Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço highlighted Africa’s growing contribution to United Nations peace missions, which have been limited by financial constraints. However, he stated that, recent developments at the UN Security Council have improved funding for African Union-led peace operations, enhancing their effectiveness.
He emphasized Africa’s desire to be more involved in global decision-making, particularly in building a new international financial system that tackles illicit capital flows and facilitates asset recovery.
“Angola has made progress in fighting corruption, including recovering significant assets, and praises the UK for its cooperation in returning $2.5 billion.” he said.
The President criticized other countries that refuse to honor Angolan court rulings related to asset recovery.
Angola calls for reforms to ensure fairer representation of African countries in international financial institutions, supporting peace, development, and human dignity.
He urged global efforts to mobilize resources and policies that align with these goals.
The President also emphasized Africa’s priority of fostering development through enhanced trade, particularly by improving infrastructure to support connectivity and free trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He stated “Angola is playing a key role in this effort by establishing international partnerships to develop the Benguela Railway and the Lobito Corridor, a major transport and logistics project. This corridor will enable faster, safer, and more cost-effective transport of minerals and products from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola to the global market, significantly boosting the economies of southern Africa.”
He highlighted Angola’s openness to global cooperation, particularly in tackling international terrorism, ensuring peace, and promoting sustainable development. “With an improved business environment, Angola is inviting tourism and private investment across various sectors of its economy.” he said.
