Angola experiences an uptick in imports from other countries
The 40th edition of the Angola International Fair (Filda) is currently ongoing in the province of Icolo e Bengo, with Portugal represented by 15 companies from sectors such as metalworking, food products, and construction. The economic relations between Angola and Portugal are currently very strong and growing, marked by a significant presence of Portuguese companies in Angola and active cooperation to promote investment and trade.
Miguel Espirito Santo, commercial director of Lacto Serra, mentioned their growth and the role of investment in the Angolan market in their success. Lacto Serra is participating in Filda to consolidate business with current customers and seek new ones, aiming to improve every year. Ventisec, an agro-industrial firm with a presence in Angola since 2018, is attending Filda to identify new customers and present its products.
The number of Portuguese companies attending Filda this year is similar to the previous edition, but overall participation has decreased compared to earlier years. Despite this, the main objective for Portuguese companies at Filda is to expand their network of suppliers and clients, leading to more investment and wealth creation. The AEP's goal is to foster development that allows companies to exhibit independently in future years.
Portugal is Angola's second-largest trading partner, with about 1,250 Portuguese companies operating in Angola, reflecting robust commercial engagement and investment. Bilateral trade reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, underscoring deep and strategic ties between the two countries. In July 2025, Angola and Portugal signed eleven bilateral agreements focusing on sectors such as security, transport, education, and investment to consolidate their ties and facilitate business cooperation.
Portugal increased its credit line to Angola by €750 million ($873 million) aimed at supporting infrastructure, energy, education, and health projects, which creates new avenues for Portuguese companies to grow and invest in Angola. Portuguese government and agencies like AICEP Global Parques and Angola's AIPEX signed memoranda to promote private investment, improve business infrastructure, and boost logistics and industrial development, indicating strategic collaboration to support and sustain business growth, including at events like Filda.
The environment for Portuguese business in Angola is described as positive and favorable, with governmental commitments on both sides fostering even better conditions for bilateral economic development. The AEP has participated in Filda for 13 consecutive years, indicating Portugal's long-term commitment to the Angolan market. The event was thanked by Paulo de Oliveira, executive director of the Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), for the continued engagement of Portuguese companies.
Susana da Silva, administrator of Portugal's leading arms manufacturer Cacicambra, confirmed Cacicambra's return to Filda after a brief hiatus, noting consistent partnerships for over two decades. Cacicambra is moving away from military grade weapons in favour of defence-oriented arms. Susana da Silva also spoke at the event marking the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence. Tuesday was declared Portugal Day at Filda.
Overall, Portuguese companies are expanding their footprint in Angola, supported by enhanced financial frameworks, bilateral agreements, and institutional cooperation designed to deepen private sector collaboration and investment, with Filda representing a critical showcase and networking opportunity in this thriving economic relationship.
Lacto Serra, a Portuguese company, is participating in Filda to consolidate business with current customers and seek new ones, aiming to improve every year. In a sign of their long-term commitment to the Angolan market, Portugal's leading arms manufacturer, Cacicambra, has returned to Filda after a brief hiatus, marking over two decades of consistent partnerships.
