Luanda:President João Lourenço has hailed the inauguration of the Advanced Technology Industrial Center (CITAV) as a strategic milestone for Angola's economic future. He emphasized the center's dual role in preparing the nation's youth for the workforce and meeting critical industrial demands.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Lourenço highlighted the necessity of a skilled workforce capable of processing local raw materials to reduce reliance on foreign imports. He expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting that it combines workforce preparation with solutions to meet industrial needs.
The President mentioned that CITAV will enable national industries to address technical problems locally, such as equipment breakdowns and the need for replacement parts, which currently require importing components. This capability will leverage the technical skills of young people trained at the center, reducing wait times and dependency on external suppliers.
President Lourenço praised the talent displayed by young Angolans, citing 17-year-old twin brothers engaged in drone production as an example of the country's potential. He stressed the importance of identifying, valuing, and harnessing such potential for national development.
The President also addressed the absorption of over one thousand young people the center is expected to train annually. He stated that the government maintains a policy of encouraging private investment, particularly in the industrial sector, creating favorable conditions for industrial growth and job creation.
He further noted the high potential for generating employment opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, and mining sectors. The initiative aims to facilitate dialogue with young people from across the country on national priorities and development prospects.
CITAV, located in the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone, features 17 laboratories, 13 workshops, and over 6,000 pieces of equipment, with an annual capacity to train more than 1,200 young professionals. The center is organized into six core technical areas, including Electrical Systems, Industrial Installations, and ICT, among others.
The major infrastructure project results from a strategic partnership between the governments of Angola and the Republic of Korea, focusing on knowledge transfer and technical capacity building.
