Juan Martín Belalcázar
Graduate in International Relations
While Angola takes on a crucial role in supporting France on African issues such as Niger, Spain, which shares a colonial past with several African countries, seems to remain on the sidelines. This situation represents a missed opportunity for Madrid. In a globalised world, where power is measured not only in terms of economics but also in terms of cultural and technological influence, establishing a solid alliance with Angola can offer Spain multiple advantages. From the energy sector to tourism and digitalisation, the potential benefits are innumerable.
Angola is becoming an energy giant that the West should count on. With the development of major renewable energy projects, the country is aligned with sustainability goals that are also a priority for Spain. While other EU countries are already in the process of harnessing Angola’s potential, Spain should not be left behind. There are already precedents such as the solar project in the province of Namibe, led by the Spanish company Elecnor. This project is part of Angola’s National Development Plan 2018-2022, which seeks to increase the share of renewable energies in the country’s energy matrix. The same company had already carried out an H2O project to improve access to drinking water in Huambo in 2016. Spain should take advantage of its know-how in this field to position itself as a strategic partner and not lose ground to other international competitors.
But the possibilities do not stop at energy. Angola’s rich and diverse culture, with its vibrant music scene including genres such as kizomba, semba and kuduro, offers fertile ground for cooperation in tourism and culture. Angola, with breathtaking landscapes such as the Kalandula Falls, the Tundavala Rift and the Kissama National Park, has a huge tourism potential that is still largely untapped. In addition, growing stability and improvements in security make the country an increasingly attractive destination. A stronger Spanish commitment could lead to the development of tourism infrastructure in Angola, such as roads, airports and hotels, which would be beneficial for both countries.
In addition, technology and digitalisation emerge as another pillar of a potentially fruitful partnership. Technology investments between Angola and Spain are already showing signs of growth. In 2019, Spain’s Telefónica signed a contract with Angola Cables to provide connectivity services between Europe and Africa via the SACS submarine cable. More recently, during Angolan President João Lourenço’s visit to Spain in 2021 and also in 2023, a joint declaration was signed with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to deepen bilateral relations, especially in fields such as digitalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Fine words fall short if they are not matched by action. France has already understood the importance of aligning itself with Angola on African issues. Spain, with its colonial past and current limited presence on the continent, has a golden opportunity to change the course of its foreign and economic policy. And it is not just a question of economics or influence, but of forming strategic and lasting alliances that can benefit both countries in multiple facets. Now is the time to act. Now is the time to look to Angola.
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