Luanda: The Angolan State has made a significant investment of 290.8 billion kwanzas in constructing the newly inaugurated Luanda Convention Centre, a project officially opened by President Joo Louren§o. Public Works, Urbanism and Housing Minister Carlos Alberto dos Santos announced the development, emphasizing its role as a foundational element for the area's growth and the anticipated economic benefits from associated private investments.
According to Angola Press News Agency, during the inauguration, Minister dos Santos highlighted that the Convention Centre, situated on public land, will be surrounded by privately developed areas featuring maritime, hotel, residential, sporting, and cultural infrastructure as part of the Lundy Project. The minister elaborated on the four primary challenges faced during construction: balancing public and private investment, addressing the project's technical complexities, enhancing national capacity, and completing the project on schedule.
The construction required an extensive land reclamation operation, filling approximately 943,000 cubic metres of land previously occupied by the sea until October 2023. The project also involved installing 1,400 foundation piles, each averaging 20 metres in depth, to ensure the structure's stability and safety.
Spanning approximately 80,000 square metres, the Luanda Convention Centre is designed to accommodate a range of national and international events. Minister dos Santos noted the involvement of Angolan companies and professionals, which resulted in the creation of over 3,000 direct jobs. He praised the expertise demonstrated by Angolan youth and acknowledged the contributions of architects, engineers, technicians, and managers involved in the project.
President Joo Louren§o's multiple site visits during construction were credited by Minister dos Santos for helping to identify challenges and devise solutions. The minister described the new facility as a forward-looking project that will serve as a venue for congresses, summits, business meetings, cultural activities, and more, fostering business and events tourism in Angola.
The project saw collaboration from various sectors of the Executive, including the ministries responsible for Public Works, Energy and Water, Finance, Transport, Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, Environment and Tourism, along with the Provincial Government of Luanda.
Acknowledging the companies involved in constructing the facility and its access infrastructure, Minister dos Santos emphasized that the inauguration marks the start of a new phase aimed at transforming the Convention Centre into a development tool. He expressed aspirations for the Centre to become a leading venue in Africa, comparable to convention centres in Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa.
The inauguration ceremony, led by President Joo Louren§o, marked the commencement of operations at one of Angola's key infrastructures for hosting major events. The three-storey complex features a multi-purpose theatre, conference hall, multifunctional rooms, dining areas, event spaces, and a Protocol Pavilion, with parking facilities for 700 vehicles and road access, including a bridge to the New Luanda Waterfront.
Minister dos Santos concluded by expressing the ambition for the Luanda Convention Centre to serve as a significant reference point in Africa, showcasing a modern, vibrant Angola committed to shaping its future.
