ANGOLA Trends and Developments Contributed by: José Miguel Oliveira, Sara Alves Lourenço, Caio de Mello Ferreira and João Saiago Canjeque, VdA
2. Enhancement of maritime security: New laws were implemented to improve security in Angolan waters, including the mandatory use of advanced tracking and communication systems for all ships operating in the country’s territorial waters. These measures aim to combat piracy and other illicit activities at sea. 3. Simplification of customs and port procedures: Laws were enacted to simplify and streamline customs and port procedures to increase the efficiency and attractiveness of Angolan ports for international trade. These changes include the digitalisation of processes and the integra - tion of technological platforms for port manage - ment. 4. Incentives for foreign investment: To attract more investment in the maritime sector, the Angolan government introduced new tax incen - tives and facilitated the process of obtaining licences and permits for foreign companies interested in operating in the country. 5. Professional training and capacity building: The new legislation also provides for continu - ous training and capacity-building programmes for maritime sector professionals, ensuring that workers acquire necessary skills and are up to date with international best practices. These developments reflect Angola’s commit - ment to strengthening its maritime infrastructure and aligning with global standards to promote a safe, efficient and sustainable maritime environ - ment. Maritime courts Angola does not have specialised maritime courts. Instead, it has a dedicated chamber for maritime matters within the common courts. However, various voices in the country, includ -
ing prosecutors and lawyers, have called for not only greater awareness of the existence of the existing maritime chamber within the district courts, which is still unknown to many people, but also for the creation of specialised maritime courts permitted by Article 176 of the Angolan Constitution. As Angola seeks to diversify its economy, the shipping sector has emerged as a critical growth area, with the potential to boost the country’s economic development significantly. This move towards specialised courts would build trust and confidence in the maritime sector and help to create a more favourable investment climate by providing investors with a specialised platform for resolving maritime disputes. International co-operation In November 2024, the US and Angola signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the US–Angola Trade and Investment Partnership. This partnership will formalise regular collabora - tion between the two governments and with US and Angolan industry stakeholders to improve commercial ties and increase the ease of doing business. In parallel, the US is developing a rail and port trade mission from sub-Saharan Afri - ca to Angola and South Africa in 2025 to con - nect US companies with opportunities to meet demand for US rail and port solutions in African markets. On 3 December 2024, the US and Angola co- hosted a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Trans-Africa Cor - ridor Summit and brought together leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Zambia, as well as the Africa Finance Cor - poration. The leaders affirmed their commitment to continue developing the Corridor and invest in infrastructure to connect the Atlantic and Indian
35
CHAMBERS.COM
Powered by FlippingBook