LocationsPeople at the Heart of Angola’s Future
February 27, 2025
Meeting with Youth during the DR mission in Angola
Angola stands at a pivotal moment. As the country celebrates 50 years of independence in the same year UNDP marks 60 years of global development partnership, one truth emerges: sustainable transformation only happens when people, especially women and youth, lead the process.
This truth came alive during the recent visit of UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director Ahunna Eziakonwa. At the dawn of this emblematic year, her mission revealed how communities are driving tangible change, from solar-powered transformation centers in Huíla to innovation labs in Luanda.
In meetings with national leaders, including President João Lourenço, discussions focused on translating Angola’s development vision into community-level impact. The dialogue moved beyond macroeconomic strategies to explore how entrepreneurship and innovation can create jobs, empower youth, and reshape local economies.
Young People being trained at Matala Youth Village
This is clear in Palanca and Gambos in Huíla, where UNDP-supported solar panels are fueling local food transformation centers, turning subsistence farming into thriving businesses.
In the province's vocational center and Youth Village, the solar systems serve a dual purpose: not only are youth being trained in renewable technologies, gaining skills for Angola's green transition, but the installed systems ensure continuous technical and vocational training in IT, carpentry, and metalwork, along with agro-livestock production techniques, one of Angola's key growth sectors.
Angola’s agricultural potential along the Lobito Corridor could redefine regional trade if producers connect with technology.
This reinforces UNDP’s Future of Work portfolio in Angola. Through programs like Kurima, which combines digital skills, renewable energy, and gender inclusion, small producers are gaining access to new markets and increased visibility for their products.
With two-thirds of Angola’s population under 25, youth empowerment remains vital. As a young entrepreneur, Zenilda shared after digital skills training: "The course exceeded my expectations! I learned about agribusiness planning and how digital tools can expand our market reach."
Still, even with growing opportunities, young women like Zenilda face persistent challenges in career growth and development, a reality that dominated discussions at the Women in Leadership dialogue.
The encounter underscored women’s central role in driving societal transformation and building a more equitable future. Participants reinforced the urgent need to create opportunities where all women can lead, inspire change and accelerate progress.
Ahunna’s visit crystallised a shared conviction. Angola’s 50th independence anniversary isn’t just a milestone, it’s a launchpad. The country can transform its demographic dividend into sustainable growth by centring women, youth, and marginalised communities in development strategies.
UNDP’s role? To amplify what works. Bridging policy with practice, potential with opportunity, and innovation with inclusion. Because when people thrive, nations transform.
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