The European Union (EU) formalized today in Luanda, Angola, a series of agreements under the 4th Call for Proposals of the European Union-Angola Dialogues Programme, an initiative launched in 2019 that aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote sustainable development and improve the effectiveness of public policies in priority areas.

Ten actions were approved, out of a total of 10 applications received, according to the EU ambassador to Angola, Rosário Bento Pais, highlighting that the selected projects cover topics such as economic growth, agro-industrial development, transport, energy, climate change, science and human rights, with a strong emphasis on the Lobito Corridor region.

European support is part of the Global Gateway strategy, which provides for the mobilization of public and private financing in priority economic corridors in Africa, with Lobito being one of the most important.

“Our objective is to view the Lobito Corridor as a true economic corridor, diversifying the economy and creating jobs for young people ,” stated the European official.

Rosário Bento Pais highlighted that many of the new Actions will be linked to projects already underway in the agricultural value chains, renewable energy, fisheries, circular economy and local administration, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and boosting the economy of the south-central region of Angola.

Each action of the European Union-Angola Dialogues programme is led by an Angolan institution in partnership with a European counterpart.

Activities include the development of studies, workshops, technical exchanges, and institutional capacity building, all funded by non-refundable grants. Since the program's inception, more than 15 dialogue initiatives have been launched, involving over 40 institutions and approximately four thousand participants.

Among the results already obtained, 12 technical studies, eight good practice seminars and 78 training initiatives stand out, with 90% of beneficiaries reporting improved knowledge.

The EU's multi-annual programme for Angola (2021–2027) provides over €400 million in grants, focusing on three priority areas: human capital, economic diversification and good governance.

In her speech, Rosário Bento Pais reiterated the EU's commitment to the sustainable and inclusive development of Angola, highlighting the importance of " lasting partnerships " with public and private institutions that contribute to the professionalization of public policies and the strengthening of Angolan public administration.