The Angolan Ministry of Transport will host its XVI Consultative Council in Luanda, under the theme “Mobility and Logistics: Uniting Markets for a Sustainable Economy.” Led by Minister Ricardo de Abreu, the event aims to outline strategic measures and ambitious projects to transform Angola’s transport sector into a cornerstone of economic diversification.
The council will bring together experts, officials, and stakeholders to discuss key topics such as integrating airports with tourism, sustainably utilising marine resources through the blue economy, and improving urban public transport. Among the proposals is a feasibility study for constructing high-speed railways to connect major cities, enhancing national cohesion and regional connectivity.
Urban mobility will take centre stage, with an initial budget of $350 million earmarked for modernising public transport. This includes the introduction of 800 new buses by 2024, along with the construction of terminals and dedicated bus lanes in cities like Luanda and Benguela. These initiatives aim to improve safety, comfort, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide.
Over the past five years, the Ministry of Transport has overseen investments totalling $5 billion in infrastructure upgrades, focusing on railways, ports, and airports. One flagship project is the Benguela Railway (CFB), which spans 1,344 km, linking Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. The railway currently transports 5 million tonnes of cargo annually, primarily minerals.
An additional $300 million has recently been allocated to modernising tracks and acquiring locomotives, strengthening the Lobito Corridor’s role as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa.
The Port of Lobito, another critical asset, handles 20 million tonnes of cargo annually. Expansion plans, backed by $700 million in private sector investment, aim to boost capacity by 35% by 2030.
Meanwhile, the Catumbela International Airport is nearing the final stages of certification, paving the way for international flights and the capacity to serve 1 million passengers annually, further bolstering regional trade and tourism.
Minister Ricardo de Abreu’s vision extends beyond Angola’s borders, positioning the country as a regional logistics hub. The Lobito Corridor, which already accounts for 25% of regional trade, is set to expand its capacity to accommodate a projected 40% increase in cargo volumes by 2035.
Integration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is expected to generate an additional $2 billion in annual export revenues, enhancing Angola’s role in the region’s economic landscape.
While progress has been significant, challenges remain. High-speed railway projects, estimated to cost $1.2 billion, require substantial funding and collaboration between public and private sectors. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being explored as a practical solution to finance and execute these complex projects.
The Consultative Council will also review ongoing reforms in the transport sector, which have contributed to an 8% growth in transport-related GDP by 2024.
These reforms are projected to create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next three years, driving economic opportunities and improving living standards across Angola.
The initiatives presented at the council reflect a long-term strategy to establish Angola as a leader in mobility and logistics across Africa.
With a clear focus on connectivity, sustainability, and innovation, Ricardo de Abreu is spearheading a transformation that seeks to not only modernise Angola’s transport infrastructure but also position the country as a key player in regional trade and economic integration.
By prioritising investments in infrastructure, fostering regional partnerships, and addressing urban mobility challenges, Angola’s Ministry of Transport is paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future. Under de Abreu’s leadership, the transport sector is poised to become a driving force in Angola’s economic renaissance.
