British companies are set to secure £167 million in contracts linked to a major infrastructure programme in Angola, backed by £655 million in financing from the UK’s export credit agency.
The package, announced by UK Export Finance (UKEF), will support four major projects spanning aviation, roads and electricity infrastructure, creating opportunities for British contractors, engineers, manufacturers and specialist suppliers.
The programme is expected to deepen commercial ties between Britain and Angola while generating economic benefits for businesses and workers across the UK.
Among the flagship projects is the construction of a new international airport in Cabinda, alongside the rehabilitation of a major road serving Angola’s capital region and two large electricity projects designed to expand and strengthen the country’s power network.
The British government says the deals demonstrate how export finance can be used to open markets for UK companies while supporting infrastructure development in emerging economies.
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the projects would demonstrate British expertise in infrastructure, engineering and construction on the international market.
“From a new international airport to a major road, these projects will strengthen the UK-Angola partnership, helping to create jobs across the UK and deliver on our mission to drive growth in every postcode,” he said.
UKEF chief executive Tim Reid said Angola’s infrastructure expansion presented significant opportunities for British exporters.
“Angola is leading an ambitious national infrastructure programme, and we want British exporters to be front and centre bringing their expertise,” he said.
According to UKEF, the projects will improve transport connections and access to electricity while creating new commercial opportunities for UK businesses.
Four projects at the centre of the programme
The largest commitment is £371 million for the development of Cabinda International Airport. The new airport is being delivered by the Innovo Group and is expected to support around 830 jobs locally during construction. UK suppliers are also participating as subcontractors to a British-based project developer.
A further £73 million is being provided for the rehabilitation of the Camama-Viana road in Luanda Province.
The strategically important route is being upgraded to address congestion and improve transport links. The works include stormwater drainage, pavement construction and major drainage-channel infrastructure. The project is being delivered by MCA Group and forms part of Angola’s national infrastructure priorities.
The UK is also supporting Angola’s efforts to expand electricity access.
The Uíge Electrification Project, backed by £93 million, involves the construction of transmission lines, substations and associated infrastructure across Uíge Province. Delivered by Elecnor, the project is expected to create around 5,000 domestic electricity connections as well as public lighting.
The scheme is intended to reduce dependence on diesel generators while improving the reliability and sustainability of electricity supplies in the province.
A separate £118 million commitment is supporting the construction of the Huambo Transmission Line, another Elecnor-led project.
The high-voltage line will link Belém do Dango in Huambo Province with Lomaum in Benguela Province, expanding Angola’s national electricity grid and improving the distribution of renewable power.
Together, the electricity projects are designed to strengthen the foundations of Angola’s energy system while supporting economic activity and employment in the regions involved.
UKEF expands its role in Angola
The latest agreements build on a growing relationship between UKEF and Angola.
Since 2018, the agency has supported projects in the country covering healthcare, power generation, water, agriculture and transport. Cumulative UKEF-backed financing for Angola has now risen to more than £2 billion, according to the UK government.
For British exporters, the expansion reflects a wider effort by the government to use state-backed finance to help companies compete for major contracts in emerging markets.
UKEF says its support is intended to deliver benefits on both sides of the deal: helping developing economies finance strategic infrastructure while giving British companies access to international projects.
The agency has set a target of supporting £10 billion of finance in low- and middle-income countries by 2029.
The strategy is intended to focus on sustainable infrastructure, clean growth and long-term economic development, while creating new export opportunities for UK companies.
For Britain, the Angola deals underline the government's broader push to turn international infrastructure investment into domestic economic gains — linking overseas development and trade with jobs, contracts and growth for British businesses. Photo by Iamdelcioborges, Wikimedia commons.
