Shipping 2025

ANGOLA Trends and Developments Contributed by: José Miguel Oliveira, Sara Alves Lourenço, Caio de Mello Ferreira and João Saiago Canjeque, VdA

The Port of Lobito/the Corridor of Lobito The Port of Lobito is the second-largest port in Angola and serves as a significant entry point for imported goods and commodities exports. It is currently undergoing a substantial modernisation process, including expansion and development of its container terminal to handle larger vessels and an increase in its capacity. Recently, Africa Global Logistics and the Lobito Port signed a concession contract where the latter has agreed to invest EUR100 million to turn the port into a modern, efficient and competitive port platform capable of contributing to the growth and diver - sification of the Angolan economy. The Port of Lobito is intrinsically linked to one of the largest infrastructure projects in Angola (and, the authors would say, currently in Africa), the Corredor do Lobito (Lobito’s Corridor). The project aims to modernise Angola’s rail network and improve the connectivity between the Port of Lobito and landlocked countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The Corredor do Lobito project includes the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Ben- guela railway, which runs from the coastal city of Benguela to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, passing through Lobito. The railway link will provide a more efficient and cost- effective alternative to road transport, reducing the costs and time of shipping freight and facili - tating the export of a wide array of commodities from the region, such as agricultural and mining products. The Corredor do Lobito has seen sig - nificant investments from the Angolan govern - ment, the African Development Bank and other international financial institutions. The project has already made significant progress, with the rehabilitation of over 1,300 kilometres of railway tracks and the modernisation of multiple sta - tions along the route. The project is expected to

create significant economic benefits, promoting regional trade, and stimulating economic growth in Angola and the neighbouring countries. It will also help to strengthen Angola’s position as a key player in the regional transportation network and improve the competitiveness of the coun - try’s ports by expanding their hinterlands. Other ports The Port of Namibe is another major port in Angola, serving the southern regions of the country and neighbouring countries. It special - ises in handling mining, industrial and agricul - tural products. Angola also has several smaller ports, including the ports of Cabinda and Soyo, which are crucial for the country’s oil industry, given Angola is one of Africa’s largest oil exporters. Despite facing significant challenges, such as operational inefficiencies and a lack of skilled labour and equipment, the Angolan government aims to attract foreign investment in the shipping sector to meet the growing demand for cargo handling and transportation, and increase the competitiveness of its ports in the region. Legislative developments In 2024, Angola’s Maritime Law experienced sev - eral significant developments aimed at modern - ising and strengthening the country’s maritime sector. Some of the key developments include: 1. Implementation of strict environmental stand- ards: Angola adopted new environmental stand - ards aligned with international conventions to reduce marine pollution and promote sustain - able navigation practices. These provisions include stringent regulations on waste manage - ment and pollutant emissions by ships.

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