating economic diversification, and strengthening regional integration, positioning the country as one of the main logistics hubs on the African continent.
Text: Editorial team
Photos: Edson Azevedo