Angola wants partnerships with India to develop the pharmaceutical industry.

Image Credit: Notícias ao Minuto

João Lourenço addressed attendees in New Delhi at the Angola-India Business Forum following a two-day state visit to India.

The Angolan President emphasized India’s position as a global leader in the production of generic pharmaceuticals. He expressed Angola’s interest in developing partnerships to establish pharmaceutical units within the country, aiming to strengthen the national healthcare system, reduce imports, and create qualified jobs.

João Lourenço identified agriculture as another sector offering exceptional opportunities for investment and technology transfer. He highlighted India’s expertise in agricultural mechanization, agro-industry, and food production, making it an ideal partner to transform Angola’s agricultural sector into an economic pillar.

He reinforced, “The promotion of joint ventures between companies from both countries can accelerate this process and generate sustainable and inclusive value chains.”

The Angolan head of state also cited energy as a sector of significant interest, including both hydrocarbons and renewable energies, with a particular focus on solar energy.

“Angola’s commitment to energy transition is clear, and India, with its technical expertise and accessible solutions, could play a catalytic role in expanding clean energy projects, especially in rural areas, enhancing energy access and contributing to more balanced territorial development,” João Lourenço noted.

He further emphasized Angola’s strategic position at the heart of Southern Africa, with privileged access to regional markets such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area, comprising over 1.3 billion consumers.

“This positioning, coupled with political stability, increasing infrastructure modernization, and firm commitment to regional economic integration, allows our country to establish itself as a logistical and industrial hub of excellence for Indian companies looking to expand their operations in Africa,” he stated to the business community.

João Lourenço also discussed investments in transport and logistics infrastructure, highlighting projects like the Lobito Corridor, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the continent’s interior, crossing the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, extending to Tanzania’s ports on the Indian Ocean.

“We invite Indian entrepreneurs to explore these logistical opportunities that could place Angola at the center of export strategies for Africa and the world,” he encouraged.

The Angolan President mentioned ongoing negotiations for new cooperation mechanisms in information technology, agriculture, construction, and trade, supplementing existing agreements and facilitating the entry of Indian companies into Angola’s priority economic sectors, paving the way for high economic and social impact joint projects.

João Lourenço’s visit was marked by high-level meetings in New Delhi with the Prime Minister and President of India, as well as audiences with Indian entities related to business and government policy.

Angola and India will celebrate forty years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

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