AGP Executive Report

ICT & Startups: Angola’s ANGOTIC-2026 in Talatona expects 20,000 visitors and 200+ startups, with tickets now available online and at Luanda venues, as the government pushes digital transformation. Agriculture & Growth: Angola’s agriculture is put at about 20% of GDP, while oil still drives exports; the economy grew 5.32% in Q1 2026, with non-oil sectors gaining ground. Diamond Market Management: Endiama says Angola will cut the supply of small rough diamonds for the next three months to avoid flooding the market and protect prices. Energy Investment Push: The African Energy Chamber will spotlight Africa’s energy opportunities for Israeli stakeholders, citing a new upstream investment cycle and Angola among key growth producers. Bilateral Trade & Aviation: Air France marks 50 years in Angola, highlighting Luanda–Paris connectivity and the role of French firms in Angola’s business links. Diplomacy & Regional Role: Angola was elected to the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, winning 183 votes, underscoring its push for sustainable development and multilateral cooperation. Oman Talks: Angola’s President João Lourenço met Oman’s envoy, with discussions focused on strengthening cooperation including energy and investment.

University & Skills: Carnegie Mellon University Africa’s Afretec network adds its 10th partner, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, expanding pan-African tech collaboration and youth pathways. Energy Markets: Consultancy Poten & Partners warns Middle East disruptions will cut LNG supply by tens of millions of tonnes in 2026-27, with demand destruction risk as Qatar output and shipping routes remain hit. Diamonds & Trade: Angola’s Endiama says it will reduce rough diamond supply in small sizes for the next three months to avoid flooding the market and protect prices, with details expected soon. Bilateral Diplomacy for Business: President João Lourenço meets Oman’s Sultan’s envoy as Luanda pushes deeper cooperation with Middle Eastern partners across energy, commerce and investment. Tax & Philanthropy Reform: Angola’s General Tax Administration opens public consultation on a revised Patronage Law to simplify donations and tax benefits, with submissions due July 4. Agriculture & EU-backed Results: EU-financed RE-FARM reports maize productivity gains (up to 35%) in Benguela and Cuanza-Sul, aiming to feed into new rural development policies. Digital Infrastructure: Smart Hands Africa becomes an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding post-sales support across Angola and other African markets.

De Beers Deal Talks: Botswana says it’s in talks with the UAE and Oman to buy a “strategic” stake in De Beers from Anglo American, aiming to gain more control over diamond pricing and marketing as rough diamond prices slump and the country faces cash strain. Agriculture & Food Security: Angola’s EU-financed RE-FARM project says maize productivity jumped from 6% to 35% in Benguela and Cuanza-Sul, with fewer pests and better soil fertility, and Angola’s higher education minister urged the results to shape future rural policy. Tax Reform Consultation: Angola’s General Tax Administration (AGT) has started public consultation on a revised Patronage Law to modernise and simplify the tax treatment of donations and expand the definition of “patrons,” with submissions due July 4. Digital & Startup Push: LBC will launch an Angolan startup acceleration programme at ANGOTIC 2026, offering selected firms access to global ecosystems and funding pathways. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Angola and 12 other markets. UN Economic Role: Angola was elected to the UN ECOSOC for 2027-2029, winning 183 votes, reinforcing its push on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.

Agriculture & Policy: Angola’s Higher Education Minister says EU-backed RE-FARM results should directly feed new public policies for sustainable rural development, arguing science must translate into benefits for family farmers and food security. Tax Reform: Angola’s General Tax Administration (AGT) has started public consultation on a proposed Patronage Law overhaul, aiming for a simpler, modern tax regime and clearer rules for donations and tax benefits, with submissions due July 4. Startup Acceleration: LBC will launch an ANGOTIC 2026 startup acceleration push, linking selected Angolan firms to global ecosystems in Lisbon, Berlin and Silicon Valley, plus funding and networking. Tech Partnerships: The Minister of State visited Huawei’s Shanghai research center to deepen cooperation on technological innovation, digital inclusion and administrative modernization. Trade & Integration: A Swakopmund presentation at Invest in Africa highlighted how AfCFTA could unlock major intra-African trade gains, with cities’ ports, logistics and digital connectivity key to scaling markets. STEM for Youth: JA Africa and ExxonMobil Foundation launched STEM Africa 2.0, targeting 4,000 more students across Africa with STEM and AI skills tied to energy and innovation pathways. US Tariff Risk for Angola: USTR’s Section 301 forced-labour probe lists Angola among economies facing proposed 12.5% additional duties, raising the prospect of higher costs for exports to the US. Maritime & Regional Business: AfCFTA-linked discussions also point to growing emphasis on trade hubs and infrastructure that can move goods faster across the continent.

US Tariff Shock for Angola and Other African Exporters: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement, naming Angola among 54 economies accused of failing to impose and effectively enforce forced-labour import bans; the proposal would add 12.5% duties on most affected countries (on top of a 10% baseline), with a public comment period and hearings before any final decision. Angola’s Energy Diplomacy and Partnerships: Angola is pushing deeper cooperation with Portugal, South Korea and Vietnam, with talks spanning education, health, security, the economy, trade and agriculture—aimed at expanding investment and commercial ties. Oil & Gas Investment Signals Across the Region: While Angola’s own upstream reform momentum continues in the background, the wider region is also moving—Nigeria has received approval to start preparations for its 2026 oil and gas licensing round, targeting fresh investor participation. Local Business and Skills Push: Angola-backed training for journalists and telecom/ICT stakeholders in China highlights growing focus on digital skills and information systems. Culture as Soft Power: Angola promoted Luanda’s mufete and national crafts at an Africa Day gastronomic fair in Cairo, reinforcing trade-friendly diplomatic ties.

US Trade Pressure on Angola: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over alleged failures to block forced-labour goods, with Angola among the countries facing a 12.5% additional duty (public hearing set for July 7). Air Connectivity Boost: Angola launched a new air route linking Icolo e Bengo with China’s Guangzhou, with TAAG set to operate weekly, aiming to deepen Angola–Asia logistics and trade links. Oil & Gas Deal in Limbo: Energean’s planned $260m acquisition of Chevron offshore assets in Angola is stuck after partner Etu moved to exercise pre-emption rights, raising conditions around deepwater operating capability. Maritime Strategy Debate: A shipping executive warns that Africa’s deep-seaport boom won’t deliver full value without investment in marine fleets and inland logistics that keep control of trade assets local. STEM Push: ExxonMobil Foundation-backed STEM Africa 2.0 targets 4,000 students across Angola and other countries with STEM and AI skills.

US Trade Pressure: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed additional Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including Angola, after finding forced-labour import bans are not being effectively enforced. Air Connectivity: Angola launched a new route linking Icolo e Bengo to China’s Guangzhou, with TAAG set to operate weekly, aiming to deepen Angola–China logistics and trade links. Maritime Strategy: A shipping expert warns Africa’s deep-seaport boom won’t deliver full economic gains without investment in marine assets like fleets, inland waterways logistics and cargo distribution networks. Energy Deal Watch: Energean’s planned $260m purchase of Chevron’s Angola offshore assets is in limbo as partner Etu Energias moves to pre-empt the deal. Visa Access Shift: The U.S. plans to cut Africa visa-processing missions from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Luanda, potentially changing travel costs and timelines for business and tourism. STEM Pipeline: ExxonMobil Foundation launched STEM Africa 2.0, targeting 4,000 students aged 14–17 across Angola and other countries with STEM and AI skills. Regional Governance: SADC renewed the board of its fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, keeping Angola’s representative on the team as the bloc pushes to curb illegal fishing. Private Rail Funding: Traxtion’s private rail push in Southern Africa gained momentum after completing an over-subscribed equity raise, backing fleet expansion plans.

U.S. Visa Overhaul for Africa: The Trump administration plans to cut U.S. visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, meaning applicants in non-hub countries may have to travel farther and pay more for interviews and biometrics; Luanda in the Hub List: Angola is named as one of the 20 processing cities (Luanda), alongside Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town and others; SADC Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, with Angola also taking a seat, as the bloc pushes tougher illegal fishing controls and a regional vessel register; Angola in Energy Spotlight: Etu Energies is cited as one of the few non-Nigerian firms in Wood Mackenzie’s top independent oil and gas producers list, underscoring Angola’s role in the continent’s upstream reshuffle; AfDB Financing Reform: AfDB governors endorsed a new push to reform Africa’s financial architecture and mobilise domestic resources, including clean cooking funding aimed at reaching about one million households.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing missions across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Luanda (Angola) among the designated centres—meaning applicants from non-hub countries may have to travel farther, pay more, and face longer journeys as consular services are streamlined. Angola in the Visa Hub List: The new hub map also includes Lagos, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cape Town/Johannesburg, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Kinshasa, and others, shifting more travel and processing responsibility onto a smaller set of regional gateways. Korea-Africa Business Push: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts including Angola’s, focusing on expanding cooperation in economy, energy, minerals and development—part of Seoul’s drive to deepen supply-chain and critical-minerals partnerships. Angola Oil & Gas Spotlight: Angola’s Etu Energies is cited alongside top African independents in a Wood Mackenzie ranking, while broader coverage highlights Angola’s ongoing oil investment reforms and energy transformation narrative. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Angola-linked board leadership for its fisheries monitoring and surveillance coordination centre, reinforcing the fight against illegal fishing across member states.

Maritime Security: Angola’s region-wide business outlook gets a boost as the Gulf of Guinea sees fewer attacks, with Nigeria reporting four straight years without piracy in its territorial waters after a Deep Blue Project-style security push. US Visa Access: The US plans to cut visa processing sites across Africa to 20 “hubs,” with Luanda listed among the remaining centres—an update that could affect travel and business flows. Angola–Egypt Diplomacy: Angola and Egypt’s foreign ministers met in Seoul to deepen cooperation on trade, investment and regional stability, including preparations for Egypt’s Alamein-Africa Business Forum. Oil & Diamonds (Angola): Angola’s oil reforms continue to draw investor attention, while Endiama says it will temporarily reduce small rough diamond volumes from Catoca and Luele to protect prices and market stability. Trade Policy: USMEF flags market-access friction under AGOA, including Angola’s import-license bans and permit inconsistencies for certain beef offal. Regional Integration: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls put the SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for easier cross-border travel for tourism. Health Risk Watch: Africa CDC warns Ebola could spread further as vaccine gaps and cross-border movement intensify risk across several countries, including Angola.

Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is “particularly concerning” due to lack of licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and heavy cross-border movement, with Angola named among countries at high risk. Oil Reform & Supply: Angola is pitching itself as a reliable crude supplier for South Korea amid Middle East shipping stress, with talks pointing to spot cargoes via Sonangol and a path to longer-term energy cooperation. Angola Oil Investment Narrative: A new NJ Ayuk book argues Angola’s reforms—ANPG oversight and Sonangol restructuring—helped stabilise production and attract investment, offering a blueprint for other African producers. Diamonds Market Management: Angola plans to cut the volume of small rough diamonds from Catoca and Luele for three months to protect prices and reduce oversupply pressures. Regional Integration for Travel: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. AfDB Financing Push: AfDB governors endorse Sidi Ould Tah’s reform agenda and back faster overhaul of Africa’s financial architecture, with Angola pledging €6.5m to the African Development Fund. Nampak Angola Upswing: Nampak reports mixed interim results, but Beverage Angola delivered strong growth, helping offset weakness in parts of its diversified packaging business.

Angola–South Korea Energy Talks: Angola says it can redirect more spot crude to South Korea to ease supply risks from the Middle East crisis, with Sonangol-linked coordination and a path to longer-term cooperation. Oil Reform & Investment Signals: President João Lourenço reiterates deeper oil-and-gas reforms, positioning Angola as a reform blueprint for attracting investment and moving beyond crude overdependence. AfDB Financing Push: AfDB governors back President Sidi Ould Tah’s reform agenda and highlight Angola’s €6.5m ADF-17 pledge, alongside broader support for women, youth and SMEs. Clean Cooking Rollout: An AfDB-backed, Italy-supported programme launches in Brazzaville to bring clean cooking to 1 million African households, targeting major emissions cuts. Nampak Angola Upswing: Nampak reports mixed interim results: Beverage Angola grows strongly, while diversified packaging in South Africa drags earnings. Trade & Agriculture Access: China will open its coffee market to eligible beans from 53 African countries from July 20, with Angola among those filing applications. Infrastructure Accountability: Namibia’s northern railway line faces “severe” challenges despite N$1.17bn investment, raising questions on execution and freight shift to rail.

Clean Cooking Finance: The AfDB and Italy-backed Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville with an initial €25m envelope, aiming to reach about one million African households and cut an estimated five million tonnes of CO2. Oil Supply & Trade: Angola says it can prioritise crude spot supplies to South Korea amid Middle East shipping risks, with talks to link Korean buyers to Sonangol for faster cargo redirection. Angola Oil Reform Narrative: A new NJ Ayuk book argues Angola’s petroleum overhaul—regulatory separation, licensing reforms and investment-focused policy—offers a blueprint for other African producers. Angola Energy Investment: Afentra was awarded operatorship of Angola’s KON4 block in the Kwanza basin, with plans to restart the Quenguela Norte field and pursue near-field exploration. Capital Markets: Zambia launched a $1.36bn bond buyback tender (AfDB loan plus local funds), a move that mirrors broader African debt-management efforts. Business Performance: Nampak reported mixed results: Beverage Angola grew strongly, while South Africa’s diversified packaging business weighed on earnings. Health & Risk: IGAD urged urgent regional preparedness for the Ebola outbreak spreading from the DRC, highlighting cross-border surveillance and coordinated response needs.

Angola Oil Reform Momentum: President João Lourenço reiterated that Angola’s oil and gas overhaul is shifting the sector toward a more diversified, transparent and investor-friendly model, with reforms aimed at restoring credibility and attracting capital. Debt & Capital Markets: Angola announced results of its tender offer for $750m in 2028 and 2029 Eurobonds, planning to pay bondholders $750m via buybacks funded by new longer-dated issuance to ease fiscal pressure. Upstream Deal in Kwanza Basin: Afentra was awarded operatorship of Angola’s KON4 onshore Block in the Kwanza basin (35% stake), targeting redevelopment of the Quenguela Norte field and near-field exploration. Ebola Risk Watch: IGAD urged urgent regional preparedness as Ebola spreads in the DRC and Uganda, highlighting cross-border surveillance and coordinated response needs that also affect Angola’s wider regional risk picture. Trade & Mobility: Ghana’s e-visa launch signals a broader push for easier travel and trade integration across Africa, a theme relevant to Angola’s tourism and business connectivity. Business Performance: Nampak reported improving profitability and cash generation, with Beverage Angola supporting results despite tougher conditions in its diversified operations.

Angola Oil & Gas Reform: President João Lourenço used Angola Oil and Gas 2025 to reaffirm deeper sector reforms, aiming to move from crude overdependence toward a more diversified, transparent and investment-friendly framework—an approach also highlighted in NJ Ayuk’s new book on Angola’s turnaround. Angola Debt Management: Angola announced results of its $750m tender for 2028 and 2029 Eurobonds, planning a $750m buyback funded by $1.5bn in new longer-dated notes to ease public finance pressure. Angola Crude Exports & Regional Trade: India’s state refiner Indian Oil Corp bought 5m barrels of crude via tender, including Angola’s Kissanje and Nemba for Paradip—another sign of Angola’s role in regional supply chains. AfDB Support for SMEs & Jobs: The AfDB pledged stronger backing for women, youth and small businesses, with Angola committing €6.5m to ADF-17. Ebola Watch (Regional Risk): With DRC’s Ebola outbreak worsening and Africa CDC warning of transmission risk to multiple countries including Angola, health systems and border measures remain under strain.

Angola Eurobond Move: Angola says it will pay $750m to buy back parts of its 2028 and 2029 Eurobonds, funding the tender with $1.5bn in new longer-dated notes to ease public-finance pressure. Oil Market Linkages: India’s state refiner Indian Oil bought 5m barrels of crude via tender, including Angola’s Kissanje and Nemba for Paradip, as Strait of Hormuz disruptions push refiners toward West Africa. Oil Reform Spotlight: A new African Energy Chamber book argues Angola’s 2017–2024 petroleum overhaul—separating regulation from Sonangol, creating ANPG, and using a permanent offer regime—offers a blueprint for other African producers seeking investor confidence. Energy Finance: Standard Bank says it will keep financing Angola, Nigeria and Ghana’s oil and gas alongside renewables and LNG, citing Africa’s electricity access gap. Ebola Risk in the Region: WHO calls for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC as suspected Ebola cases near 1,000, with conflict and mistrust hampering response and raising cross-border concerns. Trade Boost for Coffee: China will open its market to eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries from July 20 under unified phytosanitary rules, with Angola among applicants. Maritime Diversity Win: Wallem-Westminster’s Capt. Ceferino Leal received a 2026 Maritime Diversity Award for equal-opportunity and family support programs for seafarers.