From Independence Support To Energy Cooperation: Angola Celebrates Enduring Ties With Nigeria
By FRANKLIN FRANCIS FREY
ANGOLA has recognised Nigeria’s contribution to its independence in 1975, describing the relationship between both countries as a historic African partnership.
Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday night to mark Angola’s 51st independence anniversary, Dr. José Zau, the country’s Head of Mission to Nigeria, Benin, Niger and ECOWAS, praised Nigeria’s support.
He said Nigeria contributed significantly to Angola’s independence process and the consolidation of its statehood.
According to Zau, the two countries have maintained strategic and fraternal relations. Their shared status as major African oil producers has also reinforced their political and economic ties.
Furthermore, he said the Bilateral Joint Commission continued to expand cooperation through agreements and memoranda of understanding.
These arrangements cover several sectors, including trade, transport, culture, professional training, defence, public order, cybersecurity and academic exchanges.
Beyond these agreements, both countries have introduced visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders. They have also established state-to-province partnerships involving Bayelsa and Nasarawa states, as well as Angola’s Namibe and Bengo provinces.
Zau attributed further progress in bilateral relations to engagements between President João Lourenço of Angola and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.
Turning to Angola’s energy sector, he announced that the Caculo Cabaça Dam was scheduled to begin operations in June 2027.
The project is expected to generate at least 2,172MW and raise Angola’s total electricity generation capacity from 6,400MW to about 8,600MW.
He also drew attention to the country’s achievements in 2026, underscoring Angola’s development progress as it celebrates another year of independence.
