Fifty Years of Progress: Angola’s Evolving Model for Scalable Development 

Twenty years ago, I arrived in Angola for one project execution, with determination and also curiosity, that shortly turned into visions and dreams. The country had endured years of civil war, yet its spirit was unbroken. What I saw then, and what I see now, is more than a nation blessed with fertile land, abundant water, and rich natural resources, but a nation of people of extraordinary creativity, talent, and culture.  

In the 50 years since independence, Angola’s population has grown from around 6.6 million to nearly 39 million – a sixfold increase that mirrors the country’s resilience and vitality. This human energy is shaping a future that matters not only for Angola, but for Africa and the world.  

 Global priorities are shifting toward the very strengths Angola offers: food, energy, and connectivity. As nations seek new agricultural frontiers, sustainable energy sources, and diversified value chains, Angola stands at the intersection of all three. 

 The Lobito Corridor, linking Angola’s Atlantic coast to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is emerging as one of Africa’s most strategic trade and logistics arteries. Backed by more than $6 billion in international investment, it connects inland mineral and agricultural wealth to global markets and the $1.3 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). But the corridor is more than a railway, it is a value chain of transformation, industry, and where Africa’s resources move toward sustainable prosperity. Angola is building today an integrated model for scalable development, one where roads lead to industrial parks, energy feeds agro-processing and digital innovation, and education aligns with employment and financial inclusion.  

 For over three decades, Mitrelli has been honored to partner with Angola in this journey, a partnership that began 35 years ago, when our Founder and President, Haim Taib, first arrived in the country. Since then, he has remained deeply committed to Angola’s development, initiating and investing in dozens of national-scale projects that have helped build the foundations of its modern economy. 

 Early on, he championed the creation of new agri-industrial zones, such as Aldeia Nova, designed to establish integrated food production systems, from dairy and crop cultivation to local processing and distribution. This approach contributed to the rise of locally made Angolan products, new employment opportunities, and stronger rural value chains that serve both domestic and regional markets. 

 Through this legacy, we have developed Mitrelli in Angola and across Africa, active in six interdependent sectors: urbanization, water and food security, energy, education, healthcare, and technology, supporting improving living conditions for millions of families in Angola. We have learned that infrastructure alone is never enough, what truly matters is how it changes lives, strengthens systems, and unlocks potential. 

 Looking only at 2025, several landmark projects reflect the country’s progress and Mitrelli’s shared vision for inclusive growth: 

•  ProÁgua, one of Angola’s major water initiatives, is beginning to deliver clean water to residents across Luanda who previously lacked access, in the heart of the nation’s capital. 
• The Uíge Electrification Project is set to provide  energy access to municipalities covering nearly 60,000 square kilometers, powering homes, schools, and industry, bringing development in northern Angola, and reinforcing the province as a key driver of the national economy. 

• The Olympic and Paralympic Sport Complex, one of Africa’s most advanced sports and rehabilitation complexes, now stands as a national symbol of inclusion and excellence. 

• The Science and Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art educational facility, has already welcomed over 100,000 visitors in its first year, inspiring a new generation of thinkers and inventors. 

• And a landmark $1.5 billion engagement with U.S.-based HYDRO-LINK will establish a 1,150 km private transmission line connecting Angola and the DRC, advancing regional energy integration and growing to be one of the leading contributors to the country’s exports. 

Angola’s experience offers a model for Africa’s next growth chapter. Its commitment to sovereignty, integration, and scale demonstrates that national development can be both locally owned and globally relevant. Ongoing reforms are deepening transparency, expanding privatization, and creating fertile ground for investors in energy, agribusiness, health, digital, and manufacturing sectors. 

After growing by 4.4 percent in 2024, Angola’s economy continues to diversify, with 2025 GDP estimated at about $113 billion, driven increasingly by non-oil sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services. This transformation shows that while oil remains a critical resource, Angola’s future growth will be defined by its capacity to innovate, export, and industrialize.  

Challenges also remain. The country faces infrastructure gaps, inflation pressures, and a need for deeper financial inclusion. Over two-thirds of Angolans are under 25, underscoring the urgency of job creation, education, and entrepreneurship. Addressing these challenges requires stable financing, skills development, public-private collaboration, and strong partnerships, with risk-sharing tools and value-chain integration to accelerate delivery along corridors like Lobito.  

For Mitrelli, it remains a privilege to be part of this journey, combining financial strength, technical excellence, and cultural understanding to deliver real solutions that endure. As the world searches for new growth engines and sustainable value chains, Angola at fifty is another symbol for Africa’s role in the world’s future. 

On this historic occasion, we congratulate the people of Angola, our employees and clients for their leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a future of dignity, prosperity, and opportunity. To our partners, governments, investors, and development institutions, we say – the opportunities are now.