The Angolan Ministry of Transport and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 5 December 2024, in Luanda. This strategic partnership aims to bolster the capabilities of the transport and infrastructure sector through a $1 million donation from USAID. The initiative seeks to replicate the success of the Lobito Corridor in other strategic projects, enhancing Angola’s role in regional and global development.
The MOU establishes a Project Management Unit for Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (UGPCP), which will oversee the identification, preparation, monitoring, and management of critical infrastructure projects. USAID will provide technical and financial assistance for this unit’s development, while the Ministry of Transport will supply the necessary logistical and human resources. Priority projects include the Southern Corridor, also known as the Namibe Corridor, and the Deep-Water Terminal of Caio in Cabinda, with international tenders expected soon following preparatory work.
The agreement was signed by Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mary Catherine Molly Phee. With an initial duration of 24 months, the MOU sets clear objectives, such as training 11 specialists to join UGPCP, launching new concession projects, and implementing innovative solutions to position Angola as a leader in infrastructure and public-private partnerships in Africa.
The success of the Lobito Corridor model, which has already attracted $600 million in funding for the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) from American and South African financial institutions, underscores Angola’s credibility on the global stage.
Both parties expressed confidence in the positive impact of this strategic collaboration. Minister Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu emphasised the agreement’s significance: “This partnership strengthens the Ministry’s institutional capacity, enabling us to implement strategic projects that contribute to economic growth and improve living conditions for our population. It is a decisive step towards ensuring modern, sustainable, and competitive infrastructure.”
Ministry of Transport, Luanda, 5 December 2024
