Luanda: The state visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the friendly Republic of Angola marks an important milestone in strengthening UAE-Angola relations across various vital fields, in a way that serves development priorities and brings prosperity and growth to both nations and their peoples.
According to Emirates News Agency, the bilateral relations between the two countries articulate a significant aspect of the UAE's growing partnership with the African continent in general, aimed at supporting prosperity in Africa and contributing to its efforts to confront future challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1997, ties between the two countries have witnessed steady growth. Bilateral meetings and official visits exchanged between the leadership and officials of both nations have been a positive driving force for progress in joint cooperation.
Relations between the UAE and Angola have been characterized by close cooperation and coordination at all levels. To strengthen this partnership, the two countries signed several bilateral agreements, including the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income Tax and Tax Evasion on 8 February 2018, the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Mutual Investments on 5 April 2017, and the Bilateral Aviation Cooperation Agreement on 21 April 2021.
The UAE is keen to strengthen its economic relations with Angola through substantial investments in vital sectors such as energy, technology, and maritime logistics, while opportunities also remain available for expansion in other areas, most notably food security and agriculture. The UAE's non-oil trade with Angola reached USD 2.2 billion in 2024, marking a growth of 36.3% compared to 2019.
Economic relations have advanced significantly since 2021, when several memoranda were exchanged. These included a cooperation MoU between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Angola's Ministry of Energy and Water, a Letter of Intent between Abu Dhabi Ports and Angola's Ministry of Transport, an MoU between EDGE Group and the Government of Angola, and an MoU between Presight and the Government of Angola.
In 2023, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed key strategic agreements with leading Angolan institutions, including a framework agreement with Angola's Ministry of Transport and a preliminary agreement to establish a joint venture with 'Unicargas.' Furthermore, Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, signed two financing agreements with the Government of Angola worth AED 445 million.
EDGE Group also signed a pound 1 billion contract under which Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) will construct a fleet of advanced 71-meter frigates for the Angolan Navy. Dubai Investments announced the signing of an MoU with Abu Dhabi-based E20 Investment to develop 3,750 hectares of agricultural land in Angola.
During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, Masdar signed an agreement with Angola's Ministry of Energy and Water to develop renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 2 GW. In April 2024, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority to modernize and operate the Luanda Multipurpose Terminal.
Alongside economic initiatives, the UAE has launched several projects supporting Angola's health, education, and digital transformation sectors. In January, the UAE sent 25 ambulances and medical equipment and supplies to Angola as part of its USD 220 million Global Initiative to support Africa's healthcare sector.
DP World Foundation implemented a project to renovate schools, build a new library, and distribute school supplies in Luanda, with a cost of USD 250,000. Meanwhile, 'The Digital School,' one of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced a partnership with Angola to provide education opportunities for children in rural and underserved areas using advanced technologies and digital learning applications.