French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, for a two-day state visit starting Thursday. The meeting, which takes place at the Elysée Palace, is set to enhance political, economic, and cultural relations between France and Angola, while also addressing pressing regional and global issues.
According to a statement from the French presidency, the visit aims to reinforce cooperation between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on regional security. As Lourenço prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union in February, discussions will focus on his upcoming role and its impact on African diplomacy.
Focus on Rwanda-DR Congo tensions
A key issue on the agenda is the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The crisis, marked by territorial disputes and rebel activity, remains a serious concern for regional stability. Macron has reiterated his backing for Lourenço’s mediation efforts, recognising Angola’s crucial role in fostering peace in the Great Lakes region.
Since November 2021, the M23 rebel group has seized control of significant areas in eastern DRC, a region rich in natural resources yet plagued by conflict for decades. Rwanda denies allegations of supporting the M23, arguing that its objective is to counter the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia composed primarily of Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
In December, efforts to broker peace between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame stalled, leading to the cancellation of a planned summit in Luanda. The breakdown of talks has heightened tensions, underscoring the importance of renewed diplomatic engagement.
Boosting economic cooperation and diversification
On the economic front, the visit is expected to result in business agreements worth over €430 million. While French-Angolan trade has historically been dominated by oil and gas, Angola is now looking to France to support its economic diversification strategy.
Lourenço is set to participate in the Angola-France Business Forum at Medef, the French employers’ organisation, where companies from both nations will explore investment opportunities. Among the anticipated deals, French multinational Suez is expected to finalise a major contract for wastewater treatment in Angola.
Additionally, French bank Société Générale is negotiating financing for the acquisition of an Earth observation satellite, to be built by Airbus in Toulouse. The satellite will be used for mapping Angola’s oil and mineral resources, as well as identifying water sources for agricultural use.
A preliminary agreement with the French Development Agency is also on the table for a large-scale irrigation initiative, supporting Angola’s agricultural sector. Furthermore, discussions will cover the revitalisation of the country’s coffee industry, with France playing a key role in redevelopment efforts.
The strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor
A significant topic of economic discussion will be the Lobito Corridor rail project, designed to facilitate the export of minerals from the DRC and Zambia to the Atlantic Ocean via Angola. The project is attracting interest from both European and American investors due to its potential to enhance regional trade and economic connectivity.
Sergio Calundungo, coordinator of Angola’s Political and Social Observatory, acknowledges the corridor’s economic promise but warns of possible risks. Speaking to Radio France Internationale (RFI), he pointed out environmental concerns related to large-scale infrastructure development in previously untouched areas.
‘There is a risk of social unrest,’ Calundungo cautioned, noting the potential for disputes over land, water, and resource access among local communities. Ensuring that investments are sustainable and beneficial to Angolans will be crucial in mitigating these risks.
Expanding healthcare and social infrastructure
Beyond economic projects, Angola is considering a partnership with the French Hospital Equipment Company to establish an ophthalmological hospital in Luanda. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader efforts to enhance healthcare services and expand medical infrastructure.
Lourenço’s visit to Paris marks a significant step in strengthening Franco-Angolan relations, with discussions spanning economic development, regional stability, and international diplomacy. As Angola seeks to diversify its economy and assert its influence on the African continent, France remains a key partner in these ambitions.
With political and business leaders from both nations coming together, the visit is expected to yield concrete agreements that will shape future cooperation. As Angola assumes a greater diplomatic role on the African stage, the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting regional and global implications.
This article is based on reporting by Radio France Internationale (RFI).
