Angola Strengthens Transport Strategy as Adilson Catala Takes Office Over Aviation and Ports
Adilson Gabriel Alves Catala has officially taken office as Secretary of State for the Civil, Maritime and Port Aviation sectors under the Ministry of Transport Angola, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening critical transport infrastructure.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Luanda and was presided over by João Lourenço, with attendance from senior government officials including Vice-President Esperança da Costa and Minister of Transport Ricardo de Abreu.
During the ceremony, President Lourenço emphasized the strategic importance of the aviation, maritime, and port sectors in driving Angola’s economic development and regional connectivity.
He highlighted the significant public investments made in recent years, particularly in expanding civil aviation infrastructure and modernising port facilities.
Angola now boasts an extensive airport network covering nearly all provincial capitals. A major milestone has been the launch of the António Agostinho Neto International Airport, which is expected to enhance the country’s capacity as a regional aviation hub.
Plans are also underway to construct additional airports in Cabinda, Mbanza Congo, Cazombo, and Mavinga, further strengthening national connectivity.
In the commercial aviation sector, the President pointed to ongoing efforts to modernise the national carrier TAAG Angola Airlines through the acquisition of new Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
This forms part of a broader strategy to position Luanda as a key aviation hub on the African continent.
On the maritime front, Lourenço underscored Angola’s competitive advantage through its extensive coastline and continued investments in port infrastructure.
Key developments include the rehabilitation and expansion of the ports of Moçâmedes and Luanda, as well as the strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor, which is central to regional trade and logistics.
Particular attention was given to the upcoming inauguration of the Caio Deepwater Port, expected later this year.
The facility is set to become one of the largest and most modern ports on the African continent, significantly boosting Angola’s maritime capacity.
Addressing the newly appointed Secretary of State, President Lourenço stressed the scale of responsibility associated with the role, noting that national development is closely tied to the strength of air, sea, and port infrastructure.
Catala now assumes direct oversight of these critical sectors, with a mandate to advance strategic projects aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade, and supporting Angola’s broader economic diversification agenda.
