Angola Launches SPACIUM Incubator to Support 150 Young Entrepreneurs Under SonaJovem 5.0 Program
In a strategic move to empower young innovators, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, officially inaugurated the SPACIUM incubator this Monday at the ISPTEC Campus.
This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support young entrepreneurs by helping them transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses.
The launch ceremony was attended by key government figures, including the Secretary of State for Secondary Education, Soraya Kalongela, and the Secretary of State for Telecommunications, Angelo Buta João.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, the incubator is “technologically equipped to help transform ideas into viable businesses, with the goal of strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.”
Speaking at the event, Minister Diamantino Azevedo emphasized the significance of investing in the nation’s youth and praised Sonangol, Angola’s national oil company, for leading the initiative.
“This program is a strategic and courageous investment in Angola’s future. Sonangol has once again shown its foresight by supporting the country’s youth,” the minister stated.
Gaspar Martins, Chairman of Sonangol’s Board of Directors, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent:
“Our most valuable resources are not only underground, but above all, in people. As I look at you, I see one of Angola’s greatest treasures.
You now hold your boarding passes for incubation—use them wisely. Work with discipline, humility, and determination,” he told the selected participants.
The event also marked the start of the incubation phase for 150 business ideas selected under the SonaJovem 5.0 program.
These projects, chosen from a pool of 17,906 applicants, will now undergo intensive training and mentorship supported by industry experts.
The Ministry highlighted the strategic importance of these initiatives, noting that the selected ideas will play a key role in Angola’s economic, technological, and social development.
“Their successful incubation will significantly contribute to sustainable growth and the strengthening of the national innovation ecosystem,” the Ministry noted.
According to program statistics, the most sought-after sectors among applicants were:
Agriculture and Agribusiness (1,483 entries)
Telecommunications and IT (1,070 entries)
Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation (778 entries)
Mining, Oil & Gas (179 entries)
Renewable Energy (190 entries)
Minister Azevedo pointed out that the overwhelming response highlights the urgent need for more initiatives like SonaJovem:
“The number of applications shows the eagerness of Angola’s youth to contribute to national development.”
He also offered words of caution and encouragement to the new entrepreneurs:
“The path ahead will be challenging, but it is often the most difficult journeys that lead us furthest. Embrace the challenges with perseverance and vision.”
The SonaJovem 5.0 initiative is part of a broader mission to foster youth entrepreneurship in Angola, aiming to identify, empower, and accelerate innovative ideas and startups that will shape the nation’s future.
