Botswana’s mineral sector is expected to experience slower growth in 2024 compared to the previous year, primarily due to a decline in diamond production. On July 13, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised Botswana’s growth forecast for 2024 from 3.6% to 1%, as reported by Mines.cd. This decline is anticipated to lead to a budget deficit increase from 3.45% to 6%, attributed to reduced revenue from mineral resources. In response to these challenges, the IMF
The business sector in Bié province is optimistic about investments along the Lobito Corridor, particularly in the Benguela Railway (CFB). These developments are expected to enhance agricultural production and facilitate the transport of goods to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Farmer Manuel Maia, who operates several agricultural projects in Cunhinga, believes the Lobito Corridor will significantly boost his investments and strengthen local agriculture. He plans to leverage this route to expand his
The International Institute for Strategic Studies recently confirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is intensifying its economic relations with Angola through significant investments in key sectors such as energy, technology, and maritime logistics. According to the Institute, the UAE is exploring opportunities in food security through partnerships between the two countries. The UAE views Angola as a growing consumer market and notes that several leading Emirati companies are already investing in critical sectors of
Luciano Chilembe, the financial administrator of the Catumbela Industrial Development Pole (PDIC), expressed satisfaction with the recent $320 million financing provided by the Group of Seven (G7) richest countries for projects in the Lobito Corridor. This funding is expected to significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure and economic potential. Chilembe emphasized the critical work ahead in the transport sector and the need for a focused approach to consolidate reforms in agro-industry and related services. He highlighted
Angola’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.6 percent in the first quarter of 2024, marking the highest quarterly growth rate since 2015. This growth reflects positive performance across all sectors of the economy, highlighting the impact of effective economic policies and strategic investments. An analysis of the indicators reveals that all major sectors of the Angolan economy recorded growth during this period, demonstrating a robust and uniform recovery. The oil sector, a traditional pillar
The National Bank of Angola (BNA) has set ambitious targets for achieving a 75 percent rate of financial inclusion by 2028, as outlined in its latest bimonthly Financial Stability report released in late June. According to the report, the BNA has prioritized several initiatives aimed at bolstering financial inclusion, with microcredit and other non-bank financial instruments playing a pivotal role. Microcredit, governed by current legislation such as Law no. 14/21, is defined as small-value loans
Angolan and Zambian businesspeople gathered to exchange experiences at the 1st edition of the International Business Forum, which opened yesterday in Luena at the amphitheater of the Instituto Superior Politécnico do Moxico. During the meeting, participants discussed topics such as “The Lobito Corridor,” “Opportunities for the Development of Moxico,” “The Role of the State in Boosting Tourism in the Angolan Region of the Okavango Zambezi,” “Business Opportunities in the Province of Moxico,” and “The Vision
From January to May of this year, the country generated revenues of $288 million from the sale of 2.5 million carats of diamonds produced by the Catoca, Luele, and Lunhinga projects. The data was disclosed by the president of the Board of Directors of the National Diamond Company (Endiama EP), Manuel Nganga Júnior, during a “brainstorming” session for the Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas Sector held on Tuesday in the nation’s capital. Manuel Nganga Júnior
In the first quarter of the current year, Angola’s exported goods generated a substantial revenue of $8.8 billion. A significant portion of this revenue, $8.2 billion, came from the sale of crude oil and gas, while $431 million was earned from the commercialization of ores. Economist Daniel Sapateiro presented these figures in Luanda during the 2nd International Trade Forum. The event brought together sector experts and government officials to discuss “The Current Context of Foreign
The management of the Benguela Railway (CFB) by the consortium Lobito Atlântico Railways (LAR), Trafigura, and Mota-Engil is expected to significantly enhance Angola’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing between $1.6 billion to $3.4 billion annually over the next 30 years. This projection was shared by LAR administrator Ottoniel Manuel during a discussion on the Girassol television channel under the theme, “The Impact of the Lobito Corridor on the Angolan Economy and the SADC Region.” Manuel
