LocationsVisit by UNDP Regional Director reinforces commitment to inclusive development
Strengthening Partnerships for a Sustainable Future in Angola
February 24, 2025
Ahunna Eziakonwa and João Lourenço, President of Angola
PNUD Angola
The visit of UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director Ahunna Eziakonwa to Angola marked a significant moment for strengthening partnerships and driving innovative solutions for the country's development.
During her mission, Ahunna met with government leaders, development partners, local communities and Angolan youth, reinforcing UNDP's commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
Starting on 18 February, the agenda included strategic meetings with the Minister of State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tétê António, with discussions ranging from innovative financing solutions for economic diversification, to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Angola's role in restructuring the global financial architecture.
On 19 February, with the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, Ahunna Eziakonwa reaffirmed the UNDP's commitment to Angola as the country assumes the presidency of the African Union and prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence.
On the same day, she met with the Minister of State, Adão de Almeida, to explore opportunities for advancing the digital transition. He also held meetings with the United Nations Team in Angola and the UNDP team to align impact strategies for the country's sustainable development.
The visit to Huíla allowed direct contact with some of the projects in the province.
In a meeting with Deputy Governor Hélio de Almeida, strategies for sustainable growth and regional resilience were discussed.
On the ground, Ahunna witnessed the impact of clean energy in Humpata, where solar systems installed by the UNDP are transforming lives through access to clean energy and improving access to water and increasing agricultural productivity.
In light of the UNDP's collaboration with the provincial government of Huíla to promote tourism and highlight the region's cultural and natural wealth to attract visitors and foster local development, Ahunna also visited the Tundavala Rift, the main natural and geological attraction in Huíla province.
The agenda also included visits to the National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (INEFOP), highlighting the training of youth and women in renewable energy, and to the FRESAN project in Civil Protection, where the UNDP supported the rehabilitation of the provincial headquarters and the construction of the Operational Coordination Centre.
Back in Luanda, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, and the UNDP Angola leadership team continued strategic meetings in key areas for the country's development.
In a meeting with the Minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta, the collaboration with the Global Fund and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to strengthen the health system and intensify the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria was highlighted.
With Finance Minister Vera Daves, the discussion centred on innovative financing mechanisms to drive economic transformation and guarantee inclusive growth.
The commitment to sustainability was also the focus of the meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Ana Paula Carvalho, where strategies to strengthen climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development were discussed.
In addition to the institutional dialogues, Ahunna Eziakonwa met with women leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities on the road to gender equality and female empowerment, reinforcing the essential role of women in Angola's development.
Angolan youth was also at the centre of discussions. In meetings with young people, opportunities for capacity building were explored through initiatives such as YouthConnekt and Timbuktoo, which aim to prepare the new generation for the challenges of the future.
During the visit to 42 Luanda, the delegation had the opportunity to witness first-hand how young Angolans are developing essential digital skills, promoting innovation and inclusive growth through technology.
Com um olhar voltado para o futuro, estes diálogos e visitas reforçam o compromisso do PNUD em apoiar Angola na construção de soluções sustentáveis e inclusivas para o seu desenvolvimento.
The mission reinforced the partnership between UNDP and Angola, highlighting the transformative potential of innovation, sustainable financing and community empowerment. The commitment remains: to support solutions that drive a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for all.
