17 January 2025
On January 16 and 17, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela participated in the Angola-France Economic Forum held in Paris. The forum was an excellent opportunity for Commissioner Síkela to strengthen ties with Angola, a key player for the European Union from both an economic and geopolitical perspective, and to meet with the French private sector to discuss potential investment opportunities under the Global Gateway strategy in Angola.
At the forum, Commissioner Síkela met with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss how the EU and Angola can further build on a mutually beneficial partnership, reiterating EU support for economic diversification in Angola and exploring new opportunities under the Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA). Commissioner Síkela also met with the Angolan Minister for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano, to discuss how the cooperation between EU and Angola can contribute to the economic development of Angola.
Commissioner Síkela and President Lourenço reinforced the Lobito Corridor project by announcing a €76.5 million assistance package. The aim of the package is to deliver tangible benefits for the Angolan people through better jobs, enhanced education, and sustainable economic growth as well as to further develop the Lobito Corridor.
The package, part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, focuses on promoting sustainable investments, vocational training, and biodiversity conservation. All three initiatives align with the development of the Lobito Corridor, a flagship EU project to help Angola connect its resources and potential to global markets, creating opportunities for economic diversification and regional growth.
“Angola is an important partner to the European Union. It was great to exchange with President Lourenço on how we can build on our cooperation and explore new opportunities for Europeans and Angolans. The package we presented today, is a prime example of how we are not only supporting Angola’s economic development but also helping its people unlock new opportunities. Better education, quality jobs, and sustainable trade are at the heart of our partnership as they are one of the important conditions to develop our common flagship project the Lobito Corridor” said Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.
The three key components of the Assistance Package
- Promoting Trade and Investment in Angola (€8.5 Million) for the Business Environment and Market Access. This initiative supports Angola’s business environment and strengthens its trade frameworks, contributing to the country’s green transition. It builds on the EU-Angola Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA), which promotes inclusive and sustainable investments, improves regulatory frameworks, and encourages the use of digital platforms for business development and innovation.
- PROSPERA – Supporting Technical Education and Vocational Training (€43M)
PROSPERA addresses the gap between the demand for skilled workers and the supply in Angola’s priority economic sectors, such as agriculture, renewable energy, and transport. The initiative focuses on:
Strengthening vocational training governance.
Improving access to quality training for young people, women, and vulnerable groups.
Promoting entrepreneurship and job opportunities, particularly in areas linked to the Lobito Corridor. - Angola’s Natural Heritage: Governance and Ecotourism (€25M): This action focuses on restoring biodiversity and positioning Angola as a leading ecotourism destination. It promotes sustainable management of conservation landscapes, strengthens the inclusion of local communities in biodiversity efforts, and supports climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Strategic Importance of the Lobito Corridor
All three pillars are integrally linked to the Lobito Corridor, a crucial economic corridor connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia to global markets. By facilitating the trade of essential raw materials, fostering local industry, and creating jobs, the corridor amplifies EU investments’ impact.
Background
A Team Europe Approach
The support package forms part of the broader Team Europe Initiative on "Diversification of the Economy and Public Financial Management," involving the EU, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the European Investment Bank (EIB). This unified approach enhances the impact of EU investments, reinforcing Angola’s economic transformation.
The Global Gateway Strategy
The Global Gateway strategy represents the EU's commitment to reducing global investment gaps by fostering sustainable connections in digital, energy, and transport sectors while strengthening education and research systems. It aims to mobilise €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, focusing on sustainable growth and resilient partnerships.
By investing in Angola’s education, trade frameworks, and environmental conservation, the EU seeks to promote long-term resilience, empower local communities, and deepen economic ties between Angola and Europe.
Source: European Commission