New regulations and significant investment in crucial infrastructure is helping Angola to attract interest from a host of international investors
In recent years the transport sector in Angola has undergone a substantial overhaul that has led to the implementation of new policies, the formation of regulatory and supervisory bodies and the creation of new infrastructure. Led by the Ministry of Transport, the significant improvements have helped to create a competitive and attractive sector that is drawing increased interest and investment from the private sector.
One of the largest and most important projects has been the creation of the Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport, which was officially inaugurated on November 10, 2023. Situated in the capital of Luanda, cargo operations are already underway, while domestic flights will begin in the months ahead and international passengers are expected to use the airport by the summer.
“The new airport is a significant example of our efforts to maximize the return on our investment by engaging international partners to optimize our assets,” explains Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, Minister of Transport. “With a total annual capacity of 15 million passengers—10 million international, 5 million domestic—this infrastructure will help boost the national economy and transform civil aviation into a significant economic contributor.
“Furthermore, the strategic location of the new airport allows for the development of an aviation and logistics cluster that will not only serve Angola but also the region and the entire African continent.”
The new international airport is expected to lead to growth in numerous sectors of the economy and was crucial to Angola signing an Open Skies Air Services agreement with the U.S., which allows for mutual access for air carriers from both countries. This will help to expand transport opportunities to and from Sub-Saharan Africa and significantly strengthen ties between the U.S. and Angola.
