Angola's Soyo: Is It A Safe Haven?

Soyo, Angola, is a city with a population of over 200,000 people, located in the province of Zaire. It is the country's largest oil-producing region, with an estimated production of 1,200,000 barrels per day. The city has a tropical environment with two seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from November to April, and the dry season, which lasts from May to October. While Soyo offers beautiful beaches and historical sites, it is important to exercise caution when visiting due to the risk of violent crime and inadequate health facilities.

Crime and health concerns

Soyo, Angola, has a population of over 200,000 people and is one of the country's largest oil-producing regions. The city has experienced rapid growth and development due to the Angola LNG Project, which has attracted many expatriates to the area.

As with any rapidly developing region, Soyo presents certain crime and health concerns that visitors and expatriates should be aware of.

Crime

Soyo's status as a significant oil-producing region and its proximity to offshore oil fields may attract criminal activity. Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide, is common in Angola, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious incidents. It is advised to use caution when walking or driving at night and to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for additional safety. It is also recommended not to resist any robbery attempts and to follow the guidelines provided by the Angola LNG Security Team for travel within the region.

Health

Health facilities in Angola, particularly outside of large cities, may be under-resourced and lack adequate supplies of basic vaccines and medications. It is crucial to always travel with any required medicines, as most medicines may be unavailable, and healthcare services may be inconsistent. Expatriates are encouraged to bring their own supply of prescription medications, as the availability of specific prescriptions in Soyo may be limited.

The medical clinic at Bechtel Camp in Soyo is open to all employees and resident family members, offering free consultations with a doctor. However, additional services such as X-rays, laboratory tests, and prescriptions incur extra costs. For more specialised services, such as cardiology and gynaecology, referrals to healthcare facilities in Luanda are necessary. In the event of a serious illness or injury, individuals may need to be airlifted to Luanda or South Africa for treatment.

It is important to note that small children and dependents with serious medical issues are not permitted in Soyo due to limited medical facilities and airlift capabilities, which operate only during daylight hours. Dental services are also not covered, and expatriates must pay out of pocket for these services, with the option to seek reimbursement from Bupa.

While Soyo offers many opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas industry, it is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about potential crime and health concerns. By taking the necessary precautions, such as enrolling in STEP and consulting with medical professionals before travelling, individuals can better ensure their safety and well-being during their time in Soyo, Angola.

Travel advisories and safety precautions

Soyo, Angola, is a city with a population of over 200,000 people, located in the province of Zaire. It is the country's largest oil-producing region and plays a major role in Angola's oil production due to its proximity to offshore oil fields.

When travelling to Angola, it is advised to exercise increased caution due to crime and health concerns. Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide, is common, and local police may not have the resources to respond effectively to serious incidents. It is recommended to not physically resist any robbery attempts and to use caution when walking or driving at night.

Health facilities in Angola may be under-resourced, lacking adequate facilities or supplies of basic vaccines and medications, especially outside of large cities. It is advised to always travel with any required medications, as most medicines may be unavailable, and healthcare inconsistent.

When visiting Soyo, it is important to be aware of the following safety precautions:

• The official language of Soyo is Portuguese, but other languages like Kisolongo, French, English, Lingala, and Kikongo ya leta are also spoken. Knowing some basic phrases in these languages can be helpful.
• Soyo has a tropical environment with high humidity and minimal temperature variation between seasons. It is recommended to dress accordingly and stay hydrated.
• The national currency is Kwanza, and it is used in all transactions. Ensure you have enough local currency or accepted foreign currency (such as US dollars) for your expenses.
• There are limited shopping options in Soyo, with mostly small, family-owned shops and outdoor markets. Expatriates are advised to travel in small groups, along with their respective drivers, for safety and security.
• There are a few restaurants in Soyo, serving Western, Angolan, and Chinese cuisine.
• Soyo has several beaches, including Sereia Beach, Quifuma Beach, and Quifuquena Beach. Travel to these areas may require approval from the Angola LNG Security Team, so prior permission is recommended.
• Soyo has a rich history, having played a significant role in the conflicts between the Kingdom of Kongo, Portuguese Angola, and the Dutch West India Company. The Port of Mpinda was an important site in the historical slave trade. Visitors should be mindful of the sensitive nature of these historical sites.

The role of the oil industry

Soyo, Angola, is the country's largest oil-producing region, with an estimated production of 1,200,000 barrels per day. The city is supported by an airport and a seaport, which play a major role in Angola's oil production due to their proximity to offshore oil extraction and exploration activities. The government has plans to build an oil refinery in Soyo, and the country has invested in the Angola LNG project, which has built one of the world's most modern LNG processing facilities in Soyo.

The petroleum industry is key to Angola's economy, accounting for almost 75% of the country's revenues. However, the country has not yet unleashed the full potential of its hydrocarbon sector. In 2017, the Angolan Government implemented a series of reforms to boost the industry, and industry players continue to call for a thorough restructuring of the sector.

The National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) is responsible for regulating upstream operations, including awarding concessions blocks for onshore and offshore exploration and production fields. To stimulate investments in new assets, the ANPG planned a six-year licensing round from 2019 to 2025, to auction and license a total of 50 new blocks.

The oil and gas sector in Angola remains challenging to navigate, with industry barriers and macroeconomic threats hindering even reputable multinationals and local companies from entering the sector. The sector has witnessed the withdrawal of many companies, and most SMEs cannot access oil and gas sector investments.

The high production costs in Angola, averaging US$40 per barrel, limit new investments and profit for private companies. Industry players are under pressure to reduce production costs and increase efficiency.

Despite the challenges, Angola remains a leading producer on the continent, recently surpassing Nigeria and Algeria. The country's oil and gas upstream market is expected to record a growth of more than 1.5% during the forecast period of 2022-2027, and the recent hike in crude oil prices above US$100 has benefitted Angola's economy and finances.

The LNG plant in Soyo is a consortium with Sonangol, Chevron, Total, BP, and ENI as shareholders. The plant started production in 2013 with a capacity of 5.2 million tons per year and an investment of over US$10 billion. It is a storage and gas processing facility, projected to receive 1 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas. The plant will require a continued supply of natural gas to maximize and monetize its full installation capacity.

The Soyo Refinery is a US$3.5 billion project with a refining capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, making it the third-largest refining capacity in the country. The refinery is expected to be operational by 2025 and will be a significant addition to Angola's oil industry.

The history of Soyo

Soyo, formerly known as Santo António do Zaire, is a city and municipality in the province of Zaire, Angola, at the mouth of the Congo River. It was historically a significant city in conflicts between the Kingdom of Kongo, Portuguese Angola, and the Dutch West India Company.

When the Portuguese arrived in 1482, Soyo was already an administrative entity, ruled by a governor with the title of mwene Soyo or "lord of Soyo". The ruler was the first Kongo lord to be baptised when Christian missionaries came to the kingdom in 1491. In the 16th century, Soyo was typically ruled by a member of the Kongo royal family, presumably appointed by the king and serving a limited term. The port of Mpinda, located near the mouth of the Congo River, became an important trading hub for the kingdom, with the Portuguese settling in the area and trading slaves, ivory, and copper.

In the early 1590s, Miguel, the designated Count of Soyo, was not entirely supportive of Kongo King Álvaro II's ambitions, leading to a period of tension between the two regions. Subsequent kings attempted to regain control over Soyo, with varying degrees of success. In 1641, Count Daniel da Silva resisted attempts by the newly enthroned King Garcia II to replace him, claiming that the counts of Soyo had the right to be elected by their own noble subordinates. Despite multiple attempts, Garcia II's efforts to regain control of Soyo failed, largely due to the fortified location of Nfinda Ngula near the capital.

As Soyo became more independent, its rulers adopted the title of Prince, and later Grand Prince of Soyo, in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Soyo played an active role in Kongo's politics, especially as defenders of the Kimpanzu branch of the family, providing refuge and protection to its members. In 1670, the Portuguese governor attempted to invade Soyo but was defeated at the Battle of Kitombo, a victory that is commemorated on October 18, St. Luke's Day.

In the 1680s, Antonio II Baretto da Silva, the count of Soyo, waged war with Kakongo and Ngoyo, the kingdoms to the north of the Congo River. Soyo became an independent state in the 17th century and exerted significant influence on politics in Kongo during the Kongo Civil War. Today, Soyo is the largest oil-producing region in Angola, with an estimated production of 1,200,000 barrels per day. The city has a population of over 200,000 and continues to play a significant role in the country's oil industry.

The impact of the Angola LNG project

Angola LNG (ALNG) is a $12 billion project that has built one of the world's most modern LNG processing facilities, located 350km north of Luanda in Soyo, at the mouth of the Congo River. It is the first LNG project in Angola and one of the largest energy projects on the African continent.

The project is a partnership between Sonangol, Chevron, TotalEnergies, Azule Energy Angola Production B.V., and Azule Energy Exploration (Angola) Ltd. The project has a capacity to process 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, helping to meet the global demand for cleaner-burning natural gas.

The Angola LNG project has had a significant impact on the local community in Soyo. The population of Soyo has grown rapidly since the start of the project, with an estimated population of over 200,000 people. The project has also led to the development of infrastructure in the area, including the renovation and expansion of the Soyo municipal hospital and the refurbishment and expansion of the Bairro da Marinha School.

The project has also contributed to the growth of a global gas market, connecting national, regional, and international markets. LNG enables gas to be transported safely, reliably, and economically over long distances, unlocking stranded gas reserves and helping to generate cleaner, low-carbon power.

The Angola LNG project has also had an environmental impact. One of the main drivers of the project was the opportunity to eliminate the flaring of associated gas, allowing for the development of offshore oil reserves in a more environmentally sustainable manner. The project has also contributed to a reduction in emissions and the establishment of a new source of clean energy.

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