Angola's Urban Evolution: Advanced Cities?

Angola is a country located in west-central Southern Africa, with a population of over 37 million people. It is the second-largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in both total area and population and is the seventh-largest country in Africa. Angola has an abundance of natural resources, including gems, metals, and petroleum, and is one of the highest oil-producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The country is experiencing increasing urban growth, with its capital and largest city, Luanda, home to over 6 million people. Other major cities in Angola include Huambo, Lobito, Lubango, Kuito, Malanje, Benguela, Lucapa, Namibe, and Soyo. These cities are at the forefront of Angola's economic and social reforms, playing significant roles in the country's reconstruction and development.

Luanda's modernisation and development

Luanda, Angola's capital and largest city, has been undergoing significant modernisation and development efforts. The city, which is home to over 6 million people (over 27% of Angola's population), is expected to accommodate up to 12.9 million by 2030. To address this population growth, the Angolan government has implemented a long-term urban renewal and growth plan, involving improved infrastructure, transport, and housing.

Luanda's modernisation efforts include the following key aspects:

• Inclusion and Stakeholder Engagement: The development process has been inclusive, seeking to reflect the aspirations of a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, institutional stakeholders, business owners, and community leaders.
• Master Planning: The creation of a GIS land-use model for the province has been essential for coordinating digital map information and guiding the city's development.
• Transport and Infrastructure: Applying Transport Oriented Development (TOD) principles to improve cross-city connectivity, diversify travel routes, and broaden land-use distribution. Major road reconstruction and new highways are also being developed to improve connections to surrounding areas.
• Economic Diversification: The strategy aims to establish Luanda as a major economic force in Africa, focusing on economic diversification, managing demographic growth, balanced economic development, and international competitiveness.
• Environmental Considerations: The plan seeks to embrace the natural context of river basins and coastal beaches, integrating them into a revitalised green network. Efforts are also being made to clean up watercourses and improve the marine environment.
• Social Housing: Major social housing projects are being constructed to accommodate those living in slums, which dominate the landscape of Luanda.
• International Collaboration: International firms, particularly from China, have been involved in infrastructure development and housing construction.
• Port Modernisation: AD Ports Group is investing $251 million towards the modernisation of the Luanda multipurpose port terminal, with the potential for investment to increase to $379 million. The port handles more than 76% of the country's container and general cargo volumes and serves as a key trans-shipment hub for Central-West Africa.
• Airport Expansion: A new international airport, Angola International Airport, opened in November 2023, located a few kilometres from Viana.
• Industrial Development: Luanda is experiencing a building industry boom, with large investments in various economic sectors. The first modern shopping mall in Angola was established in the city in 2007.

Huambo's agriculture and poverty

Angola is a country located in southwestern Africa, with a variety of landscapes, including the semidesert Atlantic littoral, the sparsely populated rainforest interior, and the rugged highlands of the south. The country has a turbulent history, having endured a long struggle for independence from colonial rule, followed by a 27-year civil war that left much of the country in ruins. Despite these challenges, Angola has experienced significant economic and social development, driven by its abundant natural resources, such as oil and diamonds.

One of the largest cities in Angola is Huambo, with a population of approximately 1.9 million people. The city was founded in 1912 by Portuguese settlers along the Benguela Railway, which connects to the port of Lobito on the Atlantic Coast. Huambo serves as an important transportation hub and agricultural centre, with wheat and coffee being key produce. However, the civil war left its mark on the city, and it continues to face challenges such as land mines in the surrounding countryside, which have inhibited farming in certain regions.

Agriculture in Huambo

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Huambo, with the majority of the population relying on it for their livelihood. The province has a diverse agricultural landscape, ranging from rain-fed crops to fishing activities in areas close to rivers and lakes. The primary agricultural practice in Huambo is rain-fed agriculture, which depends heavily on the region's climate and water availability.

Poverty in Huambo

Despite its economic significance, Huambo faces a high poverty rate. This is partly due to the challenges posed by the civil war and its aftermath, such as land mines and a lack of infrastructure development. Additionally, the subdivision of land into smaller parcels has been identified as a factor that can negatively impact economic conditions and social stability within the region.

The impact of poverty is felt across various aspects of life in Huambo. For instance, the ownership of livestock is limited due to the high acquisition costs, leaving many families without access to these resources. This has led to innovative solutions, such as leasing animals for labour to generate income.

Furthermore, the rural population in Huambo faces difficulties in accessing social infrastructure, which is mostly concentrated in the capital municipality. This disparity in infrastructure development between urban and rural areas contributes to the income disparities and overall poverty levels in the region.

To address these challenges, the Angolan government has implemented various measures. For example, they have introduced a social safety net program that provides monthly assistance to households in drought-affected areas like Huila and Cunene. Additionally, fuel cards have been distributed in Huambo and other provinces to exempt small-scale taxi drivers from full fuel costs. However, the distribution process has been slow, and only a fraction of the targeted population has received these benefits so far.

Lobito's manufacturing and tourism

Lobito, Angola's third-largest city, has a population of 324,050. The city, which lies along the Atlantic Coast, was established by the Portuguese in 1843. With the completion of the Benguela Railway in 1928, Lobito rapidly developed into a prosperous port city. The city has a natural deep-water harbour, which facilitated maritime trade in agricultural produce from Angola and mining resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lobito has also established itself as a manufacturing hub, producing small ships, cement, and oil exploration and production equipment. The city has managed to reclaim its economic significance as a port and manufacturing centre, despite being damaged during the Angolan Civil War.

Tourism is an emerging industry in Lobito, contributing to the city's ongoing urban and human growth. The city's deep-water harbour, for example, provides access for larger ships transporting raw petroleum to refineries located elsewhere. In addition, the government body PROINVERSION plans to tender off the Lobitos military base land for a US$114 million tourism project, which is expected to include 400 condominiums, an 18-hole golf course, and shopping centres.

Lubango's agriculture and transport

Lubango, formerly known as Sá da Bandeira, is a municipality in Angola and the capital of the Huíla Province. Lubango is one of the most beautiful Angolan regions and is known for its agriculture and transport.

Agriculture

Lubango's economy is largely based on agriculture, with the surrounding fertile region producing meat products, cereals, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables. The city was established in 1885 by Portuguese settlers from the Madeira Islands, who helped develop the region. Lubango is still an important agricultural centre, with its own airport and railway station.

Transport

Lubango has a well-developed transport system, with an airport and a railway station offering daily flights and train connections to other parts of Angola. The Moçâmedes Railway, also known as CFM, connects Lubango to the town of Moçâmedes on the coast. Lubango is also served by taxis, personal taxis, and bus services, making it easily accessible by road.

Kuito's population and tourism

Kuito, also known as Cuito, is a city located in the central highlands of Angola. It is the administrative capital of the Bié Province, with a population of over 100,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful landscapes, including hills, valleys, and rivers. The climate is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 23°C.

Kuito has a rich history and culture, with museums, historical landmarks, and traditional markets to explore. The city also serves as a hub for transportation, with roads leading to other major cities in Angola. Some of the must-see attractions in Kuito include the Cangala Waterfalls, Mount Moco, the Kuito Cathedral, and the Chiumbeni Peak.

The best time to visit Kuito is during the dry season, from May to September, as the wet season from October to April can limit outdoor activities. The city can be quite expensive for tourists, with costs for accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities adding up quickly. However, it is possible to reduce expenses by searching for deals and opting for budget-friendly options.

Kuito is considered a safe destination for tourists, but it is always advisable to take necessary precautions when travelling to any new place. Overall, Kuito offers a range of attractions that are ideal for those interested in historical and cultural experiences.

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