“CLEARLY POSITIVE”: ANGOLAN AMBASSADOR HAILS GROWING TIES WITH QATAR By: Victor Bolorunduro-The Peninsula
Relations between Angola and Qatar are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation driven by shared economic ambitions, expanding investment opportunities and growing collaboration in energy, agriculture, logistics and education, Ambassador of Angola to Qatar H E Antonio Coelho Ramos da Cruz has said.
Speaking with The Peninsula recently, the envoy described bilateral relations as “cordial and steadily developing,” underpinned by mutual respect and a common vision for economic diversification and sustainable development.
“The trajectory is clearly positive,” Ambassador Ramos da Cruz said, noting that both countries are seeking to deepen economic diplomacy and strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
He said Angola is looking to expand trade and investment ties with Qatar while promoting stronger people-to-people relations through cultural and institutional engagement.
According to the ambassador, several agreements already signed between the two countries, alongside others currently under negotiation, are beginning to yield concrete results.
The envoy also highlighted the two nations’ commitment to peacebuilding and conflict mediation, noting that Angola and Qatar have both played important diplomatic roles in their respective regions.
He pointed out that Angola’s President, H E João Lourenço, was recognised by the African Union with the title of Champion of Peace and Reconciliation for his efforts toward regional stability.
On energy cooperation, the ambassador said the partnership between the two countries is a natural fit due to their reliance on oil and gas resources.
“Qatar’s leadership in LNG and the growth of the gas sector in Angola create significant synergies,” he said. He added that cooperation could include knowledge transfer, business partnerships and collaboration on energy transition technologies, particularly as Angola seeks to expand its gas and liquefied natural gas capabilities.
The ambassador noted that an Angolan company recently participated in the International LNG Conference in Doha, showcasing innovative technology designed to support energy exploration activities.
Speaking on investment opportunities, Ambassador Ramos da Cruz said Angola offers Qatar strategic access to Southern and Central African markets while positioning itself as a logistics and trade hub on the Atlantic coast.
The ambassador highlighted the launch of an international public tender by Angola’s Ministry of Transport for the concession, management and operation of the Caio Deep-Water Terminal in Cabinda Province.
He said the 20-year public service concession is open to foreign investors and operators, with proposals to be submitted by July 27, 2026.
Describing the initiative as a major opportunity for global organisations and investors, he noted that the project is expected to strengthen Angola’s transport and logistics infrastructure while enhancing regional maritime trade and driving economic growth.
He said Angola’s modern legal framework, combined with tax incentives and guarantees for foreign investors, creates an attractive environment for long-term productive investments.
However, he acknowledged that current levels of economic engagement remain below expectations and require stronger political and diplomatic momentum to unlock their full potential.
Food security and agribusiness were also identified as major areas for future collaboration.
The ambassador said Angola possesses vast arable land, abundant water resources and favourable climatic conditions capable of supporting large-scale agricultural projects.
“We are open to Qatari investment in infrastructure projects that offer mutual benefits and a long-term vision,” he said.
In logistics and transport, the envoy highlighted Angola’s strategic geographic position and the growing importance of its railway and port corridors.
He pointed to the Lobito and Namibe development corridors as emerging logistics and economic hubs capable of serving markets across Southern and Central Africa.
According to the ambassador, the Lobito corridor has become a key integration route linking the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), while also providing access to strategic minerals from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
He added that the Moçâmedes corridor presents opportunities in fisheries, renewable energy, green hydrogen and the blue economy.
Tourism and cultural exchange are also gaining momentum between the two countries.
Ambassador Ramos da Cruz said Angola has introduced visa exemptions for Qatari tourists as part of efforts to promote its tourism potential and attract international visitors.
He said Angola’s biodiversity, natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage are becoming increasingly important assets in the country’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons.
The envoy noted that foreign investment is already supporting the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities capable of hosting major international events.
On private-sector cooperation, he said chambers of commerce and industry from both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding, while plans are underway to establish a joint business council aimed at strengthening partnerships between companies.
Education and human capital development also form part of the expanding bilateral agenda.
The ambassador said Angola is seeking to deepen academic partnerships with Qatar through scholarships, internships and technical and vocational training opportunities.
He added that some Angolans are already receiving specialised technical training in Qatar, particularly in aviation-related fields.
At the multilateral level, Angola and Qatar continue to coordinate positions on issues related to peace, security and sustainable development through a political consultation protocol signed between the two countries.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Ramos da Cruz said both nations share a vision of building a “solid and diversified partnership” capable of delivering concrete economic and institutional benefits.
“Our objective is to position bilateral relations at a high level within the framework of South-South cooperation,” he said.
By: Victor Bolorunduro-The Peninsula
Embaixador da Embaixada de Angola no Qatar
