At the India Angola Business Forum held in New Delhi on May 4, 2025, H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening strategic and economic ties with India. Describing the Forum as a moment of “historic significance,” he highlighted the shared cultural values and mutual political will that underpin the Angola–India partnership, while outlining a clear roadmap for collaboration across key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and trade.
Reflecting on the evolution of diplomatic ties, the President underlined that “constructive political engagement, both regionally and globally, contributes to inclusive human development and robust economic growth.” In this context, the Forum was not merely an investment campaign, but a reaffirmation of shared values and long-term cooperation.
He added, “Forums like this serve as catalysts for transformation. They provide unique opportunities to promote progress in vital sectors such as industrial development, regional integration, and strategic partnerships.”
A significant portion of the President’s address was dedicated to healthcare collaboration, especially in pharmaceuticals. Recognising India’s global leadership in generic medicine production, he noted, “India’s leadership in the global production of generic medicines plays a pivotal role in addressing public health challenges. This aligns closely with Angola’s healthcare priorities.”
Angola, he said, is eager to “deepen collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that affordable, high-quality medicines are accessible across the country, with a focus on real, measurable impact.”
Agro-industry emerged as another core area of shared interest. Angola, President Lourenço said, seeks to “position itself more competitively in this sector, advancing sustainable and inclusive development that empowers local communities and strengthens food security.”
He noted that Angola’s economic trajectory is increasingly shaped by strategic reforms that aim to bolster Africa’s place in the global economy. Highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone of this transformation, he remarked, “The AfCFTA is a transformative initiative that brings together over a billion people in a unified market, enhancing intra-African trade and creating new opportunities for investment and innovation.”
From tourism and transportation to mobility and diplomacy, Angola is investing in sectors that can support a diversified economy. The President acknowledged India’s role in this transformation, stating, “India has played an important role in supporting many of these efforts through development cooperation, technology sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.”
He reiterated Angola’s welcome of India’s continued engagement in “energy, mobility, and diplomatic services,” characterising the partnership as “structured, transparent, and forward-looking.”
President Lourenço emphasised Angola’s commitment to institutional reform as a key enabler of growth. “We are committed to ongoing regulatory reforms that foster confidence, strengthen our economic and social fabric, and promote a modern, inclusive, and innovation-friendly business environment,” he said.
With a clear economic target in mind, he declared, “Our aim is to ensure sustained growth, with a target of at least 3% GDP increase, and to energise various sectors through sound governance and global partnerships.”
Concluding on an optimistic note, President Lourenço reaffirmed Angola’s readiness to walk in step with India in its development journey. The Forum, attended by Indian and Angolan business leaders, government officials, and diplomats, is expected to pave the way for new investment initiatives, joint ventures, and institutional partnerships—anchored in the spirit of South–South cooperation and mutual progress.
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