Lubango: The director of the Hula Integrated Economic Development Office, Domingos Kalumana, has called for increased investment in solar and wind energy production to support industrial growth in the province. This initiative aims to complement existing hydroelectric power and ensure a more reliable energy supply for local industries.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Kalumana emphasized that such investments would alleviate the current dependence on inconsistent energy sources. Despite previous investments, Hula's electricity supply remains irregular and inadequate for supporting rapid industrial expansion. This situation forces companies to rely on costly generators, which impacts production costs and reduces international competitiveness. Kalumana also suggested enhancing the agro-industrial sector by fostering contracts between farmers and industrialists to stabilize raw material supplies and promote agricultural mechanization.
Kalumana highlighted challenges such as the scarcity of local raw materials, which necessitates reliance on imports due to inconsistent agricultural production. This includes materials like glass for window frames, labels, capsules, and replacement parts. He advocated for increased support for micro, small, and medium-sized industries through special credit lines and the creation of municipal industrial parks and zones, offering reduced costs and business management training to boost industrial growth and modernization.
Additionally, Kalumana stressed the importance of improving logistics by modernizing the Mo§Smedes Railway (CFM) logistics corridor and enhancing port and customs efficiency. These measures are vital to reduce high internal transport costs, address railway capacity limitations, and simplify customs procedures.
Economic diversification and infrastructure development are among the key achievements in Hula's industrial sector. Kalumana noted the province's success in diversifying Angola's economy by reducing its reliance on oil, primarily through strengthening the agro-industry and processing sectors. The establishment of industrial zones, such as the Lubango industrial zone, has facilitated the clustering of companies and infrastructure sharing, alongside the development of upcoming industrial hubs in Matala and Dongo.
Local production of goods like granite, water, cosmetics, and natural teas has enabled import substitution, saving foreign currency and bolstering the local industry. Kalumana also mentioned that Hula's stability and potential have attracted both national and foreign investors, injecting capital and technology into the sector.
Currently, Hula hosts 520 industrial units, with 458 operational, 30 inactive, and 32 under development. These range from small and medium-sized enterprises to large complexes, centered around Lubango. The agro-industry leads the sector, with operations in cereal milling, rice husking, dairy production, and more. The construction industry follows, producing cement blocks, ceramics, and granite and marble artifacts, alongside other industries like motorcycle assembly, plastics production, and furniture manufacturing.
