The United States and Angola, USAID Administrator Samantha Power, alongside Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma, concluded a three-day visit to Angola with a focus on bolstering infrastructure and economic empowerment initiatives.
The visit, which concluded on April 25, marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Angola relations as Administrator Power, Deputy Secretary Verma, and U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo S. Mushingi embarked on a journey through Benguela Province, culminating in a visit to the Port of Lobito.
Administrator Power and Deputy Secretary Verma commenced their engagements in Benguela by meeting with key Angolan officials, including Vice Governor Lídia Celma Gonçalves Machado Amaro and Minister of Agriculture António Francisco De Assis. The highlight of their visit was the formal launch of the $5 million expansion of USAID’s Women in Angola Farming initiative, a testament to the U.S. commitment to empowering women farmers and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Expanding into four additional provinces, including areas within the Lobito Corridor, the initiative underscores the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), demonstrating a concerted effort to drive sustainable development in Angola.
Administrator Power also engaged with women farmers benefiting from the project, emphasizing the importance of their role in the country’s agricultural landscape. Additionally, she met with Nelson Carrinho, CEO of Group Carrinho, solidifying a partnership that guarantees the purchase of produce from supported communities while providing crucial training and skills development.
The delegation further explored USAID’s partnership with Africell to expand mobile money services in Angola, particularly beneficial for facilitating transactions among small farmers in rural communities lacking access to traditional banking services.
Traveling by train from Benguela Railway station to the Lobito Port station, Administrator Power and Deputy Secretary Verma, accompanied by Angolan Minister of Transport Ricardo Viegas de Abreu, witnessed firsthand the rehabilitation efforts of the rail system.
This initiative, supported by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Government of Angola, aligns with President Biden’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, aimed at fostering sustainable development.
Touring the Port of Lobito, Administrator Power reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to the Lobito Corridor project, emphasizing collaboration with African and G7 partners.
Highlighting the importance of investments supporting Angola’s development objectives, she announced a new partnership with the Ministry of Transportation to enhance private investment in infrastructure through transparent procurement processes.
The visit concluded with a press conference alongside the Minister of Transport, affirming the enduring partnership between the United States and Angola in fostering economic growth and infrastructure development.
