The Port of Luanda has earmarked approximately 800 million kwanzas to fund youth projects across various sectors, announced João Fernandes, the administrator for the Commercial, Sustainability, Compliance, and ICT Area, yesterday in Luanda.
Speaking at the launch of the first social responsibility and sustainability program called “Ekanda,” Fernandes stated that the initiative will be rolled out in the 2024 financial year.
He noted that the investment could increase depending on the specific needs of each project.
Fernandes also highlighted that, according to the 2023 Report and Accounts, the Port of Luanda experienced significant growth, handling a volume of 60 million tons.
He added that the port is responsible for about 80 percent of the country’s imports and exports.
Rui Carrar, the Secretary of State for Civil Aviation, Maritime, and Ports, emphasized the importance of considering environmental, social responsibility, and governance criteria.
He stressed that these criteria not only ensure the future sustainability of the port as a company and infrastructure generating national wealth but also contribute to improving the quality of life for workers and surrounding communities.
Carrar also mentioned that it is crucial for the Port of Luanda to increase its business volume by attracting more traffic, expanding connections within the country, promoting inter-modality, and investing in better logistics offerings.
Aurora dos Santos, the director of Sustainability and Compliance, explained that the “Ekanda” program aims to support young entrepreneurs with business ideas in need of assistance.
“We intend to help young people by providing training and financing so that they can support themselves and their families, thereby promoting self-employment,” dos Santos stated.
She emphasized that the main pillars of the program are awareness, environment, and youth, with a primary focus on youth empowerment.
Registration for the program is open until July 17th. Interested parties, including NGOs and associations, can submit their applications through the Port of Luanda’s website. Applicants must present a project and budget and must be legally constituted entities.
In the initial phase, the program will cover only the capital. Dos Santos called on other ports in the country to join the initiative to reach a larger number of young people.
She noted that selected participants would receive a work kit to help them develop their activities and support for better business management.
