By Ajong Mbapndah L
Half a century after proclaiming independence from Portuguese colonial rule, Angola stood tall at fifty — celebrating not only the memory of freedom but also the spirit of renewal, resilience, and unity. Amid parades, honors, and visiting dignitaries from across the world, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço delivered a defining speech from Praça da República, reaffirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to economic and social development, peace, and international cooperation.
“Angola has faced a difficult journey over these five decades,” Lourenço declared, “overcoming complex situations in the context of the Cold War, fighting to preserve independence and national sovereignty. Yet through sacrifice and determination, we have emerged stronger — a nation that believes in peace, justice, and progress.”
From Liberation to Reconstruction
Angola’s Golden Jubilee is more than a commemoration — it is a reflection on an extraordinary national journey. Since that fateful day of November 11, 1975, when independence was declared by António Agostinho Neto, Angola has endured colonial domination, civil war, and the immense task of reconstruction.
Lourenço’s address reminded citizens that the country’s 23 years of peace — following the end of the civil conflict in 2002 — have been transformative. “Our priority has been to heal the wounds of war,” he said, “focusing on combating hunger, poverty, and social inequalities. The rehabilitation of infrastructure and the improvement of living conditions remain at the center of attention.”
The President paid homage to Angola’s founding leaders while acknowledging the painful divisions of the past. “This is a moment for reconciliation and unity,” he said. “We must build an inclusive society with equal opportunities for all citizens — working more, quarrelling less, and focusing on the economy that unites us.”
The Long March of Peace and Progress
Since peace returned, Angola has poured billions into rebuilding bridges, roads, schools, and hospitals destroyed during decades of conflict. Lourenço reminded the nation that peace is not merely the absence of war but a daily commitment to tolerance, justice, and national purpose.
“Political disputes must never again consume the time that should be devoted to work and to building a prosperous Angola,” he cautioned. “Our destiny is in our hands — the time for excuses is over.”
As he spoke, thousands of Angolans filled the square waving flags, singing liberation songs, and honoring a generation that fought and died for independence. The message was clear: the second half-century of Angola’s story must be written in peace, discipline, and productivity.
Education and the Next Generation
In one of the speech’s most heartfelt moments, the President turned to the future — Angola’s youth. He acknowledged the “still high number of children outside the education system,” pledging new urgency in tackling illiteracy and expanding access to schools.
“To ensure a dignified future,” he said, “we must invest in classrooms, teachers, and knowledge. Education is the foundation on which the Angola of tomorrow will stand.”
The government, Lourenço noted, is accelerating programs for teacher training and school construction, particularly in rural areas, while promoting digital literacy and technical education to align with a diversifying economy.
Jobs, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Diversification
Turning to the economy, Lourenço emphasized that the era of overdependence on oil must give way to broad-based growth driven by agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
“Angola has taken firm steps to break the cycle of underdevelopment,” he said. “We are investing in electricity, in a friendlier business environment, and in economic diversification. Progress depends on the collective effort of all Angolans.”
The President called on citizens to seize opportunities in the private and cooperative sectors. “This is a moment for entrepreneurs and for all those who, through hard work, help Angola grow,” he declared — a message echoed by the thousands of small and medium enterprises that now power Angola’s postwar economy.
The Infrastructure Revolution: Corridors of Growth
Central to Lourenço’s vision is connectivity — within Angola and across borders. He highlighted the Lobito Corridor, a multi-billion-dollar rail and port project linking Angola to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as a symbol of regional integration and prosperity.
“The Lobito Corridor is not just an Angolan project,” he said. “It is a Southern African artery of trade and opportunity that will make our economy more robust and sustainable.”
The project, supported by the United States, the European Union, and Afreximbank, has drawn international attention as a model of Africa-led development partnerships.
Lourenço also reiterated Angola’s goal of becoming mine-free within two years, a milestone symbolizing the physical and moral cleanup of war’s legacy. “Our partners stand with us in this mission,” he said, “and we shall not stop until every mine is cleared and every field made safe.”
Honoring Founders, Healing History
In a moment charged with symbolism, Lourenço’s government posthumously honored Holden Roberto (FNLA) and Jonas Savimbi (UNITA) — long-time adversaries of the ruling MPLA — with the 50 Years of National Independence Medal. The gesture followed public appeals from civil society, political figures, and the Catholic bishops’ conference (CEAST).
Alongside them, Pope Paul VI was honored for his historic 1970 meeting with African liberation leaders, which gave global legitimacy to Angola’s independence movement. António Agostinho Neto himself — the poet-doctor who led the independence struggle — was also posthumously recognized.
“These awards,” Lourenço said, “symbolize the reconciliation of a nation that honors all who fought for freedom, no matter their political stripes. The time for unity is now.”
A Celebration of Friends and Partners
Angola’s jubilee drew an impressive lineup of international guests: José Maria Neves of Cape Verde, Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, Sassou Nguesso of Congo ,and President Droupadi Murmu of India, who was on an extended state visit amongst many others.
“Their presence,” Lourenço said, “illustrates the depth and breadth of the friendship that unites us.”
During her visit, President Murmu reaffirmed India’s cooperation with Angola in energy, health, education, and technology — calling Angola “a key partner in Africa’s rise.”
Angola and the World: A Voice for Peace and Cooperation
Now serving as Chairperson of the African Union, President Lourenço used the occasion to project Angola’s growing influence in regional and global affairs. He reaffirmed the country’s foreign policy anchored in dialogue, non-interference, and respect for international law.
He called for an end to conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and for renewed international action toward “the creation of a free and independent State of Palestine.”
“Angola’s role is to build bridges,” he said, “not walls — to be a voice for peace and solidarity among nations.”
The President also reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to environmental protection, clean energy transition, and climate adaptation, noting ongoing efforts to diversify energy production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“Our responsibility to the planet is inseparable from our responsibility to future generations,” he declared.
From Luanda to the World: Congratulations and Controversy
As the celebrations unfolded, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a congratulatory message:
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of Angola on 50 years of independence,” Trump wrote. “Today, your nation stands as a regional leader, promoting prosperity, peace, and reconciliation. Angola’s story is one your founders would be proud of.”
He praised Angola’s role in the Lobito Corridor project and deepening U.S.–Angola cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and private investment.
Yet the jubilee was not without controversy. A planned friendly football match between Argentina’s national team and Angola’s “Palancas Negras,” scheduled for November 14 at Estádio 11 de Novembro, drew criticism for its €12-million price tag — a sum many considered excessive amid poverty and food insecurity.
Civil society organizations and religious leaders petitioned both governments and Lionel Messi himself to reconsider the match, arguing that “the funds would be better spent fighting hunger.” But with contracts signed, the game went ahead, reflecting both the pride and contradictions of a country still balancing celebration with hardship.
The Spirit of the Founders
President Lourenço also used the moment to recall Angola’s founding vision. In 1975, Agostinho Neto declared independence at Praça 1º de Maio in Luanda, even as rival leaders Holden Roberto and Jonas Savimbi proclaimed separate independences in Ambriz and Huambo. The result was a devastating civil war that divided the country for nearly three decades.
“History has recorded Neto’s voice,” Lourenço said, “but today, the voices of all Angolans must be heard — for the freedom we celebrate belongs to everyone.”
He paid tribute to former President José Eduardo dos Santos for leading Angola through difficult diplomatic years that contributed to the end of apartheid and the liberation of Southern Africa.
A Nation United at 50
As the sun set over Luanda’s skyline, thousands marched in a grand civic and military parade — soldiers, schoolchildren, veterans, and workers alike. The day’s emotion captured the essence of Angola at 50: proud of its past, aware of its challenges, but hopeful about its future.
“Peace is the foundation on which we must build everything else,” Lourenço concluded. “Let this golden jubilee remind us that independence is not a destination — it is a duty renewed every day.”
The celebrations, which began in April with the awarding of the 50 Years of National Independence Medal to 247 citizens, will continue through 2025 with cultural festivals, exhibitions, and tributes to Angola’s heroes.
From its battlefields to its boardrooms, from mines to modern metros, Angola’s journey from revolution to renaissance reflects the story of a people determined never again to be broken — and always, in Lourenço’s words, “to make peace our greatest victory.”
