Latest news with #Lobito
Arabian Business
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai's Invictus acquires majority stake in Angolan fertiliser company
Dubai-headquartered Invictus Investment Company is strengthening its position in Africa and making its third major acquisition in the continent when it signed an agreement to acquire a 65 per cent stake in Angata, a leading fertiliser blending company in Lobito, Angola. In the recent past, , and a 60 per cent stake in Graderco, a Moroccan agro-trading company. The acquisition, being made through Mauritius-based Dagro Chemical Limited, is subject to regulatory approvals and transaction closing mechanisms. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Angata specialises in customised fertiliser blending and tailors its products to the specific soil and crop requirements of farmers across different regions of the country. It has a production capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes per annum, with plans to increase capacity by the end of 2025. Its product range addresses critical crop nutrition needs, including urea, phosphates like diammonium phosphate (DAP), potassium, trace elements and boron. In addition to its core fertiliser business, Angata also imports and resells pesticides and other essential products for productive farming. Invictus strengthens African presence The acquisition opens a new area of business for Invictus Investment and marks a strategic entry point into the agricultural and agro-input industry in Angola, a key market in Africa with significant growth potential. Amir Daoud Abdellatif, CEO of Invictus Investment, commented: 'Our acquisition of Angata marks another major milestone in our continued expansion in Africa following our earlier transactions in Mozambique and Morocco. 'It also signals a strategic shift. It broadens our capabilities beyond trading into the agro-input segment where we can directly support farmers and strengthen the ecosystems that feed regional and global supply chains. Angata's fertiliser blending expertise addresses a critical gap in farm productivity and gives us a direct connection to farmers. We see it as a strategic base for us to source and process more commodities in Angola and cater to both local consumption and export markets.' Angata's strategic location also provides an attractive opportunity. The Lobito corridor links Angola to the Atlantic coast, and the city has rail connections extending into the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company can become a strategic hub to serve farmers in surrounding markets. Christian Louvet, Director General, Angata, added: 'We are pleased to be working with Invictus Investment and view this partnership as a catalyst for long-term growth. Invictus Investment brings the reach and operational capabilities needed to scale the business and broaden our impact in the region. 'The focus now is on expanding what we do well, helping farmers grow their productivity and playing a stronger role in Angola's agricultural economy.'
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Invictus Investment acquires majority stake in Angolan fertiliser blender Angata
Acquisition represents strategic entry into the agricultural and agro-input business in key African market of Angola Angata specialises in tailored fertiliser blending and customises products based on local soil requirements Transaction marks Invictus Investment's third major acquisition in Africa, following the purchase of Mozambique's largest flour miller Merec Industries and a 60% stake in Moroccan agro-trading leader Graderco Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Invictus Investment Company Plc (ADX: INVICTUS), a leading agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa, today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire a 65% stake in Angata, a leading fertiliser blending company based in Lobito, Angola. The acquisition, being made through Mauritius-based Dagro Chemical Limited, is subject to regulatory approvals and transaction closing mechanisms. The deal marks Invictus Investment's third major acquisition in Africa, following the purchase of Merec Industries – Mozambique's largest flour milling company – and a 60% stake in Moroccan agro-trading leader Graderco. While representing a new business area for Invictus Investment, this transaction marks a strategic entry point into the agricultural and agro-input industry in Angola – a key market in Africa with significant growth potential. Angata specialises in customised fertiliser blending and tailors its products to the specific soil and crop requirements of farmers across different regions of the country. The company has a production capacity of 100,000 MT per annum with plans to increase capacity by the end of 2025. Its product range addresses critical crop nutrition needs, including urea, phosphates like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), potassium, trace elements and boron. In addition to its core fertiliser business, Angata also imports and resells pesticides and other essential products for productive farming operations. From a location perspective, the company presents an attractive opportunity with its base in the strategic Lobito corridor that links Angola to the Atlantic coast. Lobito also has rail connections extending into the mineral rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This positions Angata as a strategic hub to serve farmers in surrounding markets. Commenting on the announcement, Amir Daoud Abdellatif, CEO of Invictus Investment, said: 'Our acquisition of Angata marks another major milestone in our continued expansion in Africa following our earlier transactions in Mozambique and Morocco. It also signals a strategic shift – broadening our capabilities beyond trading into the agro-input segment where we can directly support farmers and strengthen the ecosystems that feed regional and global supply chains. Angata's fertiliser blending expertise addresses a critical gap in farm productivity and gives us a direct connection to farmers. We see it as a strategic base for us to source and process more commodities in Angola and cater to both local consumption and export markets.' Christian Louvet, Director General, Angata, said: 'We are pleased to be working with Invictus Investment and view this partnership as a catalyst for long term growth. Invictus Investment brings the reach and operational capabilities needed to scale the business and broaden our impact in the region. The focus now is on expanding what we do well, helping farmers grow their productivity and playing a stronger role in Angola's agricultural economy.' Looking ahead, Invictus Investment remains focused on furthering its long-term growth strategy through strategic investments in key African markets, targeting the acquisition of majority stakes in leading ventures as it works towards its goal of becoming a fully integrated agro-food enterprise. *Please refer to for more information. About Invictus Investment Invictus Investment Company PLC, established in March 2022 and headquartered in Dubai, is a leading holding entity primarily focusing on agro-food commodities through its main subsidiary, Invictus Trading FZE, founded in February 2014. Initially offering procurement services that supplied raw materials and finished goods such as wheat in the MENA region, the company has since expanded its commodity portfolio to include a diverse range of products such as barley, corn, cotton, Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), fertilisers, groundnuts, meat, sesame, soya bean, soya bean hulls, soya bean meal, sugar, vegetable oil and wheat flour. Today, Invictus Investment operates across 54 countries with a broad sourcing network and a focus on midstream and downstream acquisitions in the value chain, with the aim of becoming a fully integrated agro-food enterprise in the commodity trading sector across the Middle East and Africa. For media inquiries, please contact: Raneem Abudaqqa Senior Consultant | Tales & Heads E:
Russia Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- Russia Today
Chevron oil platform catches fire off Angola coast
A fire erupted early Tuesday morning on the Benguela Belize Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) offshore oil platform off the coast of Angola, injuring 17 workers during scheduled maintenance operations, according to the country's oil and gas regulator. The blaze broke out at approximately 3am local time on the basement deck of the multi-level structure. Operated by Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC), a subsidiary of US energy giant Chevron, the facility was undergoing routine annual maintenance at the time. 'The cause of the fire is currently under investigation,' Angola's National Agency of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) said in a statement, noting that CABGOC teams responded promptly and were able to successfully extinguish the flames. ANPG added that production at the site had been halted since May 1 as part of planned maintenance activities. All injured personnel were airlifted to onshore medical facilities for treatment. According to Jornal de Angola, six individuals were transported to the Sacred Hope Clinic in Luanda, where four remain in critical condition and two others are reported to be in very serious condition. An additional four victims are receiving care at Cabinda's General Hospital, where an acting clinical director stated that the patients had sustained mild burns. Speaking to Polygraph Africa, Cabinda's provincial health secretary, Ruben Buco, confirmed that several victims of the explosion were being treated at local healthcare centers. He reported no fatalities as of Tuesday, although medical evaluations were still underway. However, by Wednesday, Reuters reported – citing a statement from Chevron – that one person was missing in the aftermath of the fire. The BBLT, a drilling production platform situated approximately 60 miles (96.5 km) offshore from Cabinda, houses living quarters for up to 157 personnel.
Zawya
17-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) Strengthens Field Presence and Support to Cholera Response During High Level Visit to Kwanza Sul and Benguela
As part of ongoing efforts to support Angola's fight against the cholera outbreak and to reinforce regional health systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Angola, Dr Indrajit Hazarika, conducted a field mission to the provinces of Kwanza Sul and Benguela this week. The visit served to strengthen collaboration with local authorities, highlight WHO's decentralized support across the country, and follow the high-level visit of the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed. The field mission began in Kwanza Sul, where Dr Indrajit met with the Provincial Governor and the Provincial Director of Health. During the meeting, WHO expressed its appreciation for the province's leadership in cholera response and for the continuous support to the WHO office in Sumbe. Discussions also focused on broader areas of collaboration, including expanding health coverage, and improving emergency preparedness. The delegation then proceeded to Benguela, where it joined a high-level visit led by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, the Minister of Health of Angola, and the UN Resident Coordinator to assess the province's progress in responding to the cholera outbreak. The visit included a tour of the Cholera Treatment Center at the Municipal Hospital of Benguela and a stop at the mobile health clinic at the Lobito train station, which is extending care to vulnerable populations along the Lobito Corridor. Benguela has been one of the most affected provinces since the cholera outbreak began, at one point reporting over 100 cases per day. Thanks to strong leadership by the provincial government, a multisectoral approach, and support from WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, the situation has markedly improved. As of this week, the province reported fewer than 50 cases per day and some days registering zero deaths. The WHO Representative commended the efforts of provincial authorities, health workers, and frontline responders for this remarkable turnaround. 'This progress is a direct result of local leadership, strong coordination, and collective action,' said the WHO Representative during the visit. 'WHO is proud to stand with the Government of Angola—not just at the national level, but with teams embedded in provinces like Benguela and Kwanza Sul—working every day to respond to emergencies and strengthen the health system.' WHO's support to Angola includes the deployment of emergency response teams, technical guidance for case management and surveillance, coordination support, and the delivery of critical medical supplies. WHO has also facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams from Portugal and Germany to reinforce the response in Benguela. The visit highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society response to cholera, one that not only treats the disease but addresses its root causes: lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and health services. The WHO Representative reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Angola's long-term goals of disease prevention, health system resilience, and universal health coverage. 'Cholera thrives where development is lacking. We must not only stop this outbreak—we must prevent the next one. That means investing in primary health care, water and sanitation, and strong surveillance systems,' the WHO Representative emphasized. As the response continues, WHO remains a key partner to the Government of Angola and will continue to work hand-in-hand with national and provincial stakeholders to protect lives and build a healthier future for all Angolans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
DRC arms for minerals deal amid Trump transactionalism, tariffs
Media reports suggest that a deal involving Donald Trump's US and the DRC could be modelled along the lines of the US- Ukraine deal, a transactional bilateral arrangement upon which the US would provide security support in exchange for critical minerals and rare earth metals. Media reports that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has sought to negotiate an arms-for-minerals deal with the US at a time when Washington has imposed unilateral tariffs targeting both allies and opponents. Media reports suggest that the US-DRC deal could be modelled along the lines of the US- Ukraine deal, a transactional bilateral arrangement upon which the US would provide security support in exchange for critical minerals and rare earth metals. While the DRC faces a desperate security situation and has alluded to the need to diversify its partners, the Trump administration looks keen to take its transactional model of bilateral, and indeed multilateral, relations to conflict states, trading mineral resources for security needs. The motivation and timing of the DRC's overtures towards the US may throw the country into a catch-22. The Trump administration has been very clear about seeking maximum benefits for the US in line with the Trump Administration's America First Agenda by forging transactional relations with partners. At the same time, the DRC is pulling a huge gamble which could alienate its traditional trusted partners. At this juncture, African countries should seek collective solutions to emerging challenges, including in dealing with the chaotic, unpredictable, and transactional policies emerging from Washington. The DRC faces ongoing violence, instability, massive displacement of its citizens and a huge humanitarian crisis. Millions of its citizens have been forced to flee their homes to escape the advancing M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda. The rebel groups have responded with mixed signals to calls for a ceasefire by both the government of the DRC and Rwanda, while the SADC forces deployed to keep peace in the country are being withdrawn, leaving the Tshisekedi-led government desperate to bolster peace and stability in the country. China has emerged as the major investment and development partner in Africa and the DRC in particular. The Trump Administration has indicated its desire to continue pushing US interests for critical minerals, drawing big power competition and rivalry into the region. The U.S., through its International Development Finance Corporation, set up during Trump's first term in 2019, has pledged a $550 million loan to support the Lobito corridor project. The DRC, Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania are all participating in the Lobito corridor initiative, a $4 billion project which was originally launched by the Biden administration to develop railway infrastructure linking ports in Tanzania through the DRC and Zambia to Angola. The project, which seeks to facilitate the transportation of minerals resources and other raw materials found in abundance in this region, was touted as evidence to affirm that the US and EU are seriously back to invest in Africa, and possibly outcompete flourishing Chinese investments. According to the BBC, the U.S. chargé d'affaires and acting ambassador to Angola, James Story, told reporters that the United States is ''set to show our commitment to these projects,'' suggesting that the Trump administration is all in the planned partnership with the 4 Africancountries, the private sector, the US, and the EU countries. Western governments view the Lobito corridor project as their answers and alternative to massive Chinese infrastructure projects in the region backed by a combination of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In contrast to ad hoc, recently emerging Western infrastructure initiatives in Africa, China has institutionalised its investments in the continent through combined public and private sector investments to assert itself in diversified supply and value chains, creating millions of jobs across the continent. Western countries and the private sector have previously been reluctant to invest massively in the continent. They have mostly directed their focus on humanitarian and security initiatives partly because Africa is generally viewed as unstable and characterised by poor governance. Compared to extensive Chinese investment in the DRC, and despite dangling billions of dollars in potential investment, US-DRC trade accounts for minuscule economic exchanges between the two countries. A summary of trade relations between the DRC and the US from the Office of the United States Trade Representative indicates that total goods trade with the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached $576.4 million in 2024. The US goods exports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo were $253.3 million in 2024, growing by 35.6 percent to reach $66.5 million from 2023, while the US goods imports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo clocked $323.1 million, gaining by 17.5 percent to $48.1 million. Since the 2000s, China has invested more than $155 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa, making Beijing a legitimate alternative to Western financing in the realm of developmental and commercial infrastructure. The DRC, which produces 80 percent of the world's cobalt, has attracted massive investments from state-owned enterprises and policy banks from China. Chinese companies have invested in half of the largest cobalt mines in the DRC, with a significant stake in the refining of cobalt and other minerals. China is by far the DRC's largest single trading partner, representing nearly half of its merchandise exports and more than a quarter of its imports, according to 2022 data from the World Trade Organization. When it comes to China's economic ties with DR Congo, the UN Comtrade Database shows that for years, China has been DR Congo's top trading partner since the 2000s. According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Chinese exports to Congo reached US$4.49 billion in 2023. China has financed and built large-scale infrastructure projects in DR Congo, including hydropower plants and a dry port. The Chinese Loans to Africa Database run by Boston University says that Beijing extended $3.2bn (£2.5bn) of loans to the DRC between 2005 and 2022, mostly to fund road and bridge construction and the country's electricity grid. US investments in Africa in general, and the DRC in particular, are marginal. The Trump administration is equally proving transactional, basically self-interested in a very inside-looking way. The unilateral imposition of blanket tariffs on nearly 60 countries, which have been suspended for 60 days, requires the DRC to demonstrate a measure of solidarity, goodwill and, most importantly, seek a collective response with other African countries to maintain a diplomatically nuanced collective posture towards the US. China, the main economic partner with the DRC, is confronted with a cycle of additional US tariffs. In the context of the transactional operational mode characterising contemporary Washington foreign relations, and the tensions between Washington and Beijing triggered by Trumpsunilateral imposition of tariffs on China, the DRC, as with other African countries who aremembers of the BRICS, and have forged strong bilateral and multilateral relations with Beijing risk coercive backlash from Washington. While China is clear on its policy of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, Trump has threatened to impose debilitating tariffs on members of the BRICS group of countries. South Africa is facing intense pressure for some of its policies to address its domestic historical contradictions. Barring some serious delicate balancing act, the DRC risks alienating some of its traditional partners who have ploughed billions of dollars into the fragile state at a time when the US is proving unpredictable and unreliable, tearing the global economic and political rule book even for its historical partners. Gideon H Chitanga, PhD is a Post Doctoral Researcher at the Centre for China Africa Studies (CACS), University of Johannesburg.
