Administrator Samantha Power and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma, traveled to Luanda, Angola, and met with government officials, civil society actors, medical researchers, and private sector representatives.
On April 23, Administrator Power and Deputy Secretary Verma convened key civil society organizations to hear their perspectives on civic space in Angola. They also discussed the ongoing fight against corruption, and how American investment can drive inclusive economic growth.
On April 24, Administrator Power and Deputy Secretary Verma gathered with Angolan business leaders to discuss the business environment, with a focus on the agriculture sector and the development of the Lobito Corridor, the flagship economic corridor of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI). The conversation emphasized the important role American financing and investment plays in the economy's growth and diversification away from oil and gas and toward a more sustainable economic future.
The Administrator and Deputy Secretary then met with President João Lourenço to discuss opportunities to further build on a U.S.-Angolan partnership, which is at its strongest point in thirty years. Their conversation focused on the U.S. government's alignment with Angola's own development priorities, and Administrator Power underscored USAID's role in supporting the White House commitments around the development of the Lobito Corridor, particularly focused on agricultural development, renewable energy investments, and transparency.
While in Angola, Administrator Power also met with staff of the U.S. Embassy to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to express appreciation for staff efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship with these countries, strengthen health outcomes, and promote inclusive economic growth. Administrator Power then met with USAID Angola's local staff who shared their personal experiences of working with USAID, some for over 20 years. The Administrator reiterated the importance of centering local voices in the work of the Agency.
Administrator Power and Deputy Secretary Verma concluded their day with a visit to the the Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (National Health Research Institute), where she learned about Angola's hallmark malaria surveillance approach and saw first hand the U.S. government's malaria prevention investments in Angola. USAID health investments in Angola have resulted in significantly reduced malaria-related mortality rates over the past three years. The Administrator announced the expansion of the President's Malaria Initiative to the province of Moxico, through which the Lobito Corridor runs.
