We have more details on the agreements for cooperation and investments in Angola signed by UAE firms during President Mohamed bin Zayed’s state visit to Luanda this week. Dubai Investments, Space42, and AD Ports are among those inking agreements in the logistics, manufacturing, and space sectors alongside a wider set of MoUs.

REMEMBER- Angola and the UAE also signed a trade and economic partnership agreement during the visit, aimed at boosting trade to USD 10 bn by 2033, along with MoUs spanning AI, banking, agriculture, renewable energy, and logistics.

MANUFACTURING-

Dubai Investments’ Globalpharma to build plant in Angola: Dubai Investments’ pharma arm Globalpharma signed an MoU with Angola’s Health Ministry to set up a pharma manufacturing facility in Dubai Investments Park (DIP) Angola, according to a company statement (pdf). The plant will focus on producing essential medicines locally, with the ministry supporting licensing, permits, and regulatory approvals.

Bigger picture: The initiative aims to strengthen Angola’s healthcare self-sufficiency and cut reliance on imports. It is expected to create hundreds of jobs.

REFRESHER- DIP Angola? Dubai Investments announced plans in February to invest around USD 500 mn to develop the 2k-hectare economic zone over 12-15 years. Infrastructure work began in March 2024 in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company.

The company is also planning additional projects in Angola, including residential and commercial towers and malls in Luanda with the Angolan sovereign wealth fund, as well as agriculture and pharma ventures, chairman Khalid bin Kalban previously said.

LOGISTICS-

AD Ports Group expands Angola operations: Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group signed several agreements in Angola to develop a digital single logistics trade window for the country and expand its road transport fleet, according to a company statement. This includes a USD 6 mn agreement to purchase 30 trucks and 45 trailers for its Angola unit, Noatum Unicargas Logistics.

Digital trade system: The group’s digital arm, Maqta Technologies, will roll out a digital single logistics trade window solution for Angola’s trade regulator over three years, with the first phase covering maritime trade before expanding to integrate sea, air, and land systems. The solution “will become the modern backbone of Angola’s digital trade system,” according to the statement.

IN CONTEXT- AD Ports already operates the Luanda multipurpose port terminal in Angola and has committed USD 251 mn through 2026 for the redevelopment of the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal.

SPACE-

Space42 signs defense tech MoU with Angola: UAE space tech firm Space42 signed a five-year MoU with Angola’s Military Intelligence and Security Service, according to a press release. The agreement covers cooperation in satellite communications, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, drones, border control, and command-and-control systems.

Space42 is already in Angola: The company provides nationwide satellite broadband through its YahClick service and plans to expand offerings with the launch of the Thuraya-4 satellite in 2H 2025.

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