Angola Roundup: Electricity generation, oil and gas cooperations, Martial Arts Championships

Empowering refugees

A UN project in Angola is empowering refugee communities through farming, promoting self-reliance and dignity. Led by Maman Antho, the project symbolises a shift from reliance on aid towards autonomy. The initiative benefits both refugees and host communities by selling produce. The project reflects resilience and hope, with a focus on promoting unity and integration for forcibly displaced individuals in Angola. The partnership with WFP has expanded the project to include rice and maize production, supporting both refugee and host communities. This initiative has brought a sense of purpose and community to the refugees, instilling resilience and autonomy for future generations.

Electricity generation

A solar home system project in Angola will provide electricity to 350,000 people in rural areas. The project aims to achieve 50% of the country's electricity supply through renewable sources by 2027. Off-Grid Europe will supply 62,250 solar home systems, with plans to open a subsidiary in Angola. The country has great potential for renewable energy production, including 16.3 GW of solar power and 3.9 GW of wind power. ESI Africa reports that the government is pursuing small-scale off-grid projects using renewable technologies to address rural demand.

Oil and gas training collaboration

PetroFund has sent 13 Namibians to Angola for training in oil and gas vocational skills. The trainees have level three welding, fitting, and turning qualifications. The training is a collaboration with Subsea7 and Sonamet and aims to equip Namibians with valuable skills for the country's energy sector. The initiative is seen as a significant step forward in advancing Namibia's energy industry, Newer Alive reports.

Angola-Hungary cooperation

Angola's Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó have discussed the importance of ending the war in Ukraine and the need for peace talks. At a joint press conference, they also highlighted the need for a comprehensive development strategy for Africa to prevent migration pressures on Europe Dailynews Hungary reports. Hungary will continue to offer scholarships to Angolan youths to study in Hungarian universities. Hungary also declined to support the EU's punitive tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products to protect Hungarian businesses.

Martial Arts championships

Angola dominated the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Africa Championships, winning 37 medals in the Junior and Senior finals. Anderson Gouveia made history by winning the Light-Heavyweight belt, while Luhinga Joao impressed with her powerful fists and fancy footwork. South Africa performed well, taking home 14 medals. Other notable performances included Zimbabwe's Lewis Mataya and DRC's Jeremi Likobele. IOL reports that the next IMMAF event will be the Asian Championships in Lahore, Pakistan.