Infrastructure. Foundations of nation building
Constructing an efficient infrastructure is a precondition to socio-economic development, which the government is determined to achieve with the aid of private investment, especially from abroad

Modernized Road, rail, air, and maritime transportation systems are being put in place, allowing trade to grow

Three decades of war have had their inevitable impact on Angola’s transportation systems. Roads and railways have been seriously damaged; ports have become run-down and antiquated; bridges have been destroyed or rendered useless. Many destinations within the country are accessible only by air. During the war, in fact, air transport was the only way of getting around. “We kept our diamond industries working, transporting everything for them by plane. We supported the populations of different regions via airlines,” says André Luis Brandão, the Minister of Transport.

The Ministry’s role has only grown in importance since then. It has established two principal lines of action to put the country back on its feet. Firstly, there is a specific focus on repairing and renewing the railways and relevant studies have already been undertaken with the help of World Bank funding. Secondly, a general rehabilitation and modernization of the country’s entire infrastructure, from railways to ports, roads, bridges, and airports.

All this is going to take time and, of course, money. While the government has made reconstruction a priority, private investment is also called for, especially from abroad. “We particularly like to see the Americans operating in what they do well: building infrastructures with great capacities,” says the Minister.

ANDRÉ LUIS BRANDAO Minister of Transport

The improvement of regional and international trade is one of the main reasons for embarking on such wide-spread restructuring. “We’re trying to develop specific and useful infrastructures to match the needs of the South African Development Community (SADC) and Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS),” says Mr. Brandão. The country’s port facilities also aim to play a major role in the SADC region by improving import and export capabilities, particularly for Angola’s landlocked neighbours.

Secil Maritima, the government’s flagship maritime company, has many plans for Angola’s continued development. New transport projects include passenger and merchandise traffic up and down the coast, and the service of goods transportation to Cabinda province. A ferry service between the enclave and neighbouring Congo is also in the pipeline.

As a state company, Secil Maritima wants to commence international maritime transport for all goods imported by the state, but it is also open to the private market should there be demand. It has already received proposals from U.S. companies in the oil sector to provide maritime logistics and operation of services to offshore facilities. Trade prospects also mean that US firms are seen as advantageous partners. “We still think it preferable to strengthen our relationships with American companies,” says Amélia Rita, Secil Maritima’s General Director.