Samantha Power, Administrator, Wraps Up Angola Visit

Administrator Samantha Power and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma recently wrapped up a three-day trip to Angola, making history as the highest-ranking U.S. government officials to visit Benguela Province and the Port of Lobito. Their visit focused on key initiatives aimed at driving inclusive economic growth and infrastructure development in the region.

During their time in Benguela, Power and Verma met with local officials and launched a $5 million expansion of the USAID’s Women in Angola Farming program, which empowers women farmers in the region. The project, part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), will now expand into four additional provinces, including three in the Lobito Corridor.

The officials also learned about USAID’s partnership with U.S.-based mobile operator Africell to support the expansion of mobile money services in Angola, crucial for facilitating transactions among small farmers in rural communities.

Traveling by train from Benguela to the Lobito Port station, Power and Verma met with Angolan Minister of Transport Ricardo Viegas de Abreu to discuss the rehabilitation of the rail system, a key component of the Lobito Corridor project supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

At the Port of Lobito, Power heard about the vision for its expansion through PGI-led investments and emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to developing the Lobito Corridor in partnership with African and G7 partners. She also highlighted a new partnership with the Ministry of Transportation to increase private investment in infrastructure through transparent procurement processes.

The visit concluded with a press conference with the Minister of Transport, showcasing the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting Angola’s development objectives of economic diversification and equitable growth.