French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Angolan President João Lourenço for a two-day state visit beginning Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. The visit focuses on enhancing political, cultural, and economic collaboration, while also addressing pressing regional and international concerns.
A key topic of discussion is Angola’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union in February, which will position President Lourenço at the forefront of shaping the continent’s future. Another focal point will be the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with Macron expressing continued support for Lourenço’s role as a mediator.
The M23 armed group’s capture of large swathes of territory in eastern DRC, a region rich in resources, has created instability for over three decades. While Rwanda denies supporting M23, it insists its actions are aimed at eliminating the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia formed after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Diplomatic talks between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, intended to ease tensions, were canceled in December after a failure to agree on terms.
Economic Cooperation and Diversification
On the economic front, Angola and France are set to sign contracts worth over €430 million during the visit. Historically, the two countries’ trade has been centered around Angola’s hydrocarbon sector, but recent developments highlight Angola’s ambition to diversify its economy.
President Lourenço will attend the Angola-France Business Forum on Friday at Medef, France’s employers’ organization. Among the agreements, French company Suez will formalize a significant contract to manage wastewater treatment in Angola. Additionally, financing will be concluded for the purchase of an Earth observation satellite, to be manufactured by Airbus in Toulouse. The satellite is designed to help Angola map its natural resources and improve agricultural planning.
The two nations are also set to sign a preliminary agreement for a large-scale irrigation project, part of efforts to boost Angola’s agricultural capacity. In addition, collaborations aimed at revitalizing Angola’s coffee sector are expected to continue.
One of the most ambitious projects discussed during the visit is the Lobito Corridor rail initiative, which aims to transport minerals from the DRC and Zambia to the Atlantic Ocean. The project is seen as a vital infrastructure link that could transform the region’s trade dynamics.
Environmental and Social Considerations
While the Lobito Corridor offers significant economic potential, experts have raised concerns about its environmental and social implications. Sérgio Calundungo, coordinator of the Political and Social Observatory of Angola, warns that large-scale development in previously untouched areas could pose environmental risks. There are also concerns about potential land disputes and social unrest in communities affected by the project.
Expanding Healthcare Partnerships
In a separate development, Angola is considering a partnership with the French Hospital Equipment Company to establish an ophthalmology hospital in the capital. This reflects Angola’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare services as part of its ongoing development agenda.
This state visit underscores the growing partnership between Angola and France, with the two countries seeking to build a future of shared prosperity through economic diversification, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.