Angola has taken a significant step in its industrialization and export diversification strategy by carrying out its first shipment of aluminium ingots to the European market, a move that highlights the country’s growing capacity to export value-added processed goods.
The initial shipment, dispatched on April 10, was destined for the Netherlands and produced by the Huatong Angola industrial unit, located in the Bengo province. The operation took place over two days, with 500 tonnes shipped daily, totaling 1,000 tonnes of aluminium ingots—the equivalent of 40 twenty-foot containers.
The factory, which has been operating for around three months since its inauguration on January 15, has been steadily consolidating its production, currently reaching an average of 240 tonnes per day. Prior to this first export, it had already supplied around 500 tonnes to the domestic market, contributing to the national industrial supply.
From a commercial strategy perspective, the company is already planning to expand its presence in international markets, with a second shipment scheduled for Italy, maintaining volumes similar to the first. This move is part of Angola’s broader ambition to position itself as a supplier of processed industrial goods, reducing its reliance on raw material exports.
The operation was monitored by the director of the Provincial Office for Integrated Economic Development, who highlighted the initiative’s impact on both the local and national economy, emphasizing its potential to increase revenues, create jobs, and strengthen the productive base.
Huatong Angola is the result of a partnership between Angolan and Chinese capital and represents an initial investment of around $250 million. The project has already created hundreds of jobs and is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately $300 million, positioning itself as one of the most significant industrial ventures in Angola’s current economic diversification cycle.
Source: Mercado
