Porto Amboim — The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Maritime Agency, Ana Isabel Costa, highlighted this Thursday (30) in Cuanza-Sul Province the strategic role of ports in the economic development of Angola and regional integration.
The manager was speaking at the opening of the VI International Round Table of the Angolan Ports Association (APANG), which is taking place in the municipality of Porto Amboim, Cuanza-Sul, under the theme "Sustainability and Port Digitalization". She stated that the current challenges of the sector involves the adoption of innovative technological solutions, strengthening data security, reducing environmental impact, and valuing human capital, transforming knowledge into concrete results for the development of Angola and the region.
She went on to state that the meeting is of great importance to the country, considering that ports have ceased to be merely docking points for vessels and have taken up a central role as engines of logistical intelligence, innovation, and regional integration.
Ana Isabel Costa added that the topics discussed during the
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roundtable will contribute to the modernization of the national port sector, focusing on environmental preservation, operational safety, protection of natural resources, and increased efficiency, as key factors in boosting the country's economic growth.
In turn, the chairperson of the Angolan Ports Association (APANG), Manuel Neto, stated that holding the event in Porto Amboim is happening at a favorable time for the national maritime-port sector and the region.
He explained that the municipality is at the center of a new development dynamic, driven by the announced structural investments within the framework of strategic cooperation between Angola and Japan, particularly the Amboim Deep Water Port Project.
He recalled that, historically, major economic centers have developed around ports, responsible for boosting trade and integrating markets, with a focus on environmental sustainability and digital transformation.
In this sense, Manuel Neto stated that the choice of the theme for this edition is aligned with the strategic guidelines of the Angolan Executive, the recommendations of the 18th Advisory Council of the Ministry of Transport, and international commitments aimed at modernizing and decarbonizing the maritime-port sector.
He said that the future of the national port system depends on the capacity for cooperation between the different ports. He emphasized that "no port will grow alone," and that the round table is a privileged space for sharing experiences and defining joint strategies.
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In turn, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Amboim, Nelson dos Santos, considered that discussing port digitalization involves addressing modernization, efficiency, security, and intelligence in infrastructure management, making ports more connected, agile, and prepared to meet the demands of international trade.
He highlighted that the future Amboim Deepwater Port represents a historic opportunity for the country and aims to project, from its conception, a modern, competitive infrastructure oriented towards the challenges of the coming decades.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Governor for Technical Services and Infrastructure, Heitor Alfredo, stated that the event represents recognition of the potential and strategic relevance of Angolan ports as fundamental platforms for economic growth, trade facilitation, regional integration, and strengthening national connectivity.
During the two-day meeting, which concludes on Friday, participants will analyze topics related to sustainability in ports, African experiences, sustainable practices, success stories, challenges, and opportunities of the digitalization of port operations in developing economies.
The 6th APANG International Roundtable includes the CEOs of the Directors of the Ports of Luanda, Lobito, Namibe, Soyo and Amboim, academics, businesspeople and delegations from Mozambique and Cape Verde. CIJ/FF/ALH/TED/jmc
