Adilson Gabriel Alves Catala officially took office on Tuesday, 17 March, as Secretary of State for the Civil Aviation, Maritime and Ports sectors within the Ministry of Transport. The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, and attended by the Vice-President of the Republic, Esperança da Costa, the Minister of Transport, Ricardo de Abreu, and other members of the Executive.
The President highlighted the strategic importance of the sectors for national development, noting the significant government investment in civil aviation and port infrastructure. He stated that Angola’s airport network now covers almost all provincial capitals, with particular emphasis on the operationalisation of the new António Agostinho Neto International Airport and plans to construct four additional airports in Cabinda, Mbanza Congo, Cazombo and Mavinga.
In commercial aviation, João Lourenço referred to ongoing efforts to modernise TAAG’s fleet through the acquisition of new Boeing and Airbus aircraft, as part of a broader strategy to position Luanda as a key air hub on the African continent.
In the maritime and port sectors, the President highlighted Angola’s extensive coastline and investments in major ports, including rehabilitation and expansion works at the Ports of Moçâmedes and Luanda, as well as the strategic role of the Port of Lobito within the Lobito Corridor. He also noted that the Caio Deepwater Port in Cabinda is expected to be inaugurated later this year and will be among the largest on the continent.
Addressing the new Secretary of State, the President underscored the scale of the responsibility, emphasising that development is not possible without strong air, maritime and port infrastructure, and expressed confidence in his contribution to advancing the country’s economic and social development.
Adilson Gabriel Alves Catala assumes direct responsibility for the Civil Aviation, Maritime and Ports sectors within the Ministry of Transport, with a mandate to advance key projects aimed at strengthening Angola’s economy and connectivity.
