Luanda: President Joo Louren§o reaffirmed on Thursday in Luanda, Angola's strong commitment to creating infrastructure capable of boosting the growth of the tourism sector and strengthening the country's attractiveness for investment. Speaking at the opening of the Global Tourism Forum - Investment Summit Angola 2026, the Head of State highlighted the start of operations at Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport, the development of the Lobito Corridor, and the upcoming inauguration of the new Luanda Convention Center, as some of the ongoing structuring projects.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the president mentioned the expansion of energy, road, rail, port, airport, telecommunications, and hospital infrastructure, stressing that these initiatives are part of the strategy to build the foundations of the country's economic future. The government is implementing a broad reform program aimed at simplifying administrative procedures, strengthening legal security, increasing transparency, and improving the competitiveness of the national economy, creating favorable conditions for private sector participation and enhancing tourism potential.
Joo Louren§o recalled that this effort was recognized by the Global Tourism Forum, which distinguished Angola, in 2025, as the best destination for tourism investment, a fact that, he said, entails greater responsibilities for the country. The President underscored that the growth of tourism should be translated into concrete improvements in the quality of life of the population, strengthen local economies, and promote balanced development among the different regions of the national territory.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of tourism in the regional and continental integration process, since it is an instrument that brings people closer together, promoting peace, and encouraging sustainable economic development. The Head of State stated that Africa has unique conditions to establish itself as one of the most competitive tourist regions in the world, thanks to the diversity of its ecosystems, the richness of its cultural heritage, the hospitality of its people, and the growing dynamism of the continent's economies.
He recalled that, in 2025, the continent registered a greater growth in the number of visitors than other regions of the world, although he recognized the need to continue working to put all the continent's potential at the service of the populations and economies. In this sense, he advocated coordinated action among African countries, based on cooperation, as well as the resolution of issues related to air connectivity, regional mobility, and the harmonization of migration policies.
"We must invest heavily in the training of human resources which, combined with African hospitality, can become an important competitive advantage," the president said. Joo Louren§o highlighted the regional integration as an economic necessity, since no country can fully exploit its tourism potential in isolation, having assured that Angola will continue to work with the member states of the region, the African Union and international partners in promoting a common agenda for mobility, connectivity and regional tourism development.
