Substantial investment has been secured to upgrade critical maritime infrastructure in Barra do Dande, marking a significant step in economic diversification efforts.
China-backed firm fuels logistics push in Angola’s Barra do Dande
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The Barra do Dande Development Company (SDBD) has finalised agreements totalling US$900 million to modernise the port terminal at the Integrated Development Free Zone of Barra do Dande, located in Bengo Province. This investment package, which involves Huatong Angola Industry and the UK-based Berkshire Waterhouse Infrastructure Development, aims to bolster the region’s logistics capacity, according to multiple media reports.
Under the terms confirmed by SDBD Chairman Roque Saraiva, the initiative includes a US$450 million allocation specifically for the port terminal subconcession. This subconcession is set to span 25 years, with the possibility of renewal based on commercial performance.
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The ambitious project at Barra do Dande is scheduled for completion between 2029 and 2030, with development partitioned into three distinct phases. The initial stage, anticipated to last 24 months, will focus on establishing operational readiness to facilitate exports from the free zone. Once fully functional, the terminal is designed to accommodate vessels of up to 80,000 tonnes.
The outlook for Barra do Dande
Projections suggest the facility could handle business volumes exceeding US$10 billion, establishing Barra do Dande as a key logistics centre for northern Angola and the broader Southern African region.
This entirely privately funded endeavour builds upon existing industrial activity in the area. Huatong Angola Industry – a subsidiary of the Chinese firm Hebei Huatong Group – already operates an aluminium industrial park at Barra do Dande.
The first phase of this park, which commenced production in January, has already generated 1,200 direct and 800 indirect jobs. It is estimated that the overarching development of the free zone will eventually create approximately 21,000 employment opportunities, reinforcing Angola’s commitment to attracting foreign industrial capital.
