THE 39th edition of the Luanda International Fair (FILDA) will open its doors on July 23, welcoming over 1,300 companies from 18 countries to the Angolan capital’s Special Economic Zone. This year’s event focuses on internationalisation and strategic infrastructure development, such as the Lobito Corridor and the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport.
With a theme centred on Food Security and International Partnership: The Binomial of Economic Diversification, FILDA 2024 aims to highlight Angola’s potential in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and marine resources. The fair will host companies and investors from diverse sectors, including commerce, distribution, food and beverages, and the extractive and manufacturing industries.
International participation
The event will feature notable forums such as the ‘Angola – Portugal’ business forum, attended by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and the ‘Macau and Portuguese-speaking Countries’ event. A significant memorandum will be signed between the Industrial Association of Angola and the Portuguese Business Confederation during the fair.
Business and investment opportunities
FILDA provides a platform for international investors to explore potential partnerships and gain insights into Angola’s strategic plans across various sectors. The fair will include conferences on commercial and industrial licensing, tourism, and other aspects of economic diversification. This year’s event is expected to surpass last year’s numbers, which saw 75,000 visitors and exhibitors from 10 countries.
Strategic infrastructure
The recent completion of the Lobito Corridor, a railway linking the copper and cobalt mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to the port of Lobito, reinforces Angola’s strategic role in international trade. Additionally, the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda is set to become a major passenger and cargo hub, boosting Angola’s connectivity and trade capacity.
Key statements
Bruno Albernaz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Arena, the event organisers, emphasised the significance of FILDA as an international business hub. ‘FILDA is a crucial platform for investors to discover Angola’s real potential and opportunities. The event facilitates direct contact with partners and institutions, providing the information needed to make profitable investments and generate new business ventures,’ Albernaz said.
Looking forward
As Angola continues to attract global markets and investors, the 39th Luanda International Fair stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to economic growth and diversification. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Angola is poised to strengthen its position on the global stage.
