May 1, 2026
As part of the commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Angola and Japan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, His Excellency Toshimitsu Motegi, undertook an official visit to Luanda within the framework of a tour covering four African countries from 29 April to 6 May.
During his stay in Angola, the Japanese Minister was received in audience by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço, at the Presidential Palace in Cidade Alta.
Strengthening bilateral relations
During the meeting, the Angolan Head of State expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued support to Angola, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, health, and demining, within the framework of cooperation developed through the JICA and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
President João Lourenço also reiterated Angola’s readiness to further deepen and diversify bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on strengthening economic relations and increasing private investment.
In turn, Minister Toshimitsu Motegi conveyed condolences for the recent floods in Benguela Province and expressed appreciation for Angola’s role as co-chair of TICAD 9. The Japanese Minister also underscored the importance of a free, open, and rules-based international order, in the context of Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) initiative.
Economic cooperation and investment
Both parties reaffirmed their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and oil, areas in which Angola holds significant potential.
They also highlighted the importance of encouraging Japanese companies to participate in Angola’s crude oil trade and of reinforcing the implementation of the Bilateral Investment Agreement in force since 2024.
The Japanese Minister further noted the growing interest of Japan’s private sector in the Angolan market, referring to recent initiatives such as the issuance of Samurai Bonds and investment projects in infrastructure and natural resources.
Institutional cooperation and sustainable development
During the visit, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs also held working meetings with Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Téte António, and the Minister of State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano.
These discussions addressed cooperation opportunities in agriculture, public health, human capital development, and infrastructure, including ongoing flagship projects in Angola.
Future prospects
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening a mutually beneficial partnership based on trust, respect, and sustainable development.
Japan reiterated its intention to continue supporting Angola’s industrialisation process and productive sectors, while Angola expressed its commitment to creating favourable conditions for investment and economic cooperation.
This visit forms part of broader efforts to deepen Africa–Asia relations and contributes to strengthening the strategic partnership between Angola and Japan ahead of the next TICAD edition.
