Luanda — On his first official mission to Angola, President Kaberuka said he was very impressed with Angola's economic recovery from the war and how reconstruction is advancing. AfDB aims at supporting the consolidation of the reconstruction process of Angola, as well as defining ways to mitigate the impact of the financial crisis in the country. The mission built on the present momentum in the bilateral relations with Angola to give impetus to the Bank's re-engagement with the country and to strengthen cooperation. The Minister of Planning, Ana Dias Lourenço, who has invited the Bank to Angola, said: "it is important that AfDB becomes more visible and more dynamic in our country".

AfDB President stressed that the cooperation with Angola will be based on the priorities of the country, mainly in the areas of infrastructures and private sector development. A Business Opportunity Forum for the Angolan private sector is being planned for next September 2009 in order to assess ways to work together on business climate improvement in the country.

President Kaberuka and the delegation met with high level personalities, including the Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos, the ministers of Economy and Finance, as well as top private sector representatives. "The AfDB understands Africa and the realities of Angola, thus is able to make a difference in the country" said one private sector representative during the meeting.

The AfDB delegation equally visited strategic construction sites, such as the largest University Campus ever built in Angola, expected to accommodate 17.000 students.

AfDB is going to open an office in Angola by the end of 2009, so it can have a permanent dialogue with the country. The Bank has already appointed Joseph Ribeiro as AfDB Country Manager to Angola.

Contacts

Yolanda Nunes-Correia