Luanda: The Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, M¡rio Oliveira, advocated on Thursday in France for the establishment of international partnerships focused on knowledge transfer to drive the development of the sector in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister shared his insights during an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) on the sidelines of the International Space Summit, which commenced on Wednesday. He outlined the current state of Angola's telecommunications and information technology sector, and identified strategic paths for enhancing the country's capabilities, consolidating national sovereignty, and achieving greater self-sufficiency.
M¡rio Oliveira, representing President Joo Louren§o at the event, underscored the significance of Angola's existing investments and the need for further training of personnel and expansion of technological infrastructure. The summit's second day featured an address by French President Emmanuel Macron and a live connection to the International Space Station, where he conversed with French astronaut Sophie Adenot.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded the Franco-German initiative to organize the summit and highlighted Europe's pivotal role in the space sector. She emphasized Europe's readiness for cooperation and sharing with its partners, alongside the commitment required for investing in sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and the continent's development.
Thursday's agenda included high-level discussions on the future of space, space security, future infrastructure, and African leaders' vision for the sector. The Angolan delegation had plans to engage with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
Later in the day, Minister Oliveira and his technical team were scheduled to meet with the Portuguese Space Agency at the Embassy of Angola in Paris to deepen institutional dialogue and explore cooperation opportunities in areas of mutual interest.
Angola's active participation in the International Space Summit underscores the government's priority on developing the space sector as a tool for sovereignty, innovation, and sustainable growth. This engagement also positions Angola as a proactive partner in fostering robust African and international space cooperation.
The summit also saw the attendance of Angola's Ambassador to France, Guilhermina Prata, and the Director-General of the National Space Programme Management Office (GGPEN), Zolana Joo.
