AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Markets: Angola’s biggest telecom operator UNITEL says it suffered a nationwide cyberattack disrupting voice, mobile data and internet services, just a day before its IPO listing on BODIVA after an oversubscribed $329m share sale. Regional Finance: Angola’s kwanza has been added as the first new settlement currency to the SADC-RTGS system, aiming to cut FX conversion costs and speed up cross-border trade. Digital Governance: A Lusophone Africa workshop in Luanda wrapped up with practical sessions on trusted data sharing, cybersecurity and data protection, including a visit to Angola’s Data Protection Agency ahead of revisions to the Data Protection Law. Energy & Investment Outlook: The IEA reports Africa’s upstream oil and gas investment fell sharply to $37bn in 2025, with Angola among the main producers driving most activity. Infrastructure & Jobs: Angola’s West-East highway project is set to create over 1,000 jobs, linking Benguela, Huambo, Bié and Moxico with routes toward the DRC and Zambia. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin WAFCON 2026 in Morocco against debutants Malawi, with Angola’s own WAFCON path referenced in Malawi’s qualification story.

Telecom Shock: Angola’s Unitel says it was hit by a cyberattack early Tuesday, disrupting voice, mobile data and internet nationwide—just a day before its shares were set to list on BODIVA. Privatisation Push: Despite the disruption, Angola’s state asset sale of a 15% stake in Unitel raised about $329m (AOA 300.3bn), with demand topping the offer by more than 20% and trading due to start July 29. Regional Payments: Angola’s kwanza has been added to the SADC-RTGS system, enabling direct settlement in local currency and aiming to cut cross-border FX costs. Digital Transformation: Angola is taking part in COMESA’s IDEA 2026 forum on inclusive digitalisation, focusing on connectivity, e-governance, digital identity and cybersecurity. Infrastructure Jobs: The West-East Highway project is set to create over 1,000 jobs as INEA and GAV Construções sign a MoU to build the development corridor linking key provinces and onward to DRC and Zambia. Health Cooperation: Brazilian specialists are in Luanda to train staff and help set care protocols for the President Julius Nyerere Burn Hospital. Sports Note: Petro de Luanda plays CD Teruel in a friendly in Spain as its 2026–27 season build-up continues.

Regional Finance: Angola’s kwanza has been added to the SADC real-time gross settlement system, letting banks settle eligible cross-border payments directly in kwanza instead of routing through the rand—aimed at cutting costs and speeding transactions. Trade & Economy: Angola posted a June trade surplus of 1.16 trillion kwanzas, though down 38.3% month-on-month as crude export revenues fell; China remained the top export destination. Privatisation & Capital Markets: Angola raised about $321m by selling a 15% stake in Unitel, a major test of the government’s privatisation push, with trading expected to start around 29 July. Public Safety: Firefighters reported 16 deaths over the weekend, including drowning and road crashes. Health: In Huambo, 262 babies born to HIV-positive mothers were delivered “free of HIV/AIDS” in the first half of 2026. Security at Borders: Police detained 614 DRC citizens for illegal entry in Lunda-Norte, linking crossings to illicit mining and fuel smuggling. Investment & Tourism: Authorities in Mbanza Kongo urged private investors to build more hotels as visitor demand grows.

Regional Finance: Angola’s kwanza has been added to the SADC real-time gross settlement system, a move meant to speed up cross-border payments and cut costs for trade across Southern Africa. Trade & Industry: South Africa’s exporters returned from FILDA 2026 in Luanda with 82 trade leads and hundreds of meetings, while the fair closed with a provisional 139,000 visitors and 2,348 exhibitors. Humanitarian Support: In Cunene, the Angolan Red Cross began DREF aid for 923 rain-affected families, including hygiene items and mosquito nets, with cash support planned next month. Governance & Civic Participation: Huambo’s governor urged mass participation in the unofficial voter registration process and reminded citizens to collect identity cards. Sports Development: Angola’s volleyball federation is pushing to expand school sports as the base for mass participation, including plans for coach training. Justice: An Angolan court sentenced two Russians to up to 11 years over allegations tied to last year’s deadly unrest.

SADC Payments Upgrade: South Africa’s central bank says Angola’s kwanza will be added to the SADC settlement system, expanding beyond the rand to speed payments, cut costs and deepen regional trade links. Health & Regulation: Angola’s sanitary inspectors are extending nationwide checks to clinics, aesthetic medicine centres and beauty salons, flagging unlicensed staff, expired products and improper authorisations—irregular sites face closure. Agriculture & Food Security: In Cuanza-Norte, the Cacala (312 ha) and Coreia-1 (314 ha) irrigated perimeters were inaugurated, set to serve 3,000+ farming families under the Commercial Agriculture Development Program. Blue Economy Push: Angola hosted the Blue Economy high-level conference, adopting commitments on sustainable financing (blue bonds, blue funds, insurance) and “30x30” marine protection goals, with plans to domesticate the strategy by 2028. Business & Trade Fair: FILDA 2026 in Icolo e Bengo reports 139,750 visitors in five days, with participation from 22 countries and a focus on “Made in Angola” products. DRC Ebola Warning: Africa CDC and WHO warn Ebola tracking is slipping in the DRC as contact tracing coverage falls and labs run low on testing kits.

Connectivity & Data Infrastructure: Raxio will deploy AFR-IX Telecom’s pan-African network inside its Tier III Luanda and Mozambique data centres, boosting fibre/subsea reach and resilience for cloud, AI and enterprise customers. Public Health: WHO and Africa CDC warn DRC’s Ebola response is being undermined by poor contact tracing and lab kit shortages as cases rise and the outbreak spreads across Central Africa. Diplomacy & Food Security: Burundi backs Angola’s FAO leadership bid for Josefa Sacko, after President João Lourenço’s envoy met AU chair Évariste Ndayishimiye. Blue Economy Policy: Angola hosted adoption of the Luanda Declaration, pushing “blue bonds,” blue funds and debt-for-nature swaps, plus “30x30” marine protection and a push to domesticate the blue economy strategy by 2028. Health Regulation: Angola’s sanitary inspectorate expands nationwide checks to clinics, aesthetic centres and beauty salons, targeting unqualified staff, expired products and unauthorized operations. Trade & Compliance: The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on Angola and seven other African countries over forced-labour allegations. Sports: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set to join Chile’s Colo Colo after World Cup heroics.

Blue Economy Push: Angola’s Blue Economy Week in Luanda produced the Luanda Declaration, calling for sustainable financing tools like blue funds and blue bonds, plus “Normative Domestication” by 2028 and a push to protect 30% of aquatic spaces. Maritime Policy: The transport minister backed consolidation of maritime and port investments, pointing to updated laws and a focus on port-state principles. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Angola says over 4,000 fishing vessels operate clandestinely off Luanda, warning the informal fleet sustains tens of thousands of jobs while authorities plan better markets and cold-storage policy. Public Health Enforcement: Angola’s Inspector-General expanded sanitary inspections nationwide to clinics, aesthetic medicine centers and beauty salons, targeting unqualified staff, expired products and unauthorized operations. Diplomacy & Food Security: Burundi backed Angola’s FAO leadership bid for Josefa Sacko, after talks with Angola’s envoy. Tourism & Culture: Foreign tourists on the Lobito Corridor rail route praised Huambo’s heritage, while Humpata hosted an international climbing festival running to Aug. 3. Credit Access: Angola’s central bank reaffirmed credit-support measures, citing mortgage and real-sector financing uptake in Uíge.

Blue Economy & Maritime Policy: Angola is pushing the “blue economy” as a diversification engine, with the Vice-President stressing oceans as a pillar for sovereignty, peace and jobs, while the Transport minister calls for consolidating maritime and port investments and updating the legal framework to improve port-state control. Blue Bonds Roadmap: Angola’s Blue Bonds on BODIVA depend on passing the Marine Space Management Law, with the government saying international financing needs a solid territorial planning basis. Fishing Crackdown: Luanda says over 4,000 fishing vessels operate clandestinely, matching the size of the legalized fleet, as authorities plan policies and cold-storage and market infrastructure to formalize the value chain. DRC Security Diplomacy: President João Lourenço received a confidential message from DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on security in eastern DRC, with clashes still “very worrying.” Credit Access: Angola’s central bank reaffirmed measures to expand mortgage and real-sector credit, citing more than 1,168 credit operations under Notice 10/2024. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Angola and seven other African countries under Section 301, citing weak enforcement against forced-labour goods. Sports: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has agreed to join Chile’s Colo-Colo after World Cup heroics. Safety Alert: Two sisters died in a Huambo artisanal gold mine collapse, underlining risks from unlicensed excavation.

U.S.-Angola Trade Shock: The U.S. Trade Representative has imposed new Section 301 “forced labor” tariffs on 60 economies, including Angola, with rates set at 10% or 12.5% depending on each country’s commitments and enforcement. The duties took effect July 24 after the earlier Section 122 tariff expired, putting importers on alert for compliance and cost impacts. Angola Court Case: An Angolan court convicted two Russian men of terrorism and espionage, alleging they planned a coup and helped fuel last summer’s deadly fuel-price protests; the men say they were in Angola for business and cultural activities and plan to appeal. Energy & Methane Focus: A new report says major methane cuts are achievable in Angola and other oil-and-gas producers using existing technologies, but results depend on infrastructure, regulation, and financing. Oil Supply Diversification: Indian refiners are reportedly testing crude from Angola as Middle East supply routes get disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz situation. Security Update: Separately, Angola-linked regional developments include a court case involving an Angolan teenager accused of abduction and rape in Omusati, and a police leadership handover in Namibia’s Kavango West region.

US Tariffs Hit Angola: The U.S. has imposed new Section 301 “forced labour” tariffs on 60 economies, effective Friday, with Angola listed among the 12.5% targets—part of a compliance-linked trade push replacing expiring stopgap levies. Public Finance Upgrade: The IMF says Angola improved public finance statistics after adopting GFSM 2014, raising its surveillance data adequacy rating from “C” to “B” and boosting transparency and comparability. Natural Resources at the UN: Angola’s foreign minister told the UN Security Council that transparent, responsible natural resource governance is key to peace, security and development. Health Watch (Cabinda Mpox): Cabinda reported nine new monkeypox cases over three days, bringing active cases to 35, with suspected cases under testing. Justice & Safety (Omusati Rape Case): An 18-year-old Angolan man was arrested in Omusati after an alleged abduction and rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl; he is set to face court charges. Agriculture Policy: Angola reviewed a draft decree to protect new seed varieties and update veterinary service fees, aiming to strengthen seed quality and research. Business & Trade (FILDA): Angola’s FILDA fair continued with a vice-presidential visit highlighting growth in national production and foreign interest in partnerships.

Judicial Accountability: José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero again refused to say who gave him the jewels seized in a probe, dodging the key questions of origin and source country as a judge keeps investigating possible tax omissions. Child Protection & Media: Angola’s social action officials urged journalists to report on violence against minors without humiliating children, backing an INAC-UNICEF push for ethical coverage and a national prevention plan. Public Finance Reform: The IMF upgraded Angola’s public finance statistics rating from “C” to “B,” praising modernization under GFSM 2014 and renewed debt bulletin transparency. Regional Trade Policy: Angola’s Economic Commission reviewed a draft law to let the executive set SADC preferential rates, aiming to boost intra-regional trade and cut import costs. Agriculture & Innovation: A draft decree will protect new seed varieties and update veterinary service fees, strengthening breeders’ rights and quality seed availability. Diplomacy & Aviation: Angola’s FM met UN leadership in New York, while ICAO officials highlighted Angola’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub. Blue Economy: The fisheries minister outlined investment in artisanal fishing, aquaculture and the Kalunga project to secure ocean data and sovereignty. Sports: Petro de Luanda beat Al-Ittihad 4-0 in Spain ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Angola’s digital push: Angola Cables has appointed Julio Gabriel Chilela as VP of digital solutions, tasking him with expanding AI-driven enterprise services across Africa and beyond. Power security: Angola’s national electricity transmission network (RNT) launched the “Ohele” campaign in Huambo and Bie to curb vandalism, fires and theft that have damaged towers and triggered outages. Regional trade momentum: AfCFTA projects $230bn in trade transactions by 2027, with Angola highlighted for pushing implementation and linking it to private-sector-led growth, including the planned Fertilizer Industrial Complex in Soyo. Public safety leadership: President João Lourenço appointed new provincial police leadership in Cuanza-Sul, promoting Gabriel Tito João to Commissioner and naming Expo Belgrade 2027 police representatives. International business ties: Dubai International Chamber opened a representative office in Luanda to boost non-oil trade and investment between Dubai and Angola. Sports: Angola’s national youth judo team heads to Morocco for the African Championship, aiming to defend titles and win team medals. Energy integration: SADC called for more investment in regional electricity infrastructure, spotlighting interconnectors that include Angola-Namibia. Court case with foreign links: Two Russian men were jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying over alleged plans tied to last year’s unrest.

Cultural Diplomacy Push: Angola’s Minister of Culture Filipe Zau reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, highlighting work with UNESCO to seek recognition for Semba and Tchitundo-Hulo as Intangible Cultural Heritage and to preserve heritage through international cooperation. Blue Economy Integration: UNDP’s Angola resident representative Gabriel Dava urged African countries to build dedicated institutions and coordination mechanisms for the blue economy, arguing that strong structures are key to turning ocean potential into sustainable jobs and investment. Expo-Huíla Demand: Expo-Huíla in Lubango is already fully booked, with all 410 stands taken for the Aug. 19–23 event, after organizers expanded capacity by 25% and set aside space for Huíla’s 23 municipalities. Export Training Boost: Italy’s trade promotion agency ICE plans to train 160 Angolan companies for exports in Europe, with 100 already trained and another 50–60 expected in Huambo next. Sports Spotlight: Angola’s national youth judo team heads to Morocco for the African Championship (July 23–26), aiming to defend titles in individual and team categories. Court Case: Angola’s court in Luanda jailed two Russians—Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov—for terrorism and spying, sentencing them to 11 and 8 years respectively. Finance Shift to Yuan: Banco de Fomento Angola says it plans to connect directly to China’s CIPS next year as more Angolan businesses seek yuan-based cross-border payments.

FILDA 2026 Business Push: Angola’s Arena Eventos says FILDA is on track to become the country’s biggest investment and trade platform, with a record 2,348 exhibitors and strong turnout across agribusiness, services, and trade. Road Safety at UN: Angola reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Global Road Safety push, stressing that road deaths and injuries can only be cut through stronger institutions, sustained funding, and deeper international cooperation. Judicial Cooperation: Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court president visited Angola’s National Assembly, highlighting growing ties between Angola and Brazil’s courts and plans for training and a constitutional studies center. Angola–Dubai Trade Links: Dubai International Chamber opened a new Luanda office to boost non-oil trade and investment, citing 2025 growth and active Angolan membership. Health Alert: Travel warnings flagged yellow fever risk, with suspected cases reported in Angola among other countries. Regional Politics: Malawi’s electoral commission chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead a SADC observer mission to Zambia’s 2026 general election.

FILDA 2026 Business Push: Angola’s Luanda International Fair (FILDA) opened in Icolo e Bengo with 2,348 exhibitors and 22 countries, as organizers and officials framed it as the country’s biggest platform to attract investment and expand non-oil trade. Central Bank Digital Inclusion: The National Bank of Angola (BNA) launched new digital platforms at FILDA to help people register, track complaints, and manage credit information. Road Safety Commitment: Angola reaffirmed its pledge to the UN Global Road Safety agenda, stressing turning political promises into real measures to cut deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Justice and Institutions: Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court president visited Angola to highlight stronger cooperation with Angolan courts, including training and a proposed constitutional studies center. Media Responsibility: ERCA urged journalists to verify information before publishing, warning that misinformation can trigger serious consequences. Football Meets Healthcare: ANCAF and a Luanda cardiology hospital signed a partnership making specialized care available to league athletes for 2026–2027. Jobs and Reform Claims: Angola said 774,000 formal jobs were created from Jan 2023 to June 2026, with most linked to private sector activity.

Port & jobs: Angola’s Barra do Dande Free Trade Zone Port Terminal is set to generate about 21,000 jobs, as investors sign protocols for the first phase of the Barra do Dande Port Terminal ecosystem. New infrastructure investment: Huatong Angola Industry is backing a $900 million, Chinese-backed port terminal deal for Barra do Dande, with a 25-year sub-concession and funding released in phases. Industrial push: The “Cristal Azul” glass container plant in Barra do Dande (Bengo) was inaugurated, with capacity of 60,000 tons of glass per year and 220 direct jobs, aiming to strengthen local packaging for food, beverage and pharma. Social protection upgrade: Angola launched a Single Social Registry (CSU) in Luanda to map vulnerable families and improve targeting of social programs, using digital registration and validation tools. Public finance snapshot: Angola’s government debt stock is reported at 65.8 trillion kwanzas in the first half of 2026, with domestic and external components tracked under the borrowing plan. Border tensions: Namibian traders plan a protest over alleged mistreatment by Angolan police at the Angola-Namibia border in Santa Clara/Helao Nafidi. Energy & scholarships: ANPG’s “Okutanga” project will fund 85 Angolan students with internal and external scholarships supported by ExxonMobil and partners.