Abidjan: Angolan President Joo Louren§o on Wednesday was distinguished in Abidjan, C´te d'Ivoire, with the grand prize 'The Africa Road Builders - Babacar Ndiaye Trophy'.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this award recognizes African leaders for their commitment to the development of regional strategic infrastructures.
The note from the Press Services of the Presidency of the Republic informs that President Louren§o's distinction is attributed to his efforts in advancing the Lobito Corridor and the construction of the new Dr. Agostinho Neto International Airport, among other projects. These initiatives are seen as pivotal in promoting local development and regional integration.
The Angolan Minister of Planning, Victor Hugo Guilherme, who accepted the award on behalf of the President, underscored the Head of State's dedication to infrastructure projects. He emphasized that this recognition serves as an incentive for Angola and its leadership to continue embracing challenges with greater commitment. The minister expressed confidence that sustainable and equitable development can be achieved through collaboration, resource sharing, and collective effort.
Minister Guilherme further highlighted Angola's dual focus on solving local issues and enhancing regional integration, particularly in the sectors of railways, roads, and clean electricity.
The African Development Bank, which provides institutional support to the organization, argues that transport routes and associated services are as important as agriculture and education, as they are part of the value chain of promoting the improvement of people's lives and the economic development of countries.
