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Courtesy Call on His Excellency (H.E.) Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves LOURENÇO, President of Angola by Foreign Minister MOTEGI

Source: APO


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On May 1, commencing at 10:40 a.m. local time (6:40 p.m. on same day, Japan time) for 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves LOURENÇO, President of Angola.

1. At the outset, President Lourenço expressed his welcome for Minister MOTEGI’s visit and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Angolan people for Japan’s cooperation in infrastructure and various other fields through the TICAD process. He also stated his desire to further develop bilateral relations, especially in the economic field.

2. In response, Minister MOTEGI expressed his condolences for the recent flood damage in Angola, and thanked President Lourenço for his contribution as co-chair at TICAD 9 last year. He stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Japan’s advocacy for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” in Africa and the 50th anniversary of Japan-Angola diplomatic relations, and expressed his desire to cooperate in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law and further developing bilateral relations, taking this visit as an opportunity.

3. Next, Minister MOTEGI, while referring to Japan’s assistance in areas such as landmine clearance, health, and infrastructure, stated his desire to expand economic relations in the fields of critical minerals and energy, which Angola is rich in. Both sides concurred in encouraging Japanese companies to participate in the trading of Angolan crude oil. In addition, they also concurred in further promoting cooperation in private sector and strengthen economic ties, bearing in mind the investment agreement that came into effect two years ago.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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Zambia: Summit on Human Rights, Technology Effectively Canceled

Source: APO


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The Zambian government’s decision to postpone RightsCon 2026, effectively canceling the summit, raises concerns about the authorities’ commitment to free expression and assembly and about possible Chinese government interference, Human Rights Watch said today. The 14th edition of RightsCon was scheduled to be held in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, from May 5 to 8, 2026.

In an April 29 statement, the Zambian government said that the postponement was “necessitated by the need for comprehensive disclosure […] relating to key thematic issues proposed for discussion during the Summit.” The technology and science minister had earlier said that the postponement was to allow for “pending administrative and security clearances” of some speakers. As a result, the RightsCon organizers, Access Now, announced on April 29 that “we do not recommend registered participants travel to Lusaka for RightsCon.”

“The Zambia government’s flimsy reasons for postponing RightsCon suggest that the government wanted to control the summit’s human rights agenda,” said Idriss Ali Nassah, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should fully explain the last-minute cancellation, which is a serious loss for the promotion of human rights.”

Civil society groups have criticized the action. A statement by the Net Rights Coalition and more than 130 digital rights stakeholders said that the postponement and effective cancellation of the event raises concerns about closing the civic space in Zambia.

RightsCon is a leading summit on human rights and technology, where discussions center on building strategies toward a more free, open, and connected digital world. Human Rights Watch staff members were planning to speak at several sessions, including on protecting core internet functions in situations of conflict, the export of surveillance technology, corporate accountability, and the ethics of using technology in human rights research.

“By shutting down RightsCon, the Zambian government is shutting down discussions and opportunities to strategize and connect on some of the most crucial human rights issues of our time,” said Deborah Brown, technology and rights deputy director at Human Rights Watch. “It’s a terrible blow to the digital rights movement in Zambia and globally.”

In 2023, over 300 participants, predominantly from the Global South, who applied for visa-on-arrival, were denied entry and excluded from participating in the RightsCon event in Costa Rica. In 2024, the United Nations Internet Governance Forum was hosted by Saudi Arabia, which discouraged meaningful civil society participation due to fears of surveillance, harassment, and reprisals, and resulted in censorship of human rights discussions.

A leading Zambian academic, Sishuwa Sishuwa, told Human Rights Watch that Zambian authorities may have been worried that delegates to the summit, mostly human rights activists, “would have put the country under scrutiny” for its human rights record. He said that “Zambia has seen severe restrictions on the rights to peaceful assembly, free speech, and freedom of association, the arrests of government critics and political opponents on a variety of charges such as criminal libel, sedition, unlawful assembly, and the broadly expanded laws on hate speech. These themes would have been discussed at the summit, weeks before the start of the official campaign for the August general election.”

In April 2025, the Zambian Parliament enacted the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act. Zambian civil society organizations contended that some provisions of the laws did not adhere to international human rights standards and were a threat to the principles of democracy, transparency, accountability, and rights. The two laws have been used to curtail freedom of expression online and to arrest political opponents.

The Law Association of Zambia petitioned the High Court to declare provisions of the Cyber Crimes Act unconstitutional. The matter is pending in court.

On March 3, the Ministry of Technology and Science had welcomed the hosting of RightsCon 2026 when it met with the organizers and emphasized that the summit was consistent with Zambia’s national development agenda. It also reaffirmed the Zambian government’s commitment to collaborate with the organizers to ensure the successful hosting of the summit. According to some expected participants, the ministry had issued them official letters in February to support granting them visas to attend the conference.

A civil society activist involved in the RightsCon organizing committee in Lusaka told Human Rights Watch that the postponement came after the Chinese government had expressed displeasure to Zambian authorities about invited participants from Taiwan. A Zambian media outlet similarly reported that Zambian authorities were uncomfortable with the participation of “Taiwanese delegates who would potentially speak against China at a venue donated by the Chinese government.”

The Mulungushi Conference Center, which was to host the summit, was refurbished in 2020 with funding from the Chinese government at a reported cost of US$60 million. Zambian authorities at the time described the support as a “gift from […] China” with “no strings attached.” Human Rights Watch could not independently verify that China had a role in the government’s decision. Human Rights Watch requested comment from the Zambian government and the Chinese Embassy in Lusaka but did not receive an immediate response.

China is a major investor in Zambia, particularly in the mining sector, and Zambia is also part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Human Rights Watch has long documented abusive health, safety, and labor conditions associated with Chinese mining interests, some of which pose harm to residents. Despite repeated public concerns and calls for accountability, the Zambian government has for years shown little willingness to effectively regulate these operations.

The cancellation of RightsCon underscores the need for such events to be hosted in countries where the government openly embraces debate on human rights and supports fundamental freedoms, Human Rights Watch said.

“The human rights environment in Zambia has become increasingly hostile to perceived dissent, criticism, and political opposition to the government ahead of the 2026 elections,” Nassah said. “Zambian authorities should take all necessary steps to ensure that it allows for the free exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly and allows for civil society to meet in an environment free of government interference.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

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Journée Mondiale de la Liberté de la Presse : Les Africains approuvent le rôle de surveillance des médias, mais la perception de la liberté reste mitigée

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La plupart des Africains sont favorables à ce que les médias contrôlent les actions du gouvernement, et ils privilégient la liberté des médias à la régulation gouvernementale, selon le dernier Profil Panafricain (https://apo-opa.co/4tN4PP1) d’Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org).

Si le soutien à la liberté des médias est une position majoritaire dans la quasi-totalité des pays sondés, d’importantes minorités dans la plupart des pays – et une large majorité au Mali – sont favorables au contrôle gouvernemental de ce que les médias peuvent publier.

Le nouveau rapport, basé sur 45.600 entretiens menés dans 38 pays africains en 2024/2025, révèle également que l’appréciation de la liberté de la presse par les citoyens est mitigée. Seule une légère majorité d’Africains considèrent que les médias sont globalement libres dans leur pays, et cette perception a légèrement diminué au cours des cinq dernières années.

Les résultats suggèrent en outre une certaine ambivalence : Le soutien à la liberté des médias est légèrement inférieur parmi les personnes qui perçoivent les médias de leur pays comme libres que parmi celles qui les considèrent comme non libres.

Résultats clés

  • La plupart (72%) des Africains soutiennent que les médias jouent un rôle dans le contrôle de l’action gouvernementale.
    • Le soutien au rôle de contrôle des médias est majoritaire dans tous les pays sondés, dépassant huit sur 10 à Maurice (86%), au Nigéria (83%), en Ouganda (82%), au Ghana (82%), au Congo-Brazzaville (81%) et au Tchad (81%).
    • Et même dans les pays où le soutien aux médias pour enquêter et publier sur les erreurs et la corruption du gouvernement est relativement faible, comme le Mozambique (58%), l’Angola (56%) et São Tomé et Príncipe (54%), seules les minorités préfèrent que les médias évitent de rapporter sur les événements négatifs.
  • Presque deux tiers (65%) des citoyens sont favorables à la liberté des médias, y compris une majorité dans tous les pays sondés à l’exception de la Tanzanie (49%) et du Mali (27%) (Figure 2).
    • Dans plusieurs pays, le soutien à la liberté des médias dépasse les trois quarts de la population, notamment à Maurice (86%), aux Seychelles (85%), au Congo-Brazzaville (80%), au Lesotho (77%), au Tchad (76%) et au Botswana (76%).
  • Les avis sur la liberté de la presse sont mitigés : 53% des répondants estiment que les médias dans leur pays sont globalement libres, mais 43% considèrent qu’ils sont soumis à la censure ou influencés par le gouvernement (Figure 3).
    • La perception de la liberté des médias varie considérablement en Afrique, allant de 81% en Tanzanie et 77% au Libéria à seulement 28% aux Comores et 16% au Congo-Brazzaville.
  • A travers 30 pays sondés en 2019/2021 et 2024/2025, la perception de la liberté des médias a diminué de 4 points de pourcentage (Figure 4).
    • Les plus fortes baisses de perception de liberté des médias sont enregistrées en Guinée (-34 points de pourcentage), au Lesotho (-22 points), au Nigéria (-22 points) et au Botswana (-20 points).
    • Au cours de la même période, le Libéria a enregistré une progression spectaculaire de 58 points en matière de liberté perçue de la presse, passant du dernier au deuxième rang des pays les plus libres. Le Gabon (+24 points) et la Zambie (+22 points) ont également enregistré des gains importants.
  • Les personnes qui considèrent que les médias dans leur pays sont libres sont quelque peu moins susceptibles que celles qui ne partagent pas cet avis de soutenir la liberté des médias (63% contre 69%) (Figure 5).

L’enquête Afrobarometer

Afrobarometer est un réseau panafricain et non-partisan de recherche par sondage qui produit des données fiables sur les expériences et appréciations des Africains relatives à la démocratie, à la gouvernance et à la qualité de vie. Dix rounds d’enquêtes ont été réalisés dans un maximum de 45 pays depuis 1999. Les enquêtes du Round 10 (2024/2025) couvrent 38 pays.

Les Partenaires Nationaux d’Afrobarometer réalisent des entretiens face-à-face dans la langue du répondant. Des échantillons nationaux de 1.200 à 2.400 donnent des résultats au niveau national avec des marges d’erreur de +/-2 à +/-3 points de pourcentage à un niveau de confiance de 95%.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afrobarometer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :
Hassana Diallo
Chargé des communications d’Afrobarometer pour l’Afrique francophone
Téléphone : +221 77 713 72 53
Email : hdiallo@afrobarometer.org
Visitez-nous sur www.Afrobarometer.org.

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World Press Freedom Day: Africans endorse media watchdog role, but perceptions of freedom are mixed

Source: APO – Report:

Most Africans are supportive of media holding government to account and favour press freedom over government regulation, the latest Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) Pan-Africa Profile (https://apo-opa.co/4ukNfS8) shows.

While support for a free press is a majority position in nearly all surveyed countries, substantial minorities in most countries – and a large majority in Mali – favour government control over what the media can publish.

The new report, based on 45,600 interviews across 38 African countries in 2024/2025, also shows that citizen assessments of whether media freedom is protected in their country are mixed. Only a slim majority see the media in their country as largely free, and that perception has declined slightly over the past half-decade.

The findings further suggest ambivalence: Support for media freedom is somewhat lower among respondents who perceive their country’s media as free than among those who see it as unfree.

Key findings

  • Most Africans (72%) support media playing a role in holding governments accountable (Figure 1).
    • Support for the media’s watchdog role is the majority position in every surveyed country, ranging above eight in 10 in Mauritius (86%), Nigeria (83%), Uganda (82%), Ghana (82%), Congo-Brazzaville (81%), and Chad (81%).
    • And even in countries where support for media reporting on government mistakes and corruption is relatively weak, such as Mozambique (58%), Angola (56%), and São Tomé and Príncipe (54%), only minorities prefer avoiding reporting on negative events.
  • Nearly two-thirds (65%) of citizens support media freedom, including majorities in all surveyed countries except Tanzania (49%) and Mali (27%) (Figure 2).
    • In several countries, support for media freedom exceeds three-fourths of the population, including Mauritius (86%), Seychelles (85%), Congo-Brazzaville (80%), Lesotho (77%), Chad (76%), and Botswana (76%).
  • Assessments of whether the media is free are mixed: 53% of respondents say the media in their country is largely free, but 43% see it as subject to censorship or government interference (Figure 3).
    • Perceptions of media freedom vary widely across Africa, from highs of 81% in Tanzania and 77% in Liberia and to just 28% in Comoros and 16% in Congo-Brazzaville.
  • Across 30 countries surveyed in both 2019/2021 and 2024/2025, perceptions that the media is free have declined by 4 percentage points (Figure 4).
    • The largest drops in the share of respondents who perceive the media as free were recorded in Guinea (-34 percentage points), Lesotho (-22 points), Nigeria    (-22 points), and Botswana (-20 points).
    • Over the same period, Liberia has seen an enormous 58-point jump in perceived press freedom, moving from the least free to the second-most free. Gabon (+24 points) and Zambia (+22 points) also recorded large gains.
  • People who see the media in their country as largely free are somewhat less likely to support media freedom than who see their media as unfree (63% vs. 69%) (Figure 5).

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s National Partners conduct face-to-face interviews with nationally representative samples of adults in the language of the respondent’s choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

– on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny
Director of communications
Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233243240933
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

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SARS salutes workers as new Commissioner begins term

Source: Government of South Africa

SARS salutes workers as new Commissioner begins term

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has marked Workers’ Day by paying tribute to South Africa’s workforce, while welcoming its new Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu.

Commissioner Makhubu has begun his term with a pledge to strengthen fairness, trust and institutional integrity.

In his first official statement, Makhubu said his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on the recommendation of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, carried significant responsibility at a time when the country depends heavily on an effective and trusted revenue authority.

He described Workers’ Day as a reminder that South Africa’s economy is built on the labour, resilience and sacrifice of its working people.

“Workers are the bedrock of our economy. Their effort sustains everything we do as a country,” he said, adding that SARS exists to transform that effort into public value through revenue collection that supports schools, infrastructure and economic opportunity.

Makhubu said his leadership approach would be grounded in stewardship rather than authority. 

“Leadership at SARS is not about power; it is about trust. That trust must be earned daily through fairness, consistency and humility in how we apply the law,” he said.

He stressed that SARS operates at the centre of South Africa’s social and economic contract, with a mandate to secure revenue, strengthen compliance and safeguard the integrity of the tax system. 

“We carry one of the most serious responsibilities in the state. That trust is not symbolic — it must be protected in every decision and every interaction,” he said.

The Commissioner paid tribute to the institution’s recent history of recovery and reform, crediting the leadership of former Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for restoring institutional stability and rebuilding public confidence after a turbulent period in the organisation’s past.

He said SARS enters this new phase with a strong global reputation as a modern, capable revenue authority. 

However, he cautioned that maintaining that standing would require continued discipline. 

A central feature of the new Commissioner’s agenda is an internal reform drive named “Doing Basics Right”, which focuses on strengthening core operational performance. The aim, he said, is to build a system where compliance becomes simpler and more intuitive, and where “the best service is no service” because processes are efficient and seamless.

Makhubu reaffirmed SARS’s commitment to tackling the country’s growing illicit economy, which continues to erode the tax base and distort legitimate competition. 

“SARS has developed its own Illicit Economy Strategy that will complement national efforts. The scale of the challenge is significant, and it demands coordinated and decisive action,” he said.

Another key pillar of his strategy is what he termed Modernisation 3.0, an expansion of SARS’s digital transformation agenda. The programme will deepen the use of data analytics, automation and digital platforms to improve service delivery and compliance monitoring.

However, he emphasised that technology alone would not be sufficient. 

“Modern systems must be matched with strong human capability. We will continue to invest in skills, training and professional excellence to ensure SARS remains at the forefront of tax administration globally,” he said.

Compliant taxpayers, he said, would be treated with clarity, respect and professionalism, with systems designed to reduce friction and make compliance easier.

At the same time, he issued a firm warning to those who deliberately evade tax obligations. 

“Those who choose not to comply, who abuse the system or undermine it for personal gain, should expect decisive enforcement action. A tax system only works when everyone contributes fairly,” he said.

He concluded by reflecting on the significance of Workers’ Day as both symbolic and practical in shaping SARS’s mission. 

“This day reminds us that institutions exist to serve people. Our task is to honour the work of South Africans by ensuring that the system they fund is fair, efficient and worthy of their trust,” he said.

SARS said it remains committed to strengthening service delivery, improving compliance systems and safeguarding South Africa’s revenue base as it enters a new phase of institutional leadership and reform. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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IEC ramps up preparations after Local Elections date confirmed

Source: Government of South Africa

IEC ramps up preparations after Local Elections date confirmed

The Electoral Commission of South Africa has welcomed the announcement of the date for the country’s upcoming Local Government Elections, describing it as a key milestone in preparations for the polls.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday confirmed 4 November 2026 as the day for South Africans to head to the polls.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the confirmation provides much-needed clarity for stakeholders and enables the Commission to intensify its operational planning. 

“The announcement of the election date provides clarity for all role players and certainty of planning for the Electoral Commission as we continue our work to deliver free and fair municipal elections,” Mamabolo said.

The Commission has urged all eligible South Africans to verify their voter registration status ahead of the elections. 

Citizens who are not yet registered, or who have recently moved, are encouraged to ensure they are registered in the voting district where they ordinarily reside. 

The IEC emphasised that voters may only cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.

The President’s announcement does not yet constitute the formal legal proclamation of the election date. 

In terms of the law, the official proclamation will be made by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, at which point the national voters’ roll will be closed.

The Commission has made its online registration platform https://registertovote.elections.org.za/ available via its official website, allowing users to register or update their details using a desktop computer or mobile phone. 

In addition, a national voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026, when citizens can register in person at the voting stations where they intend to vote.

The Commission has called on all eligible citizens to take advantage of these opportunities, verify their registration details early, and participate fully in shaping the future of their local communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Govt pays tribute to workers across the nation

Source: Government of South Africa

Govt pays tribute to workers across the nation

Government has extended its appreciation to workers across the nation as the country commemorates Workers’ Day on 1 May 2026.

Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa, has highlighted the critical role workers play in driving the country’s growth and development. 

In a statement on Friday, Mnukwa emphasised that Workers’ Day serves as a moment to recognise not only the economic contributions of employees, but also their ongoing efforts to build fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing decent work, protecting labour rights, and supporting job creation initiatives.

Mnukwa noted that workers across all sectors—especially those who continue to serve communities daily—remain central to the nation’s progress.

“We honour the dedication of workers across all sectors,” she said, adding that their service forms the backbone of the country’s social and economic development.

Workers’ Day, historically rooted in the global labour movement, remains a significant public holiday in South Africa, symbolising both the achievements of workers and the ongoing pursuit of improved working conditions.

The 2026 message aligns with broader national priorities, including inclusive economic growth and employment creation, as the country continues to address labour challenges while celebrating the resilience and contribution of its workforce. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Workers the “heartbeat of the economy”

Source: Government of South Africa

Workers the “heartbeat of the economy”

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has outlined government’s plans to expand economic opportunities, particularly for young people, as South Africa marks International Workers’ Day.

In a statement on Friday, the Minister paid tribute to workers across sectors, describing them as the “heartbeat of the economy” and central to the country’s democratic foundation. 

She said Workers’ Day serves not only as a celebration of past struggles, but as a commitment to ensuring that decent work becomes a reality for all South Africans.

The Minister announced that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work”, in honour of the 1976 youth and the upcoming golden jubilee of the uprising. 

She said government interventions, including Labour Activation Programmes (LAP), are being used to tackle unemployment nationwide.

According to Meth, nearly R3.4 billion in contracts has already been allocated to implementing partners across six provinces, benefiting more than 118 000 people. 

These efforts are aimed at expanding access to jobs and skills development.

“We are ensuring that the dignity of work is accessible to more South Africans than ever before,” she said.

Meth highlighted the ongoing enforcement of the National Minimum Wage and occupational health and safety standards, stressing that fair pay and safe working conditions are essential for productivity and economic growth.

On the legislative front, the Minister pointed to several reforms currently before Parliament. These include the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which seeks to modernise labour market regulation and address unemployment, particularly by managing the employment of foreign nationals.

She said the National Labour Migration Policy, approved by Cabinet, will work alongside the Bill to regulate foreign labour through quotas and sector-specific restrictions.

In addition, proposed labour law amendments aim to strengthen worker protections, improve enforcement mechanisms and expand rights for vulnerable groups. 

Among the changes is a new shared parental leave system, replacing existing maternity and parental leave frameworks with a more equitable model.

Meth noted that workers in sectors such as retail, security and hospitality remain particularly vulnerable due to irregular hours and unstable income, and said reforms are designed to address these challenges.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s broader priorities, including strengthening labour protections, expanding social security through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund, and accelerating job creation through partnerships with the private sector.

She referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of 10 000 labour inspectors, supported by an additional 20 000 inspector interns, to improve enforcement of labour laws and protect workers.

Meth urged organised labour, business and civil society to work together to advance economic growth and fairness in the labour market.

“We must act together as a united people,” she said, urging South Africans to continue building an inclusive and equitable labour market.

Meth wished workers a peaceful Workers’ Day, acknowledging their role in shaping the country’s future. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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Sonangol assume o patrocínio Esmeralda na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, à medida que Angola expande o seu portfólio de gás e de águas profundas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Sonangol, empresa petrolífera nacional de Angola, foi confirmada como Patrocinadora Esmeralda da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, reforçando a sua posição como um dos intervenientes energéticos integrados mais influentes do continente, numa altura de rápida expansão a montante e transformação a jusante.

O patrocínio surge num momento em que a Sonangol acelera uma campanha de investimento de vários milhares de milhões de dólares em exploração, produção, monetização de gás e infraestruturas de refinação, com vários projetos emblemáticos destinados a remodelar o panorama energético de Angola até 2030.

No centro desta expansão está a parceria contínua da Sonangol com operadores internacionais em grandes desenvolvimentos offshore. No Bloco 15/06, o Agogo Integrated West Hub – desenvolvido em conjunto com a Azule Energy e a Sinopec – entrou em produção em 2025, adicionando novos volumes significativos através dos campos de Agogo e Ndungu e reforçando o empenho de Angola em manter a produção acima de um milhão de barris por dia.

Outro desenvolvimento fundamental é o Projeto Kaminho Deepwater no Bloco 20/11, operado em conjunto com a TotalEnergies e a Petronas, que tem como objetivo a primeira produção de petróleo em 2028, com uma capacidade de produção estimada em cerca de 70 000 barris por dia. O projeto representa um passo fundamental para o desenvolvimento da Bacia do Cuanza, em Angola, e demonstra o papel contínuo da Sonangol em desenvolvimentos de grande escala em águas profundas.

Paralelamente, a Sonangol está a expandir o seu portfólio de gás através da sua participação no New Gas Consortium, o primeiro projeto de desenvolvimento de gás não associado de Angola. O campo de Quiluma alcançou recentemente a primeira produção de gás e espera-se que aumente para cerca de 330 milhões de pés cúbicos por dia no seu pico, fornecendo matéria-prima à fábrica de GNL de Angola e reforçando a posição do país como exportador de GNL a longo prazo.

A jusante, a Sonangol está a avançar com uma ambiciosa estratégia de expansão da refinação, destinada a reforçar a segurança do abastecimento de combustíveis e a retenção de valor. A Refinaria de Cabinda entrou na sua fase final de testes e colocação em serviço, prevendo-se que as operações aumentem de forma iminente após o arranque inicial e que as entregas de combustível comecem em 2026. Os projetos de longo prazo em Lobito e Soyo estão posicionados para expandir substancialmente a capacidade de refinação de Angola na próxima década.

Para além dos hidrocarbonetos, a Sonangol está também a aprofundar a sua diversificação para as energias renováveis e a energia integrada. Através de parcerias no domínio das energias renováveis, incluindo iniciativas solares como o Projeto Solar de Quilemba, no sul de Angola, desenvolvido com parceiros internacionais, a empresa está gradualmente a construir um portfólio multi-energético alinhado com os objetivos mais amplos de transição energética de Angola.

Financeiramente, a Sonangol também reforçou o seu balanço para apoiar esta expansão, garantindo uma linha de financiamento sindicado de 1,75 mil milhões de dólares no início de 2026 para apoiar as necessidades operacionais e de investimento de capital em todo o seu portfólio.

O papel da Sonangol como Patrocinadora Esmeralda da AEW 2026 surge, portanto, num momento crucial tanto para a empresa como para o setor energético de Angola. A parceria sublinha a intenção da empresa de se posicionar não só como campeã nacional, mas como líder energética continental, impulsionando o investimento, as parcerias e o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor.

«A Sonangol continua a demonstrar a importância estratégica das empresas petrolíferas nacionais africanas na definição do futuro energético do continente», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «A sua dinâmica de investimento em infraestruturas a montante, de gás e a jusante reflete um compromisso claro com a criação de valor a longo prazo, a segurança energética e o crescimento industrial em Angola e além-fronteiras.»

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Sonangol Takes Emerald Sponsorship at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Angola Expands Deepwater and Gas Portfolio

Source: APO – Report:

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Angola’s national oil company Sonangol has been confirmed as an Emerald Sponsor of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s most influential integrated energy players at a time of rapid upstream expansion and downstream transformation.

The sponsorship comes as Sonangol accelerates a multi-billion-dollar investment drive across exploration, production, gas monetization and refining infrastructure, with several flagship projects set to reshape Angola’s energy landscape through 2030.

At the heart of this expansion is Sonangol’s continued partnership with international operators on major offshore developments. In Block 15/06, the Agogo Integrated West Hub – developed alongside Azule Energy and Sinopec – reached production in 2025, adding significant new volumes through the Agogo and Ndungu fields and reinforcing Angola’s drive to sustain output above one million barrels per day.

Another cornerstone development is the Kaminho Deepwater Project in Block 20/11, operated with TotalEnergies and Petronas, which targets first oil in 2028 with an estimated production capacity of around 70,000 barrels per day. The project represents a key step in unlocking Angola’s Kwanza Basin frontier and demonstrates Sonangol’s continued role in large-scale deepwater developments.

In parallel, Sonangol is expanding its gas portfolio through its stake in the New Gas Consortium, Angola’s first non-associated gas development. The Quiluma field recently achieved first gas and is expected to ramp up to around 330 million cubic feet per day at plateau, supplying feedstock to the Angola LNG plant and reinforcing the country’s position as a long-term LNG exporter.

Downstream, Sonangol is advancing an ambitious refining expansion strategy aimed at strengthening fuel security and value retention. The Cabinda Refinery has entered its final testing and commissioning phase, with operations expected to ramp up imminently following initial start-up and fuel deliveries beginning in 2026. Long-term projects in Lobito and Soyo are positioned to substantially expand Angola’s refining capacity over the coming decade.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Sonangol is also deepening its diversification into renewables and integrated power. Through renewable energy partnerships, including solar initiatives such as the Quilemba Solar Project in southern Angola developed with international partners, the company is gradually building a multi-energy portfolio aligned with Angola’s broader energy transition goals.

Financially, Sonangol has also strengthened its balance sheet to support this expansion, securing a $1.75 billion syndicated financing facility in early 2026 to support operational and capital investment needs across its portfolio.

Sonangol’s role as Emerald Sponsor of AEW 2026 therefore comes at a pivotal moment for both the company and Angola’s energy sector. The partnership underscores the company’s intent to position itself not only as a national champion, but as a continental energy leader driving investment, partnerships, and infrastructure development across the value chain.

“Sonangol continues to demonstrate the strategic importance of African national oil companies in shaping the continent’s energy future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Its investment drive across upstream, gas and downstream infrastructure reflects a clear commitment to long-term value creation, energy security and industrial growth in Angola and beyond.”

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.