Angola won the gold medal for Best Pavilion Exterior Design at Expo Osaka 2025, which concludes this Monday in Japan.
At the closing ceremony, the Commissioner-General of the Angolan Pavilion, Albina Assis, emphasized that Expo Osaka was an opportunity to strengthen cordial relations between countries from different continents and a door to the world that opens to Africa.
The event served as a platform for promoting Angola’s culture, history, tourism, gastronomy, investment opportunities, and sustainable development.
According to the organization, the World Exhibition in Osaka, whose central theme was “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” exceeded expectations in terms of audience by receiving 28 million visitors from all over the world over 184 days.
Algeria and India took the second and third positions in the mentioned category.
The advantages of cooperation between Angola and Japan, as well as the results of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), are topics addressed in the October edition of the Japanese magazine Keidanren, in an article written by Angola’s Ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Coelho.
The diplomat’s text takes a look at TICAD as an important lever in the relations between Japan and the African continent, and between Angola and Japan, in particular.
Translated into Japanese and English, the article highlights the Angola-Japan relations which, next year, will reach 50 years, during which period the two countries have developed projects in various fields.
The diplomat recalls that, after achieving peace, Angola has benefited from Japan’s support in the development process, such as the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, capacity building of personnel, as well as investments in the health, agriculture, telecommunications, transport, science and technology, energy and water, fisheries sectors, among others.
She emphasizes the need for the two countries to continue working towards more comprehensive cooperation, advising Japan to take advantage of Angola’s economic potential, supporting the industrialization process through the attraction of investments.
Teodolinda Coelho expresses her desire for the cooperation between Angola and Japan to be extended to the areas of oil, gas, and mining.
She also wishes that the country becomes one of Japan’s main partners in the energy sector, taking advantage of the existence in Angola of strategic minerals important for the industry.
She also highlights how the discussions and results of TICAD-9 can impact the deepening and alignment of the structural projects emanating from the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aim to address the continent’s various challenges related to industrialization, inter-connectivity, and facilitating continental integration, making way for an economically developed Africa.
The Angolan Ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, was invited on Monday (August 4, 2025) to taste one of the most famous dishes of Angolan cuisine, chicken muamba with corn funge, prepared by Japanese chefs.
It was in the cafeteria of the Toyota Tsusho Corporation headquarters that, after several encounters with Angolan cuisine, the ambassador was asked to allow the chef of the Official Residence of Angola to train some Japanese chefs.
In a short time, the results were evident, and it was Toyota’s vice president, Ichiro Kashitani, who invited Ambassador Teodolinda da Cruz to taste and approve the typical Angolan dish, this time made by Japanese chefs.
The chicken muamba with corn funge made by the Japanese will continue to be the attraction at lunchtime at the Toyota Tsusho Corporation headquarters.
The diplomat was then introduced to the team in the same building in Tokyo that is implementing the Japanese government’s investment in the Port of Namibe on the southern coast of Angola.
Osaka, July 26, 2025—The Minister of State for Social Affairs, Maria do Rosário Bragança, arrived today (July 26, 2025) in Osaka, Japan, to attend ANGOLA NATIONAL DAY AT EXPO OSAKA-KANSAI2025.
At Kansai International Airport, the minister was welcomed by Angola’s ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Coelho, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Domingos Vieira Lopes, and Angola’s Commissioner General at the Expo, Albina Assis.
The Angolan delegation also includes the Secretary of State for Tourism, Augusto Kalikemala, and the Secretary of State for Hospital Affairs, Leonardo Europeu Inocêncio.
Angola celebrates its day at Expo Osaka on July 29 and will take the opportunity to promote its tourism potential with a view to attracting foreign investment, sharing experiences on the government’s strategy to combat malaria, and promoting national culture.
The event, which is being held under the slogan: “Projecting the Society of the Future
for Our Lives,” is a unique opportunity for the country to present the Executive’s vision for promoting sustainable development to more than 150 countries.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, July 26, 2025.
The Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Japan successfully held a screening of the film “Queen Njinga Mbandi” on Saturday, July 12th, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence. This event was organized in close collaboration with the Setagaya City Government and the Japan-Angola Friendship Association.
The event aimed to share the story of the resistance struggle against colonial occupation in Angolan territory. The film’s plot highlights the courage, diplomacy, and bravery of a figure considered one of the most emblematic in the history of Angola and the African continent.
More than 150 guests attended the event, including His Excellency Mr. Nobuto Hosaka, Mayor of Setagaya, Her Excellency Ms. Yumiko Akiyama, President of the Angola-Japan Association, and other Japanese dignitaries.
In the opening remarks, Her Excellency Ms. Teodolinda Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for promoting national culture and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Angola and Japan. She also highlighted Queen Njinga’s historical legacy as a figure of bravery, leadership, and female empowerment, who continues to inspire generations.
In a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a cinema, participants had the opportunity to taste Angolan coffee, which is already a favorite among the Japanese public.
The event concluded with guests sharing their impressions about the production, the historical value of the narrative, and its relevance today.
On May 31, the Ambassadors of Angola and Mozambique visited the School of Foreign Studies at Osaka University, Japan, as part of an event to commemorate the “50th Anniversary of the Independence of Portuguese-Speaking African Countries.” The two ambassadors were received by the Dean of the faculty, Professor Sayo Tsutsui. Angola’s Ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Coelho, emphasized the importance of accelerating university exchanges between the two countries to stimulate interest in and motivation to learn about African nations. In turn, Mozambique’s Ambassador-Designate to the Land of the Rising Sun, Alberto Paulo, invited students from the university’s Portuguese language program to the National Day ceremony at EXPO2025, which is being held in Osaka until October 13. Dean Tsutsui, as a researcher of Japanese language education worldwide, asked the two diplomats about their interest in the multi- and plurilingualism of these two African countries. After an hour-long reception, the two ambassadors participated in the event and delivered lectures to students and the general public.
Japanese University Holds Event to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of PALOPs’ Independence
On May 31, Osaka University in Japan organized an event titled “50th Anniversary of the Independence of Portuguese-Speaking African Countries.” Three diplomats were invited to give keynote speeches at this event: Angola’s Ambassador to Japan, Teodolinda Coelho; Mozambique’s Ambassador-Designate, Alberto Paulo; and former Honorary Consul, Kentaro Takano.
Also invited were three Japanese university professors whose research focuses on the Portuguese language. Professor Atsushi Ichinose from Sophia University (Tokyo), Professor Kei Aoki from Kansai University (Osaka), and Professor Hideyuki Kurita from Ehime University presented on their encounters with their target countries and their research topics, which are the Kriol language of Guinea-Bissau, the “morna” music of Cape Verde, and economic and agricultural cooperation in northern Mozambique, respectively.
Between the lectures by the diplomats and academics, students from the Portuguese Language Program at Osaka University’s School of Foreign Studies presented general information about the five countries to the public in both Japanese and Portuguese. Additionally, YéréYa Africandance Company, an African music and dance group, gave a vibrant performance that had the audience dancing along.
According to Shintaro Torigoe, an Associate Professor in the Portuguese Language Program and the event organizer, the objective is to “provide more general information and stimulate the interest of Japanese students and the public in these five countries.” He emphasized, “Japan and the African continent are physically and psychologically distant, and many Japanese only know Africa through uncertain and stereotypical information available on television. Furthermore, many are unaware of the existence of African countries whose official language is Portuguese. In this country [Japan], the Portuguese language is known as the ‘language of Brazil,’ and even students in Portuguese language courses at nine universities in Japan may not have the opportunity to study or even know the names of these countries. Therefore, I hope this event can cultivate more interest in African countries in Japan and help strengthen friendly ties with the five countries.”
Tokyo, On May 27th of the current year, Her Excellency Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Japan, participated in a dinner celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Africa Day. The event, held at the Imperial Hotel, was attended by His Excellency Fukushiro NUKAGA, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan; His Excellency Takeshi IWAYA, Minister of Foreign Affairs; prominent figures of Japanese politics; members of the Japan/Africa Parliamentary Friendship League; representatives of Japanese companies operating in the African market; and other dignitaries.
The commemorative Africa Day event featured a congratulatory message from His Excellency Shigeru ISHIBA, Prime Minister of Japan. In his message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts and progress achieved by African countries in implementing their long-term development agenda, with special emphasis on Agenda 2063, the vision for regional integration, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. He expressed his hope that Japan’s technological advancements could create innovative solutions leading to prosperity for both Japan and Africa, and extended an invitation to Member States to participate in the upcoming TICAD-9 summit, to be held in Yokohama.
Addressing those present, Her Excellency Ambassador Teodolinda Coelho recognized the African continent’s potential for attracting investments in infrastructure areas such as roads, railways, ports, airports, power stations, and telecommunications. She reiterated Angola’s commitment, as Chairperson of the African Union, to attracting investments, and announced the upcoming International Conference on Infrastructure Financing, scheduled to take place from October 13th to 14th in Luanda. This conference aims to mobilize resources and partnerships to drive structural progress across Africa.
The Africa Day event concluded with a performance by a cultural group comprising Japanese and African artists.
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA, Tokyo, June 4, 2025.
Speech by the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola
Your Excellency Mr. NUKAGA Fukushiro, Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Your Excellency Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan;
Distinguished Ministers and Representatives of the Japanese Government;
Honorable Members of the DIET and Representatives of Japan-Africa Parliamentary Friendship League;
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentleman
Minasama Kombanwa (Good evening)
It is with a high sense of honor and deep respect that I read this message on behalf of the government of Angola, the current Chairperson of the African Union.
Today, we celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Africa Day, with a deep historical symbolism of our continent, which focuses on the promotion of effective global governance and regional integration by ensuring peace, security, stability and sustainable development.
Excellencies,
The potential of Africa, a continent known internationally for its vast natural and mineral resources; its cultural diversity and its ancestral values, marked by a unique young demographic growth, with its human resources, become an attractive place for future investments that could contribute to the creation of a regional hub for the development of the world.
Today Africa faces some significant challenges related to peace and security, and also to the lack of investment and cheap financing to tackle asymmetries in infrastructure projects: – such as roads, railways, ports, airports, power stations, telecommunications structures and others.
Those issues need the support of international partners, especially those of the G-7 nations, of which Japan is an integral and primary partner.
Excellencies,
This year, the theme adopted by African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, and this topic invites us to a reflection on the justice that should exist on our continent.
In the framework of justice, Africa countries are defending the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the allocation of a Permanent and non-Permanent seats for Africa, with the right of veto (in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration), and for this, we count on the support of Japan.
Additionally, new international financial architecture is necessary to guarantee greater funding that supports our continent development, especially in critical areas such as infrastructure to safeguard our regional integration.
Excellencies,
Since taking over the rotating Presidency of the African Union, the Republic of Angola has been committed to promoting policies that favor industrialization, economic growth and intra-African connectivity.
For this reason, Angola will be organizing an International Conference on Infrastructure Financing from 13 to 14 October this year in Luanda, with the aim on mobilizing resources and partnerships that will boost structural progress in Africa, and we welcome participation of important partners including Japan.
On the same vein, it is important to refer that on May 14 (Fourteenth )this year, H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola in His capacity as the President of the African Union, chaired a meeting with the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), to discuss the idea of creating an African Development Fund, that focused on the available mechanisms for the operationalization of the Funds in accordance with the implementation of the Agenda 2063 of the AU.
Excellencies,
This year in August, the city of Yokohama will receive African leaders who will participate in the TICAD-9 Summit, with the main aim on securing partnerships with Japan, and with their focuses on investments in critical areas, namely industry, infrastructure, technological advancement and connectivity.
Dear Minister IWAYA
Angola, as the co-chair of TICAD-9, is looking forward to continuing to work with Japan and to attracting more African companies to collaborate with Japanese enterprises. We hope that the co-creation motto can create a conducing environment for business and partnerships that contributes to the development of Japan and Africa.
On this auspicious day, we call on everyone to be integral part of strengthening cooperation between Japan and Africa.
The time is now, and let’s role together towards development.
Thank you for your attention. Arigato gozaimasu Muito Obrigada
As part of their commitment and active participation in initiatives to include women in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, they were honorably appointed to lead the Angolan delegation of five representatives at the Women in Tech Global Summit 2025. This highly prestigious event will take place from April 23 to 25, 2025, in the city of Osaka, Japan, in the context of the Osaka World Expo 2025.
PRESS RELEASE ANGOLA PARTICIPATES IN THE OPENING SESSION OF EXPO OSAKA-KANSAI
Osaka, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the Expo Osaka Kansai was officially opened in a ceremony attended by Their Majesties Emperor NARUHITO and Empress MASAKO, Honorary President of the Exhibition Crown Prince AKISHINO and Crown Princess KIKO, as well as other guests, such as the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Shigeru ISHIBA, the Commissioners of the participating countries of the Expo, the Diplomatic Corps, and local entities.
The opening session of the Osaka International Exhibition was held at the Shining Hat hall, on Yumeshima Island located in Osaka Bay, and was dedicated to the theme “Designing the future society for our lives,” a slogan that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Agenda 2030.
The Angolan Delegation was represented by H.E. Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan, H.E. Eng. Albina Assis Africano, Commissioner-General of Angola for Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, and H.E. Eng. Neuza Janayna Félix Dias dos Santos, Deputy Commissioner-General of Angola, with the session hosting over 1,550 guests and exhibitors.
According to the event organizers, Expo Osaka will feature the participation of 158 countries and exhibitors from various regions of the world this year, and will run for 6 months, potentially attracting around 30 million visitors (according to the organization), with expected economic benefits of around 2.9 trillion Yen (1$ = ¥144). Expo visitors will be able to learn about the development profile of different countries, as well as their economic and social levels, tourism potential, and the various value chains linked to cultural and recreational industries, without forgetting the contributions of science and technology in a transforming world.
Angola’s participation in Expo Osaka 2025 comes at an important time in our history, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence, thus constituting an important milestone for the dissemination of culture, history, as well as economic diplomacy, demonstrating our country’s commitment to economic development and technological advancement.
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN, Tokyo, April 12, 2025.
