Luanda: The Minister of Planning, Victor Hugo Guilherme, reaffirmed on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola's continued commitment to strengthen relations with the European Union (EU), based on open dialogue and concrete actions. The commitment was reaffirmed during the opening of the 3rd Angola-EU Business Forum, focused on supporting the attraction of European investments to accelerate the development of the Lobito Corridor in the fields of agribusiness, transport, logistics, and energy.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister highlighted that Angola and the European Union relations have improved significantly over the years, not only politically, but also in terms of concrete instruments for facilitating and mobilizing investments. Guilherme emphasized the signing of the Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) between Angola and the EU, considering it a relevant milestone to improve the investment environment, promoting transparency, administrative simplification, and regulatory predictability, essential elements for long-term investment.
The minister underscored the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, a central initiative for mobilizing sustainable financing for quality infrastructure, with a special focus on the Lobito Corridor. This project integrates investments in transport, energy, value chains, and regional connectivity. Guilherme also discussed the contribution of complementary initiatives, such as the "Mattei Plan" by Italy and the "Choose Africa 2" initiative by France, which have been mobilizing significant financial resources to strengthen economic cooperation with Angola, especially in strategic sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
He stated that opening Angola to foreign investment is currently a national strategic priority, supported by reforms that simplify procedures, modernize institutions, and strengthen legal security. Guilherme invited European investors to deepen their presence in Angola, taking advantage of emerging opportunities, particularly in the Lobito Corridor, while encouraging the Angolan private sector to establish strategic partnerships for transferring knowledge, technology, and integration into global value chains.
The forum takes place amid progressive macroeconomic stabilization in Angola. Guilherme recalled that, in 2025, the Angolan economy recorded real GDP growth of around 3.13%, driven by the non-oil sector, demonstrating progress in economic diversification. He noted that the reduction of inflation to around 15.7% reflects prudent macroeconomic policies and greater internal stability, which have contributed to strengthening investor confidence.
For this year, projections point to economic growth of around 4.2%, mainly driven by the non-oil sector, which is expected to grow at a real rate of 4.73%. This growth creates favorable conditions to attract investment, deepen value chains, and strengthen regional economic integration. Guilherme asserted that the Angolan government consistently promotes sustainable investment, focusing on economic infrastructure, diversification, and inclusive growth.
Held under the motto 'From Dialogue to Concrete Investment,' the 3rd Angola-EU Lobito Corridor Business Forum 2026 serves as a strategic platform to accelerate development in sectors like agriculture, agro-industry, transport, and logistics along one of Africa's most dynamic trade routes. This year's edition aims to transform political dialogue into concrete projects and effectively mobilize financing to contribute to strengthening sustainable and high-impact connectivity along the Lobito Corridor. It also seeks to support resilient value chains, regional integration, and responsible investment, aligning with Angola-EU cooperation priorities and the broader Global Gateway approach.
Over two days, the event will feature panels on the Lobito Corridor Master Plan - Global Gateway, Trade and Investment, Agricultural and Agro-industrial Production and Processing, and Transport and Logistics. Panel discussions will also cover the Blue Economy and Coastal Opportunities, Banks and Development Finance Institutions, and Agricultural and Agro-industrial Markets and Supply Chains, along with presentations and an interactive session with Angolan ministries on projects related to the Lobito Corridor.
