UK supports Angola’s transitioning to Green Economy

News Desk: Boris Johnson's Trade Envoy visits Luanda for the first time to further the expansion of commercial relations between both countries focusing on sustainable development.

The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Angola, Laurence Robertson MP, visited Luanda from 31 August to 1 September 2021. During the Trade Envoy’s first visit to Angola since his appointment, Mr Robertson met Ministers and Senior Members of the Angolan Government including Economic Coordination, Finance, Natural Resources, Oil and Gas, Energy and Water, Transport, and the Angolan National Bank.

The meetings covered a vast range of issues focussing on the work around greening the economy, climate change, financial inclusion and infrastructure to support Angola’s low-carbon development. Coming ahead of COP26, the global conference on climate change to be held in the UK in November, there was a strong emphasis on the transition to a green economy through the adaption of green finance instruments, sustainable solutions in transport, industry and agriculture, and work towards net zero emissions.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola, Jessica Hand, joined the Trade Envoy throughout all his meetings, and together they co-hosted the ‘Chevening Farewell and Chamber of Commerce Reception’ for the 2021 Chevening Scholars and British businesses based in Angola. It was an opportunity to network with British businesspeople and to bid farewell to 9 brilliant Angolan Chevening Scholarship recipients who were on their way to start their Masters programmes in the UK.

The Chevening Scholarships 2021 are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with BP Angola and its Block 18 partners (Equinor, Sonangol P&P, SSI and the National Agency for Oil and Gas). The subjects that this year’s scholars will study include:

• Computer Network Administration and Management
• 5G Mobile Communications and Intelligent Embedded Systems
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Creative Arts in Education
• Energy and Environment
• Geographical Information Systems
• Environmental Management
• Renewable Energy
• Engineering and Management of Complex Projects

All of these are areas essential to support sustainable development, as well as implement positive change in local communities.