Luanda: The 1st edition of the Geotechnologies Fair commenced on Friday in Luanda, aiming to promote geospatial technologies as tools to support governance, territorial planning, prevention of natural disasters, and sustainable urban development. The event seeks to foster an ecosystem that values geotechnologies as strategic instruments to enhance government decision-making.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the general director of Geotechnologies TOPO-TEAM, Paulo Enoc, emphasized the initiative's role in linking governmental actions to the real needs of the population through evidence-based governance. Geotechnologies are expected to facilitate more direct territorial actions, moving beyond traditional paper-based decision-making.
The fair features 57 exhibitors, including oil companies, startups, public institutions, students, and entities utilizing technological solutions, along with participation from 16 municipalities in Luanda. International partners with both Angolan and foreign investments, such as Naslan Angola, are also present. The two-day event will display technologies like geodesy, cartography, photogrammetry, drones, geographic information systems, and territorial monitoring, with applications in mining, urban planning, and public security.
Institutions such as the Angolan Geographic and Cadastral Institute, the Integrated Public Security Center, the Catoca Group, and municipal land planning departments are participating. Paulo Enoc advocated for a national land registry to address land conflicts and improve urban planning. He highlighted that digital land parcel registration could prevent duplicate land allocations and enhance urban planning control.
The use of geotechnologies is also seen as pivotal in monitoring natural phenomena and anticipating risks, potentially facilitating population evacuations during emergencies. Enoc envisions better-organized cities and the foundation for smart city development through these technologies.
The organization aims to establish the Geotechnologies Fair as an annual event and a regional and international benchmark. Enoc termed the inaugural edition 'a historic milestone for Angola' and called for increased public and private sector involvement in future editions.
Louren§o Lus Domingos, the municipal administrator of Rangel, noted that the fair aligns with the Luanda Provincial Government's efforts to reorganize commerce and manage unregulated sales. The initiative also promotes economic growth and the local technology sector's development, contributing to temporary job creation, experience exchange, and showcasing the province's technological capabilities.
The event, promoted by TOPO-TEAM, is held on the 29th and 30th, offering free public access.
