Angola has turned to Brazil for technical expertise to modernize its electricity sector, signing a cooperation agreement aimed at addressing persistent infrastructure gaps and improving access to power.
According to Angola’s state news agency ANGOP, the memorandum of understanding was finalized during an official Angolan mission to Brasília, covering the entire electricity system from generation to distribution. The deal emphasizes planning, regulation, and the development of technical capacity, including knowledge transfer and training programs for Angolan officials.
“The agreement provides a framework for Angola to learn from Brazil’s experience in sector organization and public policy design,” ANGOP reported, noting that the partnership focuses on system management and regulatory oversight.
While the memorandum lays out broad areas of collaboration, it does not commit either country to specific investments or binding obligations. Implementation will require follow-up agreements tied to concrete projects.
Diversifying energy partnerships
The move is part of Angola’s wider strategy to diversify partners in the power sector. China remains a key partner, particularly in financing and building energy infrastructure, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce sector guide for 2024–2025.
Angola has also expanded cooperation with Germany in the energy sector, and the United States is supporting solar and electrification initiatives through financing from the Export-Import Bank. Portugal is involved via its grid operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais, which supports rural electrification programs.
Despite these partnerships, Angola’s power system continues to face structural challenges. World Bank data show that only 51.1 percent of the population had access to electricity in 2023.
Installed capacity has risen in recent years but remains below demand. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates Angola’s current capacity at between 6.2 and 6.3 gigawatts, short of the 9.9-gigawatt target set under the Angola Energia 2025 plan.
Network inefficiencies persist
Beyond capacity, Angola struggles with high technical and commercial losses. A 2025 World Bank report under the Electricity Sector Improvement Project indicates losses historically ranging from 40 to 55 percent, highlighting the urgent need for improved system efficiency.
Several major hydropower projects are underway to close these gaps. The Caculo Cabaça plant, with a capacity of 2.17 gigawatts, is expected to come online between 2026 and 2027, while the Laúca hydropower plant, with 2.07 gigawatts, has been operational since 2023.
Experts say that Angola’s collaboration with Brazil could help address both technical and regulatory challenges, including system planning, operational management, and workforce capacity development.
“The sector’s weaknesses are not only technical but also institutional,” said a regional energy analyst who requested anonymity. “Learning from Brazil’s experience could provide a blueprint for improving planning, regulation, and long-term system resilience.”
The partnership reflects Angola’s broader goal of achieving a more reliable and sustainable power supply, essential for supporting economic growth and industrial development. With multiple international partners now engaged, Angola aims to reduce system losses, expand access, and meet rising electricity demand while building domestic technical capacity.
As Angola moves forward, the focus will be on translating cooperative frameworks into actionable projects, ensuring that new capacity comes online efficiently and that system performance improves to support both urban and rural communities.
