Latest news with #JoaoLourenco
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Minister Diamantino Azevedo Awarded Medal for Peace and Energy Leadership as Angola Charts Bold Energy Future
In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to peace, development and the advancement of Angola's oil and gas industry, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, has been awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 50 th Anniversary of National Independence in the Peace and Development Class by Angola's President João Lourenço. As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( strongly supports the honor bestowed upon Minister Azevedo, whose visionary leadership has catalyzed a new era of investment and growth in Angola's energy sector. As an advocate for enabling African energy success through policy reform, infrastructure reform and global investment, the AEC applauds Minister Azevedo for his bold agenda to transform Angola into a regional petroleum hub. Under his guidance, the country has rolled out game-changing initiatives including a $60 billion upstream investment drive, a multi-phase refinery rollout, licensing reforms and development of an upcoming Gas Master Plan (GMP). Minister Azevedo's leadership has ushered in a 2025-2028 project pipeline that is expected to significantly boost production and catalyze cross-sector development. Key initiatives include the Cabinda Refinery – set to start operations in 2025 with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day – as well as the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development and Kaminho Deepwater Project, both on track for 2026 and 2028, respectively. Angola is also advancing its first-ever non-associated gas project through the New Gas Consortium, expected to launch in 2026. At the same time, frontier exploration will begin in the Etosha-Okavango basin, while independent oil companies target new opportunities in the onshore Kwanza basin. These developments are supported by a new licensing round in 2025, which will offer 10 offshore blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins, highlighting Angola's drive to open new acreage and attract further investment. Since Angola launched its six-year licensing round in 2019, the country has awarded 41 concessions to a mix of international and regional companies. At the same time, new opportunities in marginal fields have opened doors for smaller independent operators to enter the market. Currently, five marginal fields are available, with prospects in Blocks 4, 14, 15 and 18. To further boost investment, the government introduced a permanent offer program and launched the Incremental Production Initiative in 2024 – designed to encourage reinvestment in mature fields. The initiative is already showing results, with energy major ExxonMobil announcing a new discovery at the Likembe-01 well, the first under the program. As the country works to diversify its energy mix, the AEC strongly supports the forthcoming launch of Angola's GMP, a 30-year strategy that aims to create a competitive domestic gas market. the GMP is expected to provide clear policy direction for investors while linking upstream projects to local value chains. Meanwhile, Minister Azevedo is also leading the push to extend Angola's licensing strategy beyond 2026, offering new opportunities for both frontier and onshore developments. As Angola hosts the Angola Oil&Gas 2025 conference in Luanda this September, Minister Azevedo will deliver a keynote address and participate in a high-level Fireside Chat – outlining the government's vision for transforming Angola into a globally competitive energy economy. Taking place on the eve of the country's golden jubilee, the event will explore the role oil and gas has played over the past five decades, while charting a future defined by policy certainty, youth- and women-led innovation, infrastructure growth and regional integration. 'Minister Azevedo has consistently demonstrated that energy development is a pathway to peace, progress and shared prosperity. The Chamber sees the medal not only as a personal honor, but as a symbol of what energy leadership can accomplish when tied to national development. We congratulate Minister Azevedo on this well-deserved recognition and remain committed to working alongside Angola to build the next 50 years of hydrocarbon success,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union Chairperson appoints H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, as his Special Envoy for the Sahel region
The Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, is pleased to announce the appointment of H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, as his Special Envoy for the Sahel region. The Chairperson of the African Union is most grateful to H.E President Évariste Ndayishimiye for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union. President Ndayishimiye will spearhead the renewed African Union's high level diplomatic support and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the prevailing security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel. The Special Envoy's mandate covers intensifying engagements with the governmental authorities, opinion leaders, regional actors and organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to foster dialogue, build consensus, and promote comprehensive strategies towards durable peace and stability within the Sahel region. President Ndayishimiye brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of resolute commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration and cooperation. The appointment reflects the African Union's steadfast commitment to supporting peacebuilding and regional cooperation in one of Africa's most critical regions. The Chairperson of the African Union has expressed full confidence in President Ndayishimiye's ability to advance the Union's vision through his distinguished leadership and deep understanding of the continent's complex dynamics. In effect, this appointment is to foster the African Union's drive to permanently silence the guns and promote peace, security, stability, and political dialogue in the Sahel region. The Chairperson of the African Union therefore calls on the AU Commission, the AU Mission in the Sahel (MISAHEL); all stakeholders and the international community to extend support to the Special Envoy, who is expected to immediately commence his engagements in the region. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Duke of Sussex visits Angola in support of landmine clearance charity
The Duke of Sussex has visited Angola and attended a discussion with the country's president on removing landmines, a charity he is patron of has said. Landmine clearance charity the Halo Trust said that during the meeting President Joao Lourenco 'expressed his intention to continue to support our work'. In 2019, Harry donned body armour and a protective visor while setting off a controlled explosion in a partially cleared minefield similar to one visited by his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. He was highlighting the ongoing threat of the munitions in Angola, the same nation his mother visited in 1997 to urge the world to ban the weapons. Just months before she died in a car crash, Diana, wearing a protective visor and vest, walked through a minefield being cleared by the Halo Trust in the south-west African country. James Cowan, chief executive of the charity, said: 'It was an honour to have an audience with His Excellency President Lourenco today alongside Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to discuss Halo's continued demining efforts in Angola. 'We thanked him for his extraordinary dedication to and investment in the vision of a mine-free country, and he expressed his intention to continue to support our work with a further significant contract for the next three years. 'Our partnership is strengthened and renewed, and we are grateful to President Lourenco for his leadership on this critical issue.' During his 2019 trip, the Duke of Sussex delivered a call to action to help rid the world of landmines. He said Angola's continued problem with the buried munitions would likely have been solved if his mother had lived. Diana spoke out against the sale and use of landmines and famously called for an international ban on them during her 1997 trip. She strode through a cleared path in a Huambo minefield, and the images of her in body armour and a mask gave the anti-landmine campaign global recognition.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Angola: Mass protests over rising prices
President Joao Lourenco (Image: AP) Anti-government protests in the Angolan capital Luanda on July 12 were met with a harsh crackdown, resulting in injuries and arrests. "We recorded several injuries, some serious and requiring medical attention," Adilson Manuel, an activist and one of the organizers, told DW. "In addition to the injured, there were also arrests. One protester remains in police custody without a clear reason. He is currently held at the Nova Vida police station and will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office for questioning." The protests began peacefully in Sao Paulo Square, a neighbourhood in Luanda. Hundreds of citizens — activists, civil society members, taxi drivers, vendors, students and opposition party members — joined a march organized by a social movement against a government decree that raised fuel prices. Chants filled the air, including the national anthem and improvised songs such as "First Angolan, second Angolan, always Angolan." Protesters criticized the ruling MPLA party, carrying signs with slogans like "MPLA drank all the oil," "We're tired of eating from the trash," and "The country is good, but the MPLA is no good." The MPLA, or People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola party, has governed Angola continuously since its independence 50 years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Rising prices push Angolans to the limit Taxi fares increased to 300 kwanzas per trip ($0.33, €0.28), and urban bus fares rose to 200 kwanzas on July 7. This followed a fuel price increase from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter three days earlier in the country that is one of Africa's largest oil producers. In recent years, Angola has cut fuel subsidies, also under pressure from the International Monetary Fund , over the burden it was putting on the state budgets. Though Angola has some of the cheapest gasoline prices in the world even after the removal of the subsidies, street vendors and taxi drivers have borne the brunt of the price hikes, sparking frequent protests. However, rising fuel prices are not the only critical issue for many Angolans. Just weeks ago, students mobilized to protest government policies. Schools lack basic necessities such as chairs, desks and toilets. A new youth movement called the "Movimento dos Estudantes Angolanos" (MEA) organized protests and strikes, accusing President Joao Lourenco's government of ignoring youth concerns. Instead of addressing their needs, the government recently raised university tuition fees. The young protesters warned: "Either the government changes the situation, or it will be overthrown." Broader discontent with ruling party Also, during the latest protests over fuel prices, many voiced frustrations against Lourenco and the ruling MPLA party. Protesters marching to Largo da Maianga, near the National Assembly, were blocked by police at Primeiro de Maio and Largo da Independencia squares. "Please help us. We are hungry, the whole country is hungry, but our president is not paying attention to this situation," Agostinho Kipanda, one of the protesters, told a DW reporter. Despite police repression, organizers have announced plans for further protests. Activist Laura Macedo is calling on citizens to stay home as a form of peaceful resistance. "Please, let's make an effort. Nobody leaves the house. Let's show our discontent while we prepare the next march for Saturday," Macedo said. The protest leaders have vowed to continue until the government reverses its decision to increase fuel prices. The government claims that the opposition is manipulating the various protest movements. Angola's next elections are scheduled for 2027, and President Lourenco is not eligible to seek a third term.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Duke of Sussex visits Angola in support of landmine clearance charity
The Duke of Sussex has visited Angola and attended a discussion with the country's president on removing landmines, a charity he is patron of has said. Landmine clearance charity the Halo Trust said that during the meeting President Joao Lourenco 'expressed his intention to continue to support our work'. In 2019, Harry donned body armour and a protective visor while setting off a controlled explosion in a partially cleared minefield similar to one visited by his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. He was highlighting the ongoing threat of the munitions in Angola, the same nation his mother visited in 1997 to urge the world to ban the weapons. Just months before she died in a car crash, Diana, wearing a protective visor and vest, walked through a minefield being cleared by the Halo Trust in the south-west African country. James Cowan, chief executive of the charity, said: 'It was an honour to have an audience with His Excellency President Lourenco today alongside Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to discuss Halo's continued demining efforts in Angola. 'We thanked him for his extraordinary dedication to and investment in the vision of a mine-free country, and he expressed his intention to continue to support our work with a further significant contract for the next three years. 'Our partnership is strengthened and renewed, and we are grateful to President Lourenco for his leadership on this critical issue.' During his 2019 trip, the Duke of Sussex delivered a call to action to help rid the world of landmines. He said Angola's continued problem with the buried munitions would likely have been solved if his mother had lived. Diana spoke out against the sale and use of landmines and famously called for an international ban on them during her 1997 trip. She strode through a cleared path in a Huambo minefield, and the images of her in body armour and a mask gave the anti-landmine campaign global recognition.
