Today, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen and Angolan Minister for Planning Victor Hugo Guilherme signed four new Financing Agreements totalling €90 million to support the country’s economic diversification. This support will include investments in blue and circular economy, governance, rule of law as well as civil society. The package advances the Global Gateway strategy, the EU’s positive offer to build trusted and sustainable connections with partner countries. 

Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen said: “Through Global Gateway and as Team Europe, we continue to work with Angola in a way which aligns with our priorities and shows how international partnerships can drive positive change for citizens, including in the area of justice and the rule of law. Every euro invested in sustainable initiatives today results in a more resilient, equitable future for our partners – blue and circular economy will offer enhanced business opportunities, building a better tomorrow for all Angolans.”

Four new areas of cooperation with a total of €90 million EU support

• Blue economy: €30 million allocated for conserving and sustainably managing marine resources and coastal ecosystems amidst climate change. This investment will preserve marine life, enhance the sustainability of aquatic food value chains for income generation and resilience, and boost the market viability of aquatic products globally.
• Justice and the rule of law: €25 million which will enhance the rule of law and access to justice, prioritising marginalised groups and rural communities. It will improve justice institution performance, fight organised crime (emphasising money laundering and corruption), and foster transparency. Further resources will support e-Justice, data protection, privacy rights, and cybersecurity.
• Circular Economy: €25 million to enhance urban waste. management in the Luanda province with circular economy models, value chain development, sustainable businesses, employment, and child labour eradication. This will improve local environmental governance, address public health concerns, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
•  Civil society empowerment: €10 million to strengthen the capacities of civil society including youth to play a role in national policy dialogues and influence national public policies, defending and promoting human rights and democracy. The programme will also promote enhanced and effective participation of civil society, especially for actors and networks that are under-represented in decision-making.

 Financing

The Annual Action Programming (AAP) 2023, adopted on 1 December 2023, has a total budget of €90 million. The financing for the agreements comes from the EU’s Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Aid for Cooperation and Development in Angola for the period 2021-2027, through the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument. Approved by the European Commission in December 2021, this covers the priority areas of sustainable economic diversification; transparent, accountable, and effective governance and human development.

Global Gateway

Global Gateway investment strategy represents the European Union's effort reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. It provides sustainable investment opportunities to enhance the prosperity and security of our global partners and Europe alike.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a collaborative approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

Team Europe stands out with a compelling proposition for democratic partner nations, focusing on sustainability across social, environmental, and financial aspects, promoting long-term drivers of growth through a comprehensive 360-degree approach, encompassing both hard and soft infrastructure, and reinforcing the resilience of nations seeking strategic autonomy.