Lula’s milestone visit to Angola: strengthening relations and honoring shared history with sister nation

On Friday, 25th August, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will arrive for a two-day official visit in Luanda, Angola.

This marks his first trip during the current term and third since 2003. The visit follows his participation in the BRICS Summit held in South Africa.

Angola and Brazil, both former Portuguese colonies, share a similar history and both speak Portuguese.

With US$1.24 billion, Angola leads as Brazil’s top African investment destination, surpassing South Africa, which received US$103 million in 2021, based on recent data from Brazil’s Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex).

During his stay, President Lula has scheduled bilateral meetings with Angola’s President, João Manuel Lourenço.

These discussions aim to foster collaboration and include an extensive session involving delegates from both nations.

The two governments plan to sign cooperation agreements in agriculture, data processing, support for SMEs, health, and education.

Furthermore, Lula will address the Angolan National Assembly and attend a seminar with business representatives from both countries.

This seminar expects the presence of around 60 Brazilian business representatives from sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, aviation, and agricultural machinery.

On Saturday, Lula will visit the Guimarães Rosa Institute in Luanda, an initiative by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promoting Brazilian culture globally.

He’ll also be part of the inauguration of the Ovídeo de Melo Gallery, commemorating the Brazilian ambassador in Luanda in 1975 when Brazil became the first to recognize Angola’s independence.

On Sunday, President Lula will head to São Tomé, the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe, for the 14th Conference of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

Collaboration-wise, Angola holds a unique strategic partnership with Brazil, established in 2010 during Lula’s second term.

Seven cooperative projects are in progress, with more being discussed in health and education.

Brazil has been instrumental in the Cunene Valley Development Program in southern Angola, aiming to enhance local agriculture, especially in drought-stricken areas.