The Angolan Executive, in partnership with the World Bank, is promoting the Inaugural Coordination Meeting on the Lobito Corridor this Thursday in Luanda.

JA Online Tuesday, February 3, 2026

According to a press release sent to JA Online, this high-level meeting marks the formal launch of a new and robust regional coordination mechanism, designed to accelerate the development of this strategic corridor that connects the interior of the African continent to global markets.

The event will bring together high-ranking government officials from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, along with the top leadership of multilateral and bilateral organizations, financial institutions, and international development partners.

The statement further clarifies that this broad participation underscores the consensus and collective commitment to the Corridor’s strategic importance.

The main objective of the meeting is to align strategic priorities and strengthen coordination between the three African countries and their technical and financial partners.

The agenda will focus on accelerating the implementation of structural projects in vital areas such as rail transport and integrated logistics, trade facilitation and infrastructure modernization, sustainable energy, development of agricultural and mineral value chains, and the promotion of economic and social development along the corridor.

Recognized as one of the most promising logistical and economic platforms in Southern and Central Africa, the Lobito Corridor plays an increasingly crucial role in the continent’s economic connectivity. This inaugural meeting is expected to usher in a new era of joint, more structured, and regular work, aimed at transforming the Lobito Corridor into a true engine for regional integration, attraction of private investment, and the creation of economic and employment opportunities for the region.

The Lobito Corridor is a strategic multimodal infrastructure that extends from the Port of Lobito in Angola, crossing the country and connecting to the transport networks of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Its development is seen as fundamental to unlocking the economic potential of the interior of Central and Southern Africa, facilitating access to international markets and promoting intra-regional trade.

Source: Jornal de Angola

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Today, the Council of Ministers reviewed the Presidential Decree authorizing the creation of Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Corredor do Lobito, S.A., a public company based in the municipality of Lobito, Benguela.

JA Online
Wednesday, January 28, 2026

This company will be responsible for the administration, coordination, supervision, and promotion of economic development activities and initiatives in the Lobito Corridor, according to the Angolan Government Portal.

According to the document, the creation of this company aims to establish the necessary conditions to transform the Lobito Corridor into an effective corridor for economic development, acting as a catalyst for attracting and implementing strategic investments in sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and services, which are essential for the development of domestic and regional trade.

The initiative also aims to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in relation to neighbouring countries, promote job creation, encourage the transfer of knowledge and technology, and improve Angola’s position in the global market.

Font: TPA

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TAAG – Airlines of Angola was awarded the prestigious “Supported Finance Deal of the Year” award for its robustness and solid risk coverage in structuring financing for the incorporation of new aircraft and equipment into its fleet.

JA Online
Wednesday, January 28, 2026

In a press release sent to Jornal de Angola Online, TAAG stated that the award ceremony took place as part of the “Aviation 100 Global Leaders Awards,” presented during the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers conference held on the 26th of this month in Dublin, the capital of Ireland.

According to the company, the award specifically refers to the financing of two Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, already in operation, a spare GE Genx-1 engine, and a GE Aerospace propeller.

The transaction stood out for its multi-layered guarantee structure, which included: Renowned Partnerships: Strategic collaboration with J.P. Morgan (Mandated Lead Arranger), Afreximbank, and US EXIM Bank.

Font: TPA

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Angola has been named by National Geographic as one of the destinations to visit in 2026, competing in the “Best International Destination” category, among 98 finalists, spread across 14 categories, alongside countries with strong global tourism projection.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Wednesday, January 28 Voting is open to the public until February 22 this year, and every vote counts to boost Angola’s ranking among the destinations that inspire the world to travel.

According to a post by the Ministry of Tourism on Facebook, the nomination is based on criteria such as rich biodiversity, unique natural landscapes, cultural diversity, the authenticity of its people, as well as its historical and cultural heritage, which make Angola a unique and still largely unexplored destination on the global tourist circuit.

“Beyond international recognition, this designation provides a strategic opportunity to raise Angola’s profile in major international markets and consolidate its position as a tourism hub in Africa and the world,” according to a publication referenced by Jornal de Angola Online.

Font: TPA

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1950 – 2025

This digital Book of Condolences is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, a distinguished statesman who served as the former Prime Minister, former Vice-President of the Republic of Angola, and former President of the National Assembly.

We invite you to share your tributes, messages of sympathy, and reflections on his life and enduring legacy.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE OF HIS EXCELLENCY FERNANDO DA PIEDADE DIAS DOS SANTOS

Born in Luanda on March 5, 1950, to parents who immigrated from São Tomé and Príncipe. A law graduate from Agostinho Neto University, he was a lawyer, politician, Commander of the National Police, Prime Minister, Vice-President of the Republic, and President of the National Assembly, continuing his political career until the time of his passing.

PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL CAREER

In 1971, he joined the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola  MPLA), becoming a combatant for the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA). Following Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975, he began his career in the People’s Police Corps of Angola, becoming Head of Department in 1978.

In 1982, he was appointed General Commander of the National Police, a position he held until 1985. During the same period, he served as a leader of the Grupo Desportivo Interclube.

In 1986, he was elected to positions of trust within the MPLA and was commissioned as a Colonel in the Armed Forces. The following year, he became a member of the People’s Assembly.

He served as Vice-Minister of the Interior, concurrently holding the position of Head of the Information Services (SINFO).

From 1999 to 2002, he held the office of Minister of the Interior.

In November 2002, he was appointed to the position of Prime Minister.

On February 5, 2010, with the entry into force of the new Constitutional Law in Angola, in which the position of Prime Minister was abolished, he became the Vice-President of the Republic of Angola.

In 2012, following the MPLA’s victory in the general elections, he was succeeded as Vice-President by Manuel Domingos Vicente. Between 2012 and 2022, he held the office of President of the National Assembly of Angola.

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December 3, 2025

Lauriela Martins, who represented Angola in the 63rd edition of the Miss International 2025 International Beauty Pageant, held on November 27 in Tokyo, paid a courtesy visit to the Angolan Embassy in Japan today.

She was received by Ambassador Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho and her staff, who, since Lauriela Martins’ arrival, have activated all the necessary mechanisms to ensure the deserved protocol support.

The event, which took place at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium last week, was attended by 80 contestants. Lauriela Martins was one of the 20 semifinalists and, for the first time, in an important milestone for Angolan diplomacy, Ambassador Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho was part of the jury.

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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES

Tokyo (Japan), November 28, 2025 –

Angola was present at the 63rd edition of the Miss International 2025 beauty pageant, held on Thursday, November 27, at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo.

Among 80 participants from all over the world, representing beauty, intelligence, and charm, the Angolan representative Lauriela Martins reached the 20 semifinalists. The contest was won by Catalina Duque Abreu from Colombia, succeeding Huỳnh Thị Thanh Thủy from Vietnam, who handed over the crown.

The subsequent positions were: Yollanda Chimbarami (Zimbabwe), Paola Guzmán Sánchez (Bolivia), Melliza Xaviera Yulian (Indonesia), and Myrna Esguerra (Philippines).

During the preliminary phase, Lauriela Martins was praised for her elegance in the evening gown segment. For the national costume presentation, she showcased an ensemble inspired by the Bakama, a traditional culture from Cabinda province, highlighting the Angolan cultural heritage.

Angola’s participation also had a diplomatic milestone: the Angolan Ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, was invited to join the contest jury, a first for the country.

Miss International is one of the three major beauty pageants in the world, alongside Miss World and Miss Universe, with the unique characteristic of emphasizing cultural exchange, friendship, and social contribution, promoting understanding between nations and world peace. In the weeks leading up to the final gala, the contestants participated in cultural and social activities in various regions of Japan.

INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES, EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, November 27, 2025.

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REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES

November 22, 2025 –

The Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Japan held a sports event this Saturday, November 22, marking the conclusion of the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of national independence, observed on November 11.

The football match, played at the J&S Field in Setagaya Kyuden, involved a team from the Angolan community residing in Japan and a mixed team of Japanese players, in an atmosphere of camaraderie and the strengthening of friendship ties between the nations.

The match ended in a two-all draw in regular time (with goals scored by Ryoma and Sato for Japan, and Jesus and Jordão for Angola). The Angolan team then won 3–1 in the penalty shootout.

During the event, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, highlighted the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and cooperation that characterizes the relations between Angola and Japan, underscoring the importance of the active participation of the Angolan diaspora in the national celebrations.

The event was honored by the presence of the Director General of the Cultural and Civic Department of Setagaya City, Kenkichi Watanabe, and the President of the Angola-Japan Friendship Association, Yumiko Akiyama.

The Embassy thanks the Angolan community and all Japanese partners who contributed to the success of this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to continuing to promote activities that strengthen the cultural, social, and sporting ties between both countries.

INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES, EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, November 22, 2025.

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