AGP Executive Report

Angola–UN Tourism Push: Angola backed UN Tourism’s new 2026–2029 strategy in Toledo, with the tourism minister stressing skills, youth jobs and women’s empowerment, while warning that transport, energy and digital connectivity still hold the sector back. Diplomacy & Appointments: President João Lourenço paid tribute to late former foreign minister Manuel Augusto and named a new vice-governor for Malanje, signaling continued reshuffles in provincial leadership. Agriculture for Food Security: Angola’s Josefa Sacko urged stronger international cooperation and South-South partnerships in agriculture, as she seeks a top FAO role. Human Rights Governance: Angola’s foreign secretary joined China’s Forum on Global Governance of Human Rights 2026, linking development priorities with rights protection. Digital Economy: Angola and Namibia signed an IT cooperation MoU on the sidelines of ANGOTIC-2026, aiming at joint projects and skills. Tourism Payments: Angola’s tourism ministry initialed a Visa MoU to expand card payments across hotels, travel agencies and online channels. Energy & Trade Context: A Reuters report flagged Angola among countries using complex debt tools, while another noted Africa’s growing role in global oil supply chains.

Angola-Serbia Deal Push: President João Lourenço wrapped up a three-day visit to Serbia after signing 10 legal instruments covering finance, transport, environment, agriculture, industry and commerce, plus IT, postal services, export promotion and investment protection—aimed at boosting private investment and economic cooperation. Digital & Youth Inclusion: Angola and Namibia signed an IT cooperation MoU on the sidelines of ANGOTIC-2026, which targets 20,000 visitors and spotlights digital transformation and digital entrepreneurship; Angola also reaffirmed youth productive inclusion via micro and small initiatives, including a beekeeping promotion project in Moxico. Payments for Tourism: Angola’s Tourism ministry initialed a Visa MoU to expand card acceptance in hotels, restaurants and travel services under the “Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life” brand. Energy & Climate Cooperation: Angola stressed regional cooperation to cut methane emissions in oil and gas, aligning with its Paris Agreement roadmap. Tech Rollout Across Africa: Google expanded Chrome’s “Ask Gemini” to Angola and other African markets, widening access to built-in AI search and understanding. Energy Market Signals: A Reuters report highlighted how sanctioned Chinese refiner Hengli sought West African crude cargoes, underscoring Africa’s growing role in global supply chains.

Angolan Capital Markets: Trading volume on BODIVA jumped 123% in Q1 2026 to 2.9 billion kwanzas, with market cap rising 203.09% to Kz 4.717,9 million; OT-NR led transactions (68.55%), followed by OT-ME (24.30%). Labor Mobility: Angola’s labour minister met IOM in Geneva to discuss legal pathways for labor migration, including the MOVER project for safe, orderly work to Portugal. Digital Economy: ANGOTIC 2026 is set to spotlight a maturing Angola ICT market, with growth in cybersecurity, data centres, analytics, AI and automation—alongside skills and infrastructure gaps. Angola–Serbia Business & Finance: President João Lourenço’s Serbia visit included talks on defence tech and a push for direct Belgrade–Luanda air links, with ten cooperation documents signed across finance, transport, IT and export promotion. Energy & Resources (Region): Pensana’s rare-earth progress in Angola drew attention at South Africa’s mining indabas, as beneficiation steps move toward separation technology.

Angola–Serbia Deal Push: President João Lourenço’s Belgrade visit advanced economic ties with ten legal instruments signed, including double-tax relief, investment protection, transport cooperation and ICT pacts, alongside a push for a direct airlink between Luanda and Belgrade. Capital Markets Watch: Angola’s BODIVA trading volume jumped from Kz 1.3bn to Kz 2.9bn in Q1, up 123% year-on-year, with debt instruments dominating activity and market capitalization rising sharply. Digital Economy Momentum: As ANGOTIC 2026 nears, an IT executive said Angola’s tech market is moving into consolidation and maturity, with fastest growth in cybersecurity, data centres, analytics, AI and automation—while stressing skills and infrastructure gaps. Labour Mobility Talks: Angola’s labour ministry met IOM in Geneva to discuss legal, safe pathways for labour migration, including the MOVER project for workers to Portugal. Mining & Rare Earths Angle: Angola’s rare-earths progress via Pensana was highlighted at South Africa’s Joburg Indaba, alongside global rare-earth supply competition. Legal Update: Angola’s Supreme Court sentenced Judge José Pereira to five years for embezzlement and ordered forfeiture of misappropriated funds.

Angola-Serbia Economic Push: President João Lourenço used his Belgrade visit to push friendship into business, signing 10 agreements including double-tax relief and investment protection, with both sides flagging agriculture, ICT, higher education and a possible direct air link to Luanda. Oil & Gas Deal Tension: Energean’s planned purchase of Chevron’s stakes in Angola’s Block 14 and 14K hit a pre-emption challenge from Etu Energias, putting the timeline for the transaction in limbo. Digital Innovation Spotlight: Luanda-based ANGOTIC 2026 is set for 11-13 June, positioning the forum as a major African platform for startup innovation, digital governance and investment matchmaking. Finance & Governance Watch: Angola’s Supreme Court sentenced Judge José Pereira to five years for embezzlement and ordered forfeiture of funds to the State, underscoring continued pressure on financial misconduct. Energy Industry Messaging: The African Energy Chamber urged “energy addition” over “transition,” arguing Africa’s electricity and clean cooking gaps demand more investment—an angle that aligns with Angola’s broader energy expansion narrative.

Angola-Serbia Economic Push: President João Lourenço’s visit to Belgrade is set to translate strong political ties into business deals, with 10 cooperation agreements planned and a focus on scrapping double taxation and protecting investments; both sides also flagged opportunities in agriculture, ICT, higher education, tourism and defence, plus a possible direct air link to Luanda. Digital Inclusion & Telecoms: Angola reaffirmed its commitment to digital inclusion at Huawei Day 2026, citing infrastructure-sharing plans like Ilumina Angola to expand mobile coverage and digitise services. Tax Incentives Under Review: Angola reported fiscal incentives rising from 184.2bn to 2.98tn kwanzas (2018-2024), with the IMF-backed push aimed at improving tax revenue mobilisation while managing the cost of exemptions. Climate & Methane: The environment ministry highlighted methane reduction as a near-term climate priority, pointing to PLANAREM covering oil and gas, agriculture, waste and energy. Trade & Food Security: Thailand’s rice exports fell on Middle East disruption, but Angola increased imports, reflecting ongoing food security pressure. Regional Finance Spotlight: The Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) is moving to Luanda in November, underscoring Angola’s growing role in African finance and cross-border investment themes like the Lobito Corridor.

Angola–Serbia Deals: President João Lourenço’s three-day visit to Belgrade is set to unlock ten new economic cooperation agreements, including double-taxation and investment protection pacts, with a business forum aimed at boosting trade and investment. Digital Inclusion Push: In Luanda, the telecoms secretary reaffirmed government plans to expand digital access, citing the “Ilumina Angola” mobile coverage initiative and a push for public-private partnerships around connectivity and digitised services. IMF Revenue Focus: The IMF and Angola’s authorities are intensifying technical cooperation to raise tax collections, with attention on fiscal consolidation while protecting socio-economic priorities. Tax Incentives Watch: Angola reported fiscal incentives surged from 184.2bn to 2.98tn kwanzas (2018–2024), lifting the tax-waiver share of GDP and raising concerns about revenue foregone. Climate & Methane: The environment minister highlighted methane cuts as a near-term climate priority and pointed to PLANAREM as the framework for monitoring and mitigation across oil & gas, agriculture, waste and energy. Wildlife Conservation: KAZA states meeting in Victoria Falls backed a united stance on elephant conservation and potential trade in elephant products, supported by EU funding. Energy Sector Progress: Pensana said Longonjo mine construction is on track for 2027 commissioning, while Eni and Petronas created the Searah JV in Southeast Asia with major investment plans.

Rare Earths Watch: London-listed Pensana says construction of Angola’s Longonjo mine is 22% complete, with $36m already spent and first mixed rare earth carbonite commissioning targeted for 2027; the $250m project aims to start at 20,000 tonnes and scale to 40,000 tonnes, with heavy rare earth recovery optimisation under way. Energy & Markets: LNG analysts report Atlantic Basin supply remains the backbone of global LNG since March, but utilisation slipped to 80% by the week ending 31 May as seasonal demand cools and maintenance rises. Digital Angola: Angola’s telecom ministry launched the official “GGPEN ANGOTIC 2026” app to help visitors track lectures, demos and networking for the June 11–13 ICT forum, expected to draw 20,000 visitors and 200+ startups. Diplomacy & Trade: President João Lourenço begins an official visit to Serbia (Aug. 8–10) with talks and an economic/business forum aimed at new investment and cooperation deals. Business Education: Trine University opens fall 2027 undergraduate applications for its Angola campus, keeping admissions test-optional and offering scholarships and grants to most students. Sports & Media: Angola Telecom won the first sector futsal tournament, and the telecom minister received a FAF merit certificate for supporting the event.

ANGOTIC 2026 Digital Push: Angola’s National Space Program (GGPEN) launched the official “GGPEN ANGOTIC 2026” app to help participants track lectures, demos, venues and networking during the June 11-13 ICT forum in Luanda. ANGOTIC 2026 Ticketing: Tickets/credentials are now available online and at Talatona Convention Hotel and Digital.AO, with category pricing from Kz 2,000 (students) up to Kz 1,000,000 (diamond). Forum Growth Outlook: MINTTICS says ANGOTIC-2026 expects 200+ startups and about 20,000 visitors, aiming to showcase Angola’s tech businesses and digital transformation. Macroeconomy Snapshot: Angola’s first-quarter 2026 growth hit 5.32%, with agriculture at ~20% of GDP and oil still ~15%—and oil remaining over 90% of exports. Environment & Business Risk: The environment minister warned Angola faces climate change, deforestation and waste-management gaps, urging coordinated action to protect ecosystems and improve resilience. Bilateral Trade Connectivity: Air France marked 50 years in Angola, highlighting Luanda–Paris links and the scale of French business presence. Energy & Investment Angle: The African Energy Chamber is set to spotlight Africa’s energy opportunities for Israeli stakeholders, with Angola among key producers driving the next investment cycle.

ANGOTIC-2026 Tech Push: Angola’s ICT forum ANGOTIC-2026 expects 200+ startups and about 20,000 visitors, with tickets now available online and at Luanda outlets, as the government doubles down on digital transformation. Diamond Market Management: Endiama says Angola will cut the supply of small rough diamonds for the next three months to protect prices and avoid a market glut, while De Beers ramps up “Desert Diamonds” demand marketing. Energy & Aviation Links: Air France marks 50 years in Angola, highlighting Luanda–Paris connectivity and business ties; meanwhile IATA warns Africa and the Middle East face different aviation barriers, with Africa still needing policy, cost and safety fixes to unlock growth. Environment & Climate Action: Angola’s environment minister flags climate change, deforestation and waste mismanagement, as World Environment Day events promote tree planting and plastics elimination plans. Regional Diplomacy: The African Union mourns the death of former Angolan foreign minister Manuel Domingos Augusto, praising his role in Pan-African integration.

Angolan Economy Snapshot: Angola’s economy grew 5.32% in Q1 2026, with agriculture at about 20% of GDP and oil still near 15%, even as the oil sector’s GDP weight keeps easing alongside slower production. Diamond Market Management: Endiama says Angola will cut the supply of small rough diamonds for the next three months to avoid a market glut and protect prices, with possible extension if needed. Digital Push: ANGOTIC-2026 (11-13 June) expects 20,000 visitors and 200+ startups, with tickets now available online and via local outlets. Environment & Climate: The environment minister warned that climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and waste mismanagement are key risks, while World Environment Day events highlighted tree planting and single-use plastic elimination plans. Regional Energy Context: Angola is listed among LNG suppliers benefiting from India’s recovered imports after Middle East disruptions, underscoring how global energy shocks ripple into African trade flows. Bilateral Business Links: Air France marked 50 years in Angola, citing Luanda–Paris connectivity and about 115 French firms operating in Angola.

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.