ISSUE 16 WINTER 2007 WINTER 16 ISSUE Angola achieves output record FIRST OIL: ■ Angola wins Afrobasket for the eighth time CULTURE |

BUSINESS | FIRST CLASS: OIL |

■ ANGOLA

Angola takes its seat in Vienna

niverso

niverso

U U FIRST MEETING: with Greater Plutonio startup

SONANGOL UNIVERSO ISSUE 16 – WINTER 2007

ISSUE 16 WINTER 2007

INSIDE SONANGOL INSIDE ANGOLA Moving On

8. Turned On 32. Weekend Away The amazing changes that have Eight years after the initial discovery on With every year that passes since the materialised in Angola Block 18, first oil flows from the Greater end of hostilities in 2003, the possibil- during the four years Plutonio field bringing Angola’s production ities for tourism offered by Angola’s that Universo has goal of 2 million barrels per day a signifi- welcoming coast and countryside been published seem TENTS cant step closer become increasingly evident scarcely credible. In 2004, the coun- try was little known except as a war zone. Now it is one of Africa’s major oil pro- ducers, set to achieve

CON the coveted daily production level of 2 million 38. The Hungry bpd in the new year. In September Angola took Dragon its seat in Vienna as member of the exclusive Opec club – and in another demonstration of China’s rising profile on the the country’s coming of age as an oil state, 12. In the Big League Now African continent, particularly in Luanda was recently the setting for the 2nd Angola, offers important oppor- Admission to Opec has put Angola on the front line of Deepwater Offshore West Africa Conference, tunities as well as challenges for global petropolitics, so Universo joined the international attended by leading oil engineers, scientists the countries involved media corps to catch the tension and drama in Vienna and other industry leaders from all over the world. Sonangol 42. Marginal Makeover But perhaps an even more pertinent indica- Rua 1° Congresso do MPLA, tion of how far Angola has come is to be found In the shadow of the historic Forteleza, N.º 8-16 in our pages. Every one of the brief news items Caixa Postal 1316, Luanda Luanda’s palm-fringed Marginal is announces a new exploration success, while República de Angola being lavishly refurbished to offer an Tel: +244 2 391 182 elsewhere we report first oil from the Greater elegant ocean frontage worthy of the Fax: +244 2 391 782 Plutonio field – a venture that absolutely Telex: 2089 SONANG AN 16. Sharing Good Things nation’s capital defines the country’s upstream credentials. [email protected] As the demand for specialist skills grows, This magazine has also made its own strik- Angola’s oil industry service providers find that Sonangol USA (Sonusa) ing progress, to achieve a unique place in the training local talent by sharing skills and expert- 44. Upside-down Tree 1177 Enclave Parkway pantheon of oil publishing while at the same Second Floor ise can be a win-win situation The baobab tree abounds in its uses Houston, TX 77077 time opening a window on the many positive USA and longevity, and its mystical qualities aspects of Angola and its people. Tel: +1 281 920 7600 have a special place in the folklore of From our next issue, we break new ground Fax: +1 281 920 7666 20. DOWAC – Presenting the the people of the Angolan countryside [email protected] to offer our readers an even more informed Lessons of Success view of the exciting prospects for Africa’s Sonangol UK The opportunity to learn first hand about the hydrocarbons. Merevale House Brompton Place technological achievements in West Africa’s deep 46. Winning Streak But for me, this threshold also marks a per- London SW3 1QE water proved a compelling lure for delegates Soccer may be a favourite Angolan sport, but basketball sonal point of departure. Developing Universo United Kingdom has achieved unparalleled popularity and Afrobasket is the from its early days has been a truly special Tel: +44 207 838 4600 who made their way to Luanda in October experience – as have the opportunities to learn Fax: +44 207 589 9454 tournament that32 its team keeps winning… and winning Telex: 893212 SONANG and share so much of a country which has such 25. Upstream ABC a bright future. Sonangol Asia 50. A Place to Learn 3 Temasek Avenue The oil business is no different from any An attack on Cacuso during the civil war provided a pivotal Peter Moeller 31-04 Centennial Tower other when it comes to industry jargon, moment for a young Angolan nun that has since brought untold Editor Singapore 039190 acronyms and buzzwords that are often Tel: : +65 64 16 3583 riches to hundreds of Angolan children Fax: +65 64 16 3582 baffling to outsiders. At Universo, it is our mission to demystify the technologies and Sonangol Department for Communication & Image Director: João Rosa Santos Corporate Communications Assistants: Cristina de Novaes and Roberto Graça, Marta Sousa, Ana Almeida and José Mota. operations required to extract hydrocarbons, so This magazine is produced for Sonangol by Impact Media Global Ltd, 53 Chandos Place, London WC2N 4HS, UK, Tel: +44 20 7812 6400~ Fax: +44 20 7812 6413 here’s a glossary to shed light on (some) of the terms Publisher: Sheila O’Callaghan; Group President: John Charles Gasser; Project Consultant: Nathalie MacCarthy bandied about wherever oil folk gather Editor: Peter Moeller; Sub-editor: Ron Gribble; Art Director: Lisa Pampillonia; Advertising Design: Bernd Wojtczack; Circulation Manager: Matthew Alexander Contributors: Lucy Corkin, Cathy Hamlin, Bruce McMichael, Ramona Siddoway; Cover Photo: PMP Global All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without prior permission in writing from the publishers. [email protected]

4 SONANGOL UNIVERSO NEWS IN BRIEF

ExxonMobil has brought its Martima North field on stream, tied back to the Nearly there! Total concepts Massambala future Kizomba A FPSO – one of Angola is set to export a A Total-led consortium has again struck Roc Oil has celebrated an onshore seven startups for the superma- record 1.95 million bpd of crude oil in the ultradeep Block 32 with its Colorau-1 heavy-oil discovery in Angola’s northern jor in 2007, adding around in December – up 150,000 bpd well. The discovery is in 1,700m of water on Cabinda enclave with an oil-in-place poten- 40,000 bpd to its Block 15 pro- from its previous high in November – the northeastern side of the block – 16km tial of 170 million barrels from its duction, boosting the block’s and break through the long-anticipated 2 from the Manjericão field. The French oil major Massambala-1 well. Roc says it is possible to output to 540,000 bpd. million bpd threshold by next year. is working on a range of conceptual develop- recover 20 per cent of heavy oil accumula- Gas Natural has signed The new Greater Plutonio field ment designs for its discovery. tions – though 10 per cent is a more regular an agreement with Sonagas to operated by BP, which has just come The deep water and remote location, world average. establish an international con- on stream, has made this achieve- combined with Total’s experience in Angola, Roc’s onshore programme continues sortium to explore for gas. ment possible. Viewed in the most suggest these fields are likely to be developed with the Soja-1 exploration well in the Gas Natural SDG SA says it optimistic light, the country’s output via newbuild FPSOs. Total’s project in Block 32 Cabinda South block followed by the Milho- will control 20 per cent of the could reach 3 million bpd by the end may involve the first oil discovery on the 1, Trigo-1 and Cevada-1 exploration wells. future consortium, while of 2010. Gindungo structure. Any development could The company will spend several months con- Sonagas will be the main Throughout 2007, Angola has take up to five years to get to the oil produc- sidering development and production investor and operator. Other pumped ever-increasing volumes of oil and is on target to achieve exports of more than 2m bpd in tion stage. options for its exciting onshore development. international energy companies 2008. Shipments of oil from Girassol, Kuito and Dalia are also increasing, offsetting declines in are being invited to participate. Nemba, Hungo and Kissanje. To maintain long-term interest, Angola offered ten offshore and onshore blocks for tender in Joy for Soyo SMIT, the Netherlands- a licensing round in November. The onshore acreage includes the Cabinda Central Block. Also up Bechtel, the giant US construction company, is to head based heavy lift operator, and for grabs are KON 11 and 12 in Bengo Province, south of Luanda, while out at sea shallow-water the consortium that will build the multibillion-dollar Soyo its local Angolan partner Block 9 and deepwater blocks 19, 20 and 21 in the Kwanza Basin will also be on the table. LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant. Work at the site is due Octomar Serviços Marítimos Further out, acquisitions likely to attract the supermajors are ultradeep blocks 46, 47 and 48 to start this year. have won prestigious contracts in the Lower Congo Basin, lying directly to the west of BP’s Block 31. “Construction of the facility is scheduled to take for BP’s Greater Plutonio devel- around four years to complete,” says António Orfão, opment, Block 18, while president of Sonangol Gas Natural, which is leading the Subsea 7 affiliate Sevenseas flagship project. “We expect the first exports of LNG to Angola has landed an $80 mil- Prolific Pinda Block 4 boost commence in the fourth quarter of 2011.” lion maintenance, repair and CABGOC (Cabinda Gulf Oil Sonangol has announced a significant boost The Angolan project could produce up to 128m tonnes of LNG light-construction contract for Company), the Angola subsidiary of in reserves at the Gimbôa development area of during its planned 28-year lifespan. High value condensate and liquid petro- the field. US supermajor Chevron, has revealed deepwater Block 4 following fresh exploration leum gas will also be produced. The LNG will be shipped to the North American market. “Soyo LNG a huge oil discovery in the prolific off- drilling, which encourages the partners to is the single biggest undertaking in any industry in Angola’s history,” states Orfão. BP has invested $40 mil- shore Block 14. confirm the field as a major discov- The development will serve as a catalyst for other gas-based projects such as power genera- lion in new offices in Luanda as Drilled in late 2006, the ery. tion, a petrochemical industry and a gas-related industrial base in and around Soyo, and will boost part of a two-year construction Malange-1 well penetrated the Pinda Gimbôa was discovered further gas exploration to provide the feedstock for the plant.

project. The state-of-the-art reservoir and was successfully tested in 2004 and first oil is Orfao estimates that the plant will pay the state an estimated $10 billion in taxes over the next ILLUSTRATIONS: GREG GRIGORIOU building is located in the logis- in mid-2007. Further exploration work expected to flow three decades, in addition to sales revenues and indirect benefits such as the creation of skilled jobs. tics base operated by is planned into 2008 alongside geo- towards the end of Angolan-state company Sonils logical and engineering studies to 2008. Initially, oil to serve development plans for fully appraise the discovery and assess will be extracted at Block 18 and the Block 31 its reserves. around 50,000 bpd Official visit exploration programme. “This discovery is a further via a $570m FPSO Opec Secretary General Abdullah El-Badri paid his first official visit Maersk Oil is shooting a demonstration of how we are achiev- now under construc- to Angola this August meeting President Jose Eduardo dos comprehensive 3D seismic ing success from a focused and tion by Italian Santos, government ministers and senior Sonangol officials study of blocks 8 and 23 off- high-impact exploration pro- engineering giant and executives from the infrastructure company Sonils. shore Angola, working closely gramme,” says John Watson, Saipem. They discussed a range of long-term issues, including with Sonangol. The two blocks president of Chevron Sonangol EP’s oil and gas output trends from the country, and vis- extend south from the Kwanza International Exploration and partners in the ited the important producing area around the mouth Production. Malange-1 is the first field include of the Congo River. Other issues discussed included River delta to the port of Pinda discovery in Block 14 and the Norsk Hydro Opec’s monthly production monitoring report and Lobito. Maersk also operates 11th exploration discovery made and local compa- how Angola can best complete the questionnaire and offshore Block 16. there since 1997. nies Somoil and ACR. annual statistical bulletin for 2006. [see page 12].

6 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 7 FIRST OIL

turned on Eight years after the initial discovery on Block 18, first oil flows from the Greater Plutonio field bringing Angola’s production goal of 2 million barrels per day a significant step closer

When Angola’s Minister of Petroleum Desidério merger had already undertaken some seismic and Costa symbolically opened the valve to inaugurate the exploratory drilling in Block 18. From the start the indi- WFPSO Greater Plutonio, everyone aboard the vessel cations were promising. sensed the beginning of a new era. Five days later, on Reporting on the success of the first development in October 1, 2007, the flow of crude oil commenced, mark- February 2006, BP source development manager Graham ing an historic moment for operator BP and for Angola. Stewart said: “Tests on our smallest Greater Plutonio tar- “The Block 18 As BP Angola took its bow as the newest operator in get yielded a welcome surprise, indicating that the well the country’s offshore oil province, the new Block 18 will be 30 per cent more productive than initially antici- development bounty was a further leap towards the national produc- pated. Maximum production capacity is expected to be boasts some of tion target of 2 million bpd, which is expected to be more than 28,000 bpd.” achieved in 2008. The second Plutonio completion and well-flow test – the most For BP especially, the four-year journey to first oil on PU-PG in April of that year – produced an even more has been a momentous one in a period of varied fortune promising result, suggesting 130 per cent greater produc- advanced elsewhere for the supermajor. It has had a near perfect tivity than initial expectations. run and produced many technical “firsts” for the com- Speaking at the inauguration of the Greater Plutonio technologies pany and the industry. field in Angola’s capital, Luanda, BP chief executive Tony anywhere in “The Block 18 development boasts some of the most Hayward said: “This is a further significant step in the advanced technologies anywhere in the world and is BP’s steady build-up of oil and gas output from new projects the world and largest and most complex deepwater subsea system,” due on stream this year and next.” says BP Angola president José Patricio. Located 160km northwest of Luanda, the 5,000sq.km is BP’s largest Its position in Angola’s offshore deepwater springs Block 18 development includes the fields Galio, Cromio, from its merger with Amoco in 1998, when BP found Paladio, Cobalto and Plutonio – all discovered between and most itself in possession of the asset. In fact, the company’s 1999 and 2001 and ranging in depths between 1,200m complex involvement with Angola goes back to the mid-1970s, and and 1,450m. The Greater Plutonio development consists since the 1990s Angola’s offshore oil has been an impor- of 43 wells – 20 of them producers, 20 water injectors and deepwater tant part of its upstream portfolio. three gas injectors. BP was one of the first supermajors to recognise the The FPSO (floating production storage and offload- subsea system.” potential of Angola’s deepwater, and at the time of the ing vessel) is set to give Angola’s crude-oil output a José Patricio

8 SONANGOL UNIVERSO PMP GLOBAL BP Angola President and mooring piles – and the world’s largest from support functions like accounting, IT and CALM (catenary anchor leg mooring) offload- HSE, as well as for the technical disciplines. “This is a ing buoy. We are also offering scholarships here and further For such a complex project to come in on abroad to increase the talent pool. BP and time and as planned is a remarkable achieve- Agostinho Neto University have signed a pro- significant step ment, but right from the start BP invested in tocol of co-operation, aimed at improving the the building capacity and training of a local technical standards and the numbers of in the steady workforce. locally-trained engineering and geosciences “Our FPSO technicians started their train- graduates.” build-up of oil ing five years ago,” says Mary Shafer-Malicki, This involves bursaries and scholarships and gas output leader of the BP Angola Business Unit. “The for the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering course began with one year of English training students, support in curriculum development, from new at ESSA [Sonangol’s safety and technical train- text books, equipment and facilities, as well as ing centre]. This was followed by two years of a sub-protocol with the Faculty of Law to inau- projects due on accredited training at the Sapref refinery in gurate a fully-credited postgraduate South Africa or the BP chemical plant at Hull programme leading to the award of an LLM stream this in the UK, before a further 24 months spent degree. The programme was launched in April ON STREAM: year and next.” somewhere within BP.” this year and there are currently 40 graduates BP Angola engineers This involved assignments on various plat- attending the course. monitor the complex Tony Hayward processes as production forms and vessels in the North Sea, BP As the celebrations fade into memory fol- Chief Executive BP gets under way on the Shipping or in the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, the lowing Greater Plutonio’s debut, Block 18 is Greater Plutonio FPSO PHOTOS: CARLOS MOCO qualified technicians went to Korea to work on seen by BP as just the beginning. Already a the FPSO and gain hands-on experience and partner in blocks 15 and 17, now its attention massive 200,000 bpd boost of oceans in February 2007 – on time and almost confidence well in advance of its arrival on site. is turning to the massive potential of Block 31. low-sulphur, medium-gravity exactly two years after construction began. Meanwhile, BP, which had been operating Within the next ten years the supermajor is on crude towards the country’s 2 The FPSO is linked to the development from the Sonils base since 1998, opened a course to become one of Angola’s largest off- million bpd overall production reservoir and wells through BP’s largest deep- 45,000sq.m logistics centre there in May this shore investors and producers. target. water subsea system that includes a single year to support its offshore operations on “The successful start-up of this complex ELATED: The 310m-long floating com- 1,258m composite riser tower. Much of this blocks 18 and 31, bringing its total area at the of fields has significantly advanced BP’s devel- Sonangol director, Mateus Morais plex, one of the largest in the complex technology was fabricated in Angolan site to more than 82,000sq.m. In addition to the opment and use of innovative deepwater de Brito and leader of BP Angola world, is the length of three foot- yards by teams made up of local engineers and 1,500sq.m office building, there are 3,000sq.m technology that will prove so important in Business Unit, Mary Shafer-Malicki ball pitches, and is secured in craftsmen. of warehousing and covered storage. assessing new resources around the world,” at the inauguration of production position by a spread of 12 moor- One of its innovative features – the riser Nevertheless, one of the difficulties says BP chief executive Tony Hayward. ❖ from Block 18 offshore Angola ing lines. tower, the longest of its kind in the world – was throughout the offshore industry worldwide The FPSO has a beam of 58m built at the Sonamet yard in Lobito. The verti- remains the shortage of skilled staff – an issue and weighs in at 88,000dwt. The cal clutch of piping and control umbilicals that BP is actively addressing for its Angola modules above its massive stor- drops more than a kilometre towards the operations. In 2005, BP Angola looked at the age tanks, weighing more than ocean floor where it connects with the web of forecast of supply and demand in the country 25,000 tonnes, accommodate flowlines, manifolds and subsea wellheads for engineers and geoscientists. The conclu- specialist plant to remove salt, spread over an area the size of Greater sion was that Angola would need 8,000 water, gas and other impurities. London. additional engineers and geoscientists over the These facilities can process Many components of the other subsea next six years if the country was to deliver all 240,000 bpd and have a storage systems were also put together in Angola. The its intended projects – and that BP Angola capacity of 1.77 million barrels. It first subsea Christmas trees ever built in the alone would need an additional 350. has a treated-water injection rate country were assembled and tested at the “The reputation for technical capability of 450,000 bpd and a gas-han- FMC facility in Luanda (see page 18), which and excellence in BP Angola has already dling capacity of up to 400 also manufactured 45 permanent guide bases. clearly been established,” says BP Angola pres- million standard cubic feet per Some of the umbilicals were manufactured by ident Patricio. “But all that advanced day. Angoflex in Lobito and the water- injection technology is pointless without the right peo- The FPSO’s keel was laid at lines laid by Technip using the new spoolbase ple utilizing it, and expanding the local the Hyundai yard, Korea, in in Dande, Bengo province. knowledge and capability of the Angolan oil February 2005. The new vessel Several other elements of the project were industry is fundamental to our business.” set sail for Angola in November manufactured in Lobito, including six of the “We are searching for talent everywhere, 2006, completing the 10,800-nau- subsea manifolds, support structures, tees, and growing some ourselves,” says Mary tical-mile journey across five flowline termination assemblies, installation Shafer-Malicki. “We’re looking for every skill

10 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 11 WORLD PLAYER

in the Big LeagueNow Admission to Opec was a long way from the world of Strauss and It Mozart, but reporters excitedly shouting “Nigeria has put Angola on is going up the stairs…” “Algeria is in the lift…” could the front line of only mean one thing: Opec was back in town, back at global petropolitics, its Vienna head office. Slices of traditional Sacher Torte chocolate cake so Universo joined were pushed aside for an adrenalin-fuelled couple of the international days of reporting and door-stepping by the army of media corps to catch journalists and TV pundits who had converged on the banks of the Danube for a meeting of the the tension and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. drama in Vienna Four times a year, the ministers of the 12 mem- ber-nations of Opec meet to discuss and set policy. Playing an increasingly important role in these quar- terly meetings is the group’s newest member, Angola, which officially joined in January. Angola hopes that being part of this influential world group will help support the country in a period of high oil prices and increasing concerns about “In Angola, energy security from superpowers such as the United States, the European Union and China. Sonangol has to Speaking at the September conference in response to questions from Universo, both Desidério deal with many Costa, Angola’s Minister of Petroleum, and different Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamli, president of the conference, said that Angola was likely to be given a partners, both production quota in early 2008 in line with Opec membership conditions. local and Quotas signify limits to a country’s daily output. With Angola’s production rising, the issue of where to international. set its quota is bound to be the subject of intense It’s very well market analysis and debate. Oil ministers, heads of national oil companies planned.” and their aids attend the meetings. Representing Angola at the top table was oil minister Costa, and El-Badri Secretary General, Opec BRIAN STAUFFER WINTER 2007 13 12 SONANGOL UNIVERSO Sonangol chairman and chief executive added: “The issue of quotas has been dis- exposure to vital international oil market Manuel Vicente, backed by a team of advisers. cussed, but it is too early to make any information, the experience of fellow Opec “It will be good for the long term Costa has already been elected as alternate decisions.” member countries and being part of a strong Opec president for 2008. Discussing quotas earlier in the year, con- organisation that seeks to stabilise prices by stability of the oil markets for Angola to This session, the key question on the lips ference president Al Hamli said: “We are very co-ordinating sales.” of the assembled oil and gas media and ana- happy to have Angola join Opec, but I think we Ministers and senior country officials met be a member of this exclusive group.” lysts from banks and oil companies was: Will need to be a little patient and give the country in Opec’s headquarters, a short taxi ride from Decidério Costa Opec raise output? time to settle in. However, I can assure you the Intercontinental Hotel. Journalists were Angola Minister of Petroleum Yes, was the answer, with the decision that we have only one rule for all members admitted to the private meeting room where, made to increase production from member and we will all pull together. It is simply a for around 20 minutes. they squeeze into the countries by 500,000 barrels per day, excluding question of time.” cockpit at the centre of a horseshoe-shaped Angola and Iraq, with effect from November. Earlier this year, an Opec delegation vis- table around which the delegations were For Anna Batista, economics editor for Angola has joined Opec at a critical time. ited Angola on a fact-finding mission. Opec seated. Angola’s state TV station Televisão Pública de The rise in its oil and gas output is one of the Secretary General Abdullah El-Badri was full of Reporters, camera crews and photogra- Angola (TPA), covering her first Opec meeting, fastest in the world, with production expected admiration for the way the country’s oil indus- phers jostled their way in front of ministers, Vienna was an amazing experience. “I had no to reach 2 million bpd in early 2008. By 2011, try is run. “In many Opec countries the state desperate to get a snatched comment or idea what to expect. It’s a crazy, unique occa- 2.6 million bpd – roughly Kuwait’s daily output company only needs to deal with one other insight into the detail of the discussions. sion. But it’s just great for Angola to be part of – are expected to be exported as a number of company. For example, in Saudi Arabia every- This lack of formality appeared to suit such an important organisation,” she said. offshore and deepwater projects come on thing is done through Saudi Aramco,” he said. both sides, adding to the smoke and mirror- Summing up, Manuel Vicente told Opec stream. Already, a record export level of 1.8 “In Angola, Sonangol has to deal with many feeling that surrounded the meeting. Opec’s Bulletin: “My vision is for Sonangol to be a million bpd was announced for November different partners, both local and interna- power and influence has waxed and waned company of choice for the global oil market. A this year. tional. It’s very well planned.” over the years, but such is the economic power listing on the New York Stock Exchange – to be At an informal gathering at the The team also praised the way offshore wielded by its member countries’ petrodollars an investor’s choice and to be ranked along- Angola Delegation Intercontinental Hotel, ministers and officials logistics were organised and was most that meetings are taken very seriously. side some of today’s major companies – is a Vienna, September 10, 2007 prepared the ground for the closed-door ses- impressed by the Sonamet fabrication yard at Throughout the conference, packs of long-term aspiration.” sions where they discussed ways of managing Lobito, established with the aim of facilitating journalists moved around the Intercontinental For the present, to be a member of Opec front row from left: global oil supplies and, ultimately, the prices technology transfer and the development of a and Opec HQ, anxious not to miss a quote or puts Angola in a powerful position. But mem- Fidelino Loy de Figueiredo, ambassador for the next quarter. “When Opec speaks, the skilled local workforce. opinion from a minister. These precious bership also comes with a duty to help to Austria; Desidério Costa, minister of global economy listens,” said one seasoned “Investing in Angolan potential is a prior- morsels were passed to dedicated editors sit- maintain order in the international oil mar- petroleum; Manuel Vicente, chairman kets, a responsibility that Angola is more than and CEO, Sonangol. Opec watcher. ity for Sonangol. It is essential to develop the ting behind screens flickering with news ❖ back row from left: José Miguel de Speaking exclusively to Universo, industry’s talent,” said Vicente. “Today, stories, oil prices and commodity data – many willing to share. Conceicao, consultant; Luis Correia Sonangol’s Vicente said that he and oil minister Sonamet employs approximately 75 Angolans from rival news services such as Reuters, Neves, national representative to Opec; Costa were pleased with the decision to join for every 25 expatriate staff.” Bloomberg, Platts or Petroleum Argus. Amadeu Azevedo, national director Opec. “It will be good for the long-term stabil- For its part, Angola will shortly be sending “Opec ministers are highly media-aware. Ministry of Petroleum; José Paiva, Opec supply targets for its 10 members bound director, Sonangol; Felix Manuel ity of the oil markets for Angola to be a eight oil executives to Algeria for a technical They like to see their efforts discussed on TV by a pact to raise production. Ferreira, governor, Opec. member of this exclusive group,” he said. Costa training course, while another group will visit business news shows, and it also gives them an Opec headquarters to learn how the two sides idea about what their fellow negotiators are On September 11, 2007, Opec agreed to boost output by 500,000 barrels can best work together – for example, in the thinking,” said Eithne Treanor, an Opec old per day (bpd) above actual August pumping rates with effect from preparation of production and export of crude hand for CNBC Television. November 1. Angola and Iraq are outside the agreement. oil data. “Opec membership will bring prestige and Oil minister Costa said that the country lots of good market information to a country Million bpd % had nursed a desire to become a member such as Angola,” said Paul Tosseti, director Algeria 1.357 4.98 since gaining its independence in 1975. Market Analysis at Washington DC-based ana- Indonesia 0.865 3.17 Vicente confirmed: “We have been wanting lysts PFC Energy. “For example, Opec regularly Iran 3.817 14 this for a long time. It means we are a real publishes an indicative oil price known as the exporter now.” Opec Basket, averaging out the price of crude Kuwait 2.531 9.29 International executives said Angola’s produced by member countries including Libya 1.712 6.28 Opec membership was unlikely to affect their Nigeria’s Bonny Light, Iran Heavy, and Es Sider Nigeria 2.163 7.94 own investments. “Angola is in a growth from Algeria.” Qatar 0.828 3.04 phase,” said Christophe de Margerie, chief For the first time at the conference, Saudi Arabia 8.943 32.81 executive of Total. “It needs to develop.” Angola was represented in the Basket with its United Arab Emirates 2.567 9.42 “Angola seems to have a very clear idea of Girassol crude. “This is a significant step for what it will contribute and get out of the Angola and its production capabilities,” said Venezuela 2.470 9.06 group,” said San Francisco-based analyst Faleh Cape Town-based Jacinta Moran, Chief Africa Opec-10 27.253 al Jibury. “The advantages include greater correspondent for the oil news agency Platts. Source: Opec OPEC

14 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 15 TECHNOLOGY sharing As the demand for specialist skills grows, Angola’s oil industry service providers find good that training local talent by sharing skills and expertise can be a win-win situation things As the exploration of Angola’s offshore waters began to gather momentum more thanA two decades ago, the availability of local talent was thin on the ground. This added substantially to the costs of extracting the country’s oil wealth from beneath the Atlantic Ocean, and as the industry expands globally the need to find the necessary qualified personnel becomes even more urgent. But from the earliest days, the international companies realised that the route to cost efficiency lay in exploiting the natural abilities of Angolans. By training and shar- ing know-how to build a skills-base, these men and women would become the bedrock of the country’s future manufacturing and engineering industries. One company that quickly recognised this potential was FMC Technologies, a leading global provider of technology solutions with headquarters in Norway and the United States. The company began doing business in Angola in 1983 working on an initial contract with Total’s Girassol project for 84 sets of surface equipment. Subsequently, it delivered three subsea Christmas trees for Chevron’s Nemba field off- shore Cabinda, which were installed in 1997. At that time, FMC had no presence in the country but recognised that there was potential for sustainable business in Angola’s offshore hydrocarbons provinces. “We soon saw that FMC would be active in Angola for the long term – 25 years or more,” says country manager José Costa. “So we wanted to develop the business along similar lines as we had done successfully in Brazil. First we looked at where to set up a service base – Luanda, Lobito and Soyo all being potential candidates as logistic sites.” From the beginning, this involved the recruitment and training of Angolans, with the initial project execution by expatriate staff being handed over as quickly as possible. As the activity in Angola increased, the Sonils base at Luanda, initially a logistics support facility for offshore operations, took on manufacturing with an impetus to

PMP GLOBAL work with local companies to increase in-country capability. With the award of the Girassol contract, FMC committed to initial construction of a 5,000sq.m facility at Sonils. The Luanda base expanded through reclamation of land and the construction of an extended quayside, growing rapidly to 10,800sq.m and then to 13,800sq.m. FINE TUNING: “From first implementation of the recruitment programme, we were impressed by FMC Technologies engineers at the Sonils base, Luanda make the calibre of the local personnel,” says Costa. “Comprehensive training involved class- the final adjustments to the first room and hands-on experience both in Luanda and internationally – Norway, Scotland subsea Christmas tree to be and with some of our personnel even doing a stint in the Gulf of Mexico on assembled in Africa ExxonMobil rigs.”

16 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 17 It’s Christmas! To date, the Girassol project has involved To keep pace with the escalating demands the manufacture of 20 well jumpers at FMC’s of Angola’s deepwater projects, FMC has Sonils facility, 32 well completions and the focused its training to the highest engineering The first subsea “From first implementation of installation of 14 manifolds. Still to come are standards required by the industry. Christmas tree to be assem- four additional well jumpers and the installa- “We initiated operations in Angola with the recruitment and training bled in Africa entirely by tion of seven of 13 Christmas trees and other rotational expatriates outnumbering our Angolan technicians for the programme, we were life-of-field activities. Angola staff by more than two to one,” says Greater Plutonio FPSO is a “When we won the Rosa and BP Block 18 Costa. “That’s 22 Angolans to 50 expats at the superb example of FMC’s drive impressed by the calibre of Projects, we recognised the need to increase start of 2000. By 2004 we had recruited and to develop local skills. our manufacturing capability in Angola as well trained sufficient Angolan personnel to reverse the local personnel.” This is only the start, for as the pace of technology transfer that would the ratio, with 57 Angolans and 27 expats. José Costa FMC Technologies Country Manager, Angola there are a further 24 trees to be required,” says Costa. “We are committed to “We have already recruited the Angolan be assembled and tested by a large increase in local content in both proj- personnel required for Total Rosa and Block 18 the company’s Angolan techni- ects. For Rosa, there will be four manifolds and – plus the support personnel required to mon- cians in the years ahead. four closed caisson foundations structures to itor and control the local content portion of FMC has repeatedly been be built in Petromar’s facility in Soyo, as well as these contracts,” he adds with satisfaction. the pioneer in breaking new four manifold support structures and 18 PGBs The head count at FMC now stands at 93 ground in the development of by Friedlander, and nine production well Angolan staff and 26 expatriates, a ratio of four the Angolan subsea industry. jumpers at our Sonils facility.” to one. “Our plan is to continually increase this This achievement began with For BP, FMC will build six manifolds at up to nine to one over the next five-to-seven- the award of the Greater Sonamet in Lobito, including structural and year cycle, with the aim being for the eventual Plutonio project by BP back in piping fabrication, assembly and testing; 44 autonomous operation of our business here in 2004, when the target was set PGBs and the assembly and testing of 25 Angola by Angolans,” says Costa. to assemble and test subsea Christmas trees in Luanda. Like most of the other major service trees in their facility in Luanda. “This expanding workload and the providers, FMC maintains an active involve- The training of local Angolan increasing capability of the base is demanding ment in the local community, making a technicians in all skillsets to yet another increase in the size of the facility – positive contribution that predominantly ben- and transition from an operating base to a efits the younger generation. achieve this goal began in combined operating base and manufacturing This includes an annual contribution of earnest in 2005. facility,” says Costa. “We now have a further $18,000 towards running the Lar Kwzola Some 25 Angolans were much-needed 300sq.m of office space and orphanage in Luanda; financing the erection recruited for training both

5,500sq.m of concreted hardstanding for of three classrooms, washrooms and teacher PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL locally and in Europe; 13 into jumper fabrication and storage.” offices at a Luanda school, as part of the the manufacturing side of the Other welcome facilities are a new wash Norwegian Refugee Council TEP programme; are global leaders in petroleum exploration, production, measure- business and 12 for the service bay, four subsea Christmas tree assembly sta- and financing one teacher within the ADPP Global Leader rework area, with an addi- tions, a gas test pit for subsea trees, rural teachers programme at the Ramiro ment and transportation, including the design, manufacture and tional seven recruited to the component pressure testing booths, clean School, making a total of $23,000 a year. FMC Technologies Inc is a leading global provider of technol- supply of technology and equipment. HSE, QA and logistics. rooms for hydraulic actuator assembly, a Together with the Banco Comercial ogy solutions for the energy industry and other industrial markets. The company acquired Oil Center Tools (OCT) in 1957, which The expertise included hyperbaric chamber for high-tech control pod Angola (BCA), FMC provides Angolan contrac- For the oil and gas industry, the company designs, manufac- was followed by other acquisitions including Well Equipment tree assembly flushing and testing and 1,000sq.m of workshop space. tor-employees with access to loans for the tures and services sophisticated equipment such as subsea Company (WECO), Chiksan, Smith Meter, SOFEC and Kongsberg testing, subsea con- acquisition of their own motor vehicles over a Offshore (KOS). CARLOS MOCO production and processing systems, surface wellhead systems, high- trol module testing, three-year span. pressure fluid control equipment, measurement solutions and This policy of buying companies with strong products and plumbing, quality In sport and in conjunction with other marine loading systems. name recognition assisted in the creation of FMC’s airport equip- control and shop Norwegian institutions active in Angola, FMC FMC also produces food processing machinery and spe- ment and services business. The takeover of Jetway Systems in supervision, all of sponsors the costs of sending an Angolan jun- cialised equipment to service the aviation industry. Twice named the 1990s projected its airport systems division to become a lead- which was achieved ior soccer team to the Norway Summer Cup, as the Most Admired Oil and Gas, Equipment Service Company by ing supplier of advanced technology to airlines and airports over an 11-month and gives support to the national female hand- Fortune magazine, FMC Technologies employs approximately worldwide, making its technologies the standard for passenger period of intensive ball and karate national teams of Angola. 11,000 people at 33 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. boarding bridges, cargo loaders, de-icers, push-back tractors, training out of the “I think it is true to say that FMC and The company traces its roots to 1883, when inventor John automated guided vehicles and a wide range of airport equip- country. A total 83 Angola are both getting the best out of this sit- Bean developed a new type of spray pump to combat San Jose ment in more than 200 airports in 40 countries. Angolans subse- uation,” says Costa. “FMC is served by an scale, an infestation that was ravaging California’s orchards and In 1996, FMC purchased Frigoscandia Equipment, the leading quently gained increasingly competent and confident work- endangering the livelihood of growers. By the mid-1930s, FMC food-freezing equipment manufacturer. Today, FMC FoodTech force while, over the long term, Angola’s certifications to was the world’s largest manufacturer of machinery and equip- sterilizes more than half the world’s shelf-stable canned foods, industry will receive the benefit of the skills European standards. ment for handling fruit, vegetables, milk, fish and meat products. and its equipment is used in the preparation of more than 50 per ❖ and know-how we can impart.” FMC’s energy-production and processing-systems businesses cent of the world’s frozen food.

18 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 19 CONFERENCE

“In terms of content, our problem really Africa has been very important for the world,” SONANGOL EXHIBIT: Presenting the Lessons of Success was what to leave out,” said organiser Kreeft. he said. “We must invest in our employees in (from left) Syanga Abilio,Vice “We were inundated with high-quality order to promote African development and to President, Sonangol; Anibal abstracts, many of which regretfully we had to be capable of participating in the global econ- Silva, Vice-minister of Petroleum; Mateus de Brito, Director The opportunity to turn away, and judging from the general reac- omy.” Sonangol; and Gaspar Martins, learn first hand tion there was just not enough time to take Indeed, a sub-text of the event – the most Director, Sonangol about the everything in.” elaborate to be mounted so far at the new The 165 presentations involved 96 oral ses- Talatona Conference Centre on the southern technological sions and 69 panels in which subjects ranged outskirts of the capital – was not just about achievements in from hydrocarbon traps in deepwater to the hydrocarbons. With five years since the ending West Africa’s deep development of the Dalia and Kizomba C of hostilities, the message was very strongly DOWAC fields, while more than 60 poster sessions cov- that “Angola is open for business” – ready to water proved a “When we started planning the conference hydrocarbon resources have much to show,” ered equally diverse topics.* welcome enterprises and projects that can compelling lure for 12 months ago, we calculated on up to 300 del- said conference chairman Mateus Morais de A popular feature was the adjacent exhibi- benefit from its growing markets and which are delegates who egates,” said EnergyWise managing director Brito. “So we feel that with its theme Learning tion, which featured almost 30 high-profile in a position to share know-how and invest in Gerard Kreeft who organised DOWAC at from the Challenges of West Africa Deepwater, industry names, including set-piece stands by industry and commerce. made their way to Luanda’s new conference centre. “But when the Luanda was a truly appropriate setting for this all the majors with a stake in Angola’s oil In his own keynote speech, Manuel Luanda in October doors opened on October 2, we actually wel- event.” province, in addition to national and interna- Vicente, Sonangol president and chief execu- comed more than 1,000.” The conference was sponsored by 18 of tional service providers. tive, said: “We are honoured that this Undoubtedly, curiosity about Angola – a the leading players in the Angola offshore In his welcome address to delegates, the conference is taking place in Luanda. The destination that hitherto had not been high on region headed by Sonangol, BP, Chevron, prime minister said: “The introduction of new international petroleum industry has been most travel plans – had something to do with ExxonMobil, Schlumberger and Total. technologies and current discoveries in its attracted to West Africa in the last few years the desire to attend the event. Nevertheless, Participants included representatives from deep and ultradeep waters makes our country through recognition of the contribution of this the 2nd Regional Deepwater Offshore West 25 countries, 900 resident technicians and 300 one of the world’s biggest crude-oil producers. region to current world-energy needs and its Africa Exploration and Production Conference foreign technicians of Angolan companies, for- As a consequence, there are many multiple, future potential. and Exhibition (DOWAC) certainly did not eign operators and also students from five high-value investments made every year, aim- “We hope this event will provide opportu- disappoint. Angolan universities: Universidade Agostinho ing to create business opportunities such as the nities to attract new investment, generating Opened by Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Neto, Universidade Lusiada de Angola, building of new installations and infrastruc- revenue to make feasible the West Africa pro- Santos, the Prime Minister of Angola, the four- Universidade Privadade de Angola, ture, fabricating equipment and maintaining grammes of socioeconomic developments, and day programme included a rich menu of topics Universidade Jean Piaget de Angola and existing installations – as well as offering job commercial returns for our investors.” and sessions presented by some of the leading Universidade Independente de Angola. opportunities for millions of young Angolans.” Notwithstanding its broad regional scope, authorities in upstream exploration and pro- Foreign guests of the Ministry of It was a sentiment echoed by Desidéro the momentum of the conference indicated duction, many of whom could speak from Petroleum and Sonangol came from Chad, the Costa, the Minister of Petroleum: “The contin- that while the Nigeria region was seen as a first-hand experience gained in the waters off- Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial ued growth of some world economies, as well mature province, Angola was taking off. shore Angola. Guinea, Gabon, Mauritania, Mozambique, as geopolitical factors, has helped the explo- “We foresee production of 2 million barrels “It goes without saying that all of us Namibia, the Republic of Congo, São Tomé and ration and production of oil in Africa, per day in 2008, and that investment should involved with the development of the country’s Principe and South Africa. especially on the west coast. For that reason reach $66 billion between 2008 and 2011,” said PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL

20 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 21 Participants were offered the opportunity to see in outcrop, On Safari sediments which are equivalent to those in the prolific Lower Congo Basin. On leaving Luanda a 300km excursion along the The country surrounding Luanda offers a surprising wealth of Atlantic coast road down to Sumbe revealed exposures of Tertiary geological features related to the history of oil exploration in this marine sediments, such as at Miradora da Lua. part of southern Africa, and as a bonus to the rich content of the Basement rocks approximately 50km northeast of Sumbe and conference field trips led by resident experts long familiar with a sequence of Cretaceous sediments were also to be seen. Part of the region were on offer to delegates. the appeal of this field trip was that it took in the coastal stretch Perhaps the most graphic was a day trip to the oil seeps of of the Kissama national park, covering an area where oil extrac- Caxito and Libonngos, some 60km to the north of the capital, tion activity had previously been carried out by the Portuguese, organised by geologist Tako Koning who had been there many showing the relationship between the outcrop geology and the times before. “The main focus was to visit two oil seeps, and also geology of these now abandoned oil fields. to examine the contact between basement and the eastern edge Vicente. “Of this, $51.6 billion will be for devel- delivers sustainable long-term benefit to local of the Kwanza Basin,” he said. “We also visited the Upper opment, with emphasis on deep and ultradeep communities and the nation too,” he said. Cretaceous sediments at Barro do Dande, enabling the group to water projects.” Organiser Gerard Kreeft said the confer- study a variety of sedimentary sections and at the same time Poster Perfect Reaction to DOWAC 2007 from many of ence had been a success on several levels. travel though the beautiful province of Bengo.” One of the eye-catching the major participants was enthusiastic. “This “First, it has been a fascinating eye-opener on Both seeps are located very close to the Pre-Cambrian granite displays in the poster session is the best event of its kind I have ever what is happening in Angola’s hydrocarbons basement outcrop, including the famous Libongos seep first sponsored by Hydro was given attended in Angola,” said one delegate. Terry development – and also in West Africa as a described by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. The almost by five youthful Angolans now McPhail, Esso Exploration Angola managing whole. It has been a truly valuable occasion for tar-like oil is driven through cracks and faults in the soft strata, working for oil companies based director, added: “With so much going on in the Angola to show itself to the industry, not just as which for many years has been quarried and used in local road in Luanda. oil industry in Angola, Luanda was an appro- the location of immense reserves and develop- repair. The paper, entitled priate choice to host such a prestigious ing technology, but also as a country with The tour route, which took the group through some fairly Construction and Validation of international event.” increasing ability to produce and market them. wild bush country, was also interesting in the more recent histori- an Integrated 3-D Geomodel for Chevron was also happy with its involve- This occasion has provided a unique opportu- cal context of Angola, especially at the time of independence in Reservoir Characterisation – a ment: “This important event showcases the 1975, and some of the key events of that time were reviewed Case Study Offshore Angola, nity for outsiders to see and understand reconstruction of Angola while offering the something of the country and to build bridges during the trip. was presented by geologists A more ambitious three-day excursion was organised by Dr country and industry an opportunity to share with its people.” Jane Saweka, Joyce Vemba and recent successes, highlights some of the new Mario Brandao of Sonangol and covered the southern half of the A spectacular example of this was the cul- Francisco Cunha and geophysi- technology applications being utilized and Kwanza Basin, which lies between Luanda and the port of Lobito. tural evening presented by Total at the end of cist Idima Pimenta who work for demonstrates the growth of the oil sector in Geologist Tako Koning the conference, which featured a colourful and Sonangol, and Antonio Angola,” said a spokesperson. energetic display of traditional and modern Kaschaka who is with The ExxonMobil Development Company Angolan dance, music and performance. Schlumberger. has played a central role in the development of Looking ahead, Kreeft is optimistic that Left to right above, Jane Angola’s offshore potential and Neil Duffin, its University Challenge the positive feedback he has received indicates and Joyce graduated at Tshwane president, struck an important note in his the possibility of further forums of this kind in University in South Africa, and address to the management session. Angola’s rapidly expanding oil sector puts increasing the region before the next DOWAC takes place Idima at the Universidade de “Through the years, innovation has pressure on the country’s universities and technology insti- in Nigeria in two years’ time. Lisboa. The abstract was pre- enabled us to overcome incredible obstacles in tutions to produce the high-quality graduates required to pared by the group for finding, producing and delivering a product In his address to the conference, José meet industry needs, as well as to carry out vital research. presentation at the 9th that so many people take for granted. Patricio, country president of BP Angola and a To help achieve this, an innovative Knowledge Centre International Congress of the “From the simple pumpjacks of the 1800s former Angolan ambassador to the United sponsored by AngoSantaFe, the ING Bank, Marathon Oil Brazilian Geophysical Society at to the complex, multibillion-dollar projects of Nations, caught the spirit of the event. and Schlumberger at the 2nd Regional Deepwater Salvador, Brazil, in September today, our industry has developed and “Currently, much of the deepwater know-how Offshore West Africa Exploration & Production Conference 2005. deployed technologies throughout its history, you will see at this conference is flowing into provided five Angolan universities with a showcase to with a stunning record of innovation and tech- Angola from all over the world. But we envision present a summary of their projects requiring finance and nological and operational achievement. You the day, in a not so distant future, when the support, and invited corporate interests to discuss how only need to look off Angola’s coast to see what world looks to Angola and Angolans for that they could become involved. our industry is now capable of developing. knowledge and capability,” he said. ❖ To start the ball rolling, Sonangol chairman and chief “Utilizing local contractors is fundamental executive Manuel Vicente presented cheques to students to our development strategy. Our philosophy is * For those who may have missed some of of the universities of Reitoria Agostinho Neto, the that development efforts should be about these, or who were not able to attend Lusiadas Administration de Angola, the Universidade more than just oil and gas production. It is DOWAC, see the full list of the parallel and Privada de Angola, the Jean Piaget University and the about developing Angola’s people and indus- poster sessions on page 24 with information Universidade Naçional Independente de Angola, at the trial capability in a way that creates and on how to get further details. Knowledge Centre. PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL

22 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 23 Technical Programme GLOSSARY

Programme co-chairs ExxonMobil, IHS Angola, Total E&P Angola Poster Presentations: Baker Hughes INTEQ Celle, Nelson Pacavira, Chevron Poster Presentations: BP, Sonangol, Tullow Angola BP, BP Exploration Angola, Halliburton Angola, Ruben Costa, Sonangol Schlumberger Angola, Total E&P Angola Joao Amaral, Total Global case studies of deepwater explo- ration, development and production Angola Deepwater case studies Oral sessions Terry Greene, Schlumberger Severino Cardoso, Sonangol Paulino Jeronimo, Sonangol Antonio Cardoso, Sonangol EP Kevin Meyer, ExxonMobil Alberto de Carvalho, BP Marcial Chavera, BP Bruno Soulhol, Total Presentations: Chevron E&P USA, DNV Rio de Presentations: BP, BP Exploration Angola, Esso Poster sessions Janeiro, ExxonMobil, Niger Delta Regional Team, Exploration Angola, ExxonMobil Development Co J.J. Jarrige, Total Sonangol, Total E&P Congo Houston, Sonangol P&P, WesternGeco UK Antonio Raposo, Sonangol Poster Presentations: BP Angola, Na Angola, Deepwater seismic and electro magnetic Sonangol P&P, Single Buoy Moorings, Total E&P acquisition and interpretation Angola technologies Wafik Beydoun, Total Heavy oil in deepwater ABC Malcolm Francis, WesternGeco Barry Katz, Chevron The oil business is no different from any other when it Ernesto Taia, Sonangol P&P Arnd Wilhelms, Norske Hydro Presentations: Chevron, Marathon, Statoil ASA, Dr Eugênio Neto, Petrobras comes to industry jargon, acronyms and buzzwords Sonangol, Total, Total E&P Angola Presentations: BP, Chevron, Chevron Nigeria, that are often baffling to outsiders. At Universo, it is Poster Presentations: Chevron, Chevron Angola, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Houston Chevron Namibia, EMGS Trondheim, ExxonMobil Houston, Petrobras, Petrobras Angola our mission to demystify the technologies and Upstream Research Co Houston, Ime Rio de Poster Presentations: Chevron, Petrobras operations required to extract hydrocarbons, so here’s Janeiro, Marathon Oil Angola, PUC-Rio Rio de Janeiro, Sonangol, Statoil, Total E&P Angola New advances in deepwater drilling a glossary to shed light on (some) of the terms and completion technology Syanga Abilio HSE and local content Kurt McMahon, ExxonMobil bandied about wherever oil folk gather Henrique Afonso, Halliburton Anton Gerbrandy, BP Marcelo Camargo, Schlumberger Jorge Abreu, Total Management session: Vicente Inácio, Sonangol Eng Presentations: Equator Exploration Angola, Sonangol and major operators Presentations: BP, Esso Exploration Angola, Eventura Global Technology Dubai, ExxonMobil Deepwater developments and strategies for West Technip, Schlumberger Angola, Total E&P Angola, Development Co Houston, Halliburton Aberdeen, Africa and beyond Total SA Halliburton Energy Services Brazil Terry McPhail, ExxonMobil Poster Presentations: American Bureau of Syanga Abilio, Sonangol Shipping Houston, BP, Esso Exploration Angola, Angola deepwater case studies Jose Patricio, BP Technip, Total E&P Angola Paulo Ferrão, Sonangol P&P Presentations: BP, Chevron Nigeria, Oscar Yepes, Chevron ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, Sonangol, Total Deepwater seismic and electro magnetic Pinto Bernardo, Sonangol E&P acquisition and interpretation Presentations: BP, BP Exploration Angola, Global case studies of deepwater explo- technologies Chevron, Chevron Angola, SBM Monaco, Total ration, development and production Simão Pululo José, Sonangol P&P E&P Angola Peter Connelly, BP Doug Haun, BP Martinho Fernandes, Chevron Francisco Cunha, Sonangol E&P New advances in deepwater drilling Gaspar Clemente, Sonangol EP Presentations: BP, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, and completion technology Presentations: BP, Chevron Nigeria, Sonangol, Schlumberger Nigeria, Total, Total E&P Angola Guilherme Ventura, Sonangol P&P Total Ken Johnson, Halliburton Poster Presentations: Baker Hughes Claremore, BP Deepwater clastic and carbonate reser- Bruno Elias, Sonangol E&P Angola, Chervron Angola, Na Angola, Sonangol voirs in West Africa and beyond Presentations: Angola Deepwater Consortium, Lincoln Guardado, Petrobras ExxonMobil Development Co Houston, Challenges in deepwater facilities Lars Magnus Pedersen, Statoil Halliburton Abu Dhabi, Halliburton Luanda, and production Jean-Jacques Biteau, Total Halliburton Villahermosa, SBM Atlanta, Dharmen Shah, Chevron Presentations: BP Exploration Angola, Chevron, Poster Presentations: ExxonMobil Upstream Rafael Brigman, ExxonMobil Chevron International Exploration and Production Research Co Houston, Halliburton Angola, Ruben Costa, Sonangol Houston, Exxon Mobil, ExxonMobil Upstream Welltech Angola Presentations: Angola Deepwater Consortium, BP Research Houston, Universidade Estaduel do Exploration Angola, Chevron Angola, Esso Norte Fluminens Rio de Janeiro, Improving oil recovery in Exploration Angola, Statoil, Total E&P Angola Poster Presentations: BP Exploration Angola, deepwater fields

Poster Presentations: Chevron, Chevron Angola, Chevron, Na Angola, Sonangol P&P Roberto de Toledo, Petrobras upstream Sonangol, Total E&P Angola Lars Magnus Pedersen, Statoil

Logging acquisition and evaluation Paulo Gouveia Junior, Sonangol P&P ILLUSTRATIONS: GREG GRIGORIOU Deepwater exploration and Sundararaman Sundar, Chevron production challenges Francisco Carvalho Van-dunem, Sonangol Presentations: Chevron, Schlumberger Angola, Dennis Hilkwish, BP P&P Cameron Angola, Petrobras, ExxonMobil Lino Buambua, Sonangol EP François Jaffuel, Total Production Co Houston, ExxonMobil Upstream Nathalie Limet, Total Presentations: INTEQ Angola, Schlumberger Research Houston Presentations: BP Angola, Elf Petroleum Nigeria, Angola, Sonangol P&P, Total, Total E&P Angola Poster Presentation: Na Angola

24 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 25 Downstream refers to the refining and mar- or even imported gas, may be injected to the keting components of the industry. upper gas section of the reservoir. Independent oil companies tend to focus on upstream operations while supermajors API: The American Petroleum Institute is a Christmas tree: A descriptive term for the cover the complete fuel chain from finding Washington DC-based trade association rep- complex of pipes and valves which sits on oil to selling gasoline and other products. resenting the oil and gas industry including top of natural gas or free-flowing crude oil the publication of standards, recommended wells to perform a variety of tasks including Jack up: Rigs are the platform practices and other industry-related infor- pressure reduction, production-rate control from which the well is drilled. In off- mation. The density of crude oil is measured and production shut off to allow mainte- shore operations, the rig includes virtually as degrees API. nance to be carried out. everything except living quarters. Jackup rigs Fault: Faulting is a fracture in rocks with are self-contained combination drilling rig AUV: An autonomous underwater robot Crude oil: Coming straight from the well, movement of the layers on either side and floating barge, fitted with long support vehicle powered by batteries or fuel cells crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons with caused by stress and tension in the Earth’s legs that can be raised or lowered independ- which can operate as deep as 6,000 metres. small quantities of other chemicals such as crust. Hydrocarbons are found in fault traps ently and moved to different locations. Hydrocarbon Not to be confused with remotely-operated sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen. Oil from sev- where a layer of oil or gas-bearing strata is vehicles (ROVs), similar unmanned undersea eral different fields can be mixed, such as the brought up against an impervious layer that vehicles, which are controlled and powered North Sea’s Brent Blend, to ensure consistent prevents the oil and gas from moving from the surface by an operator/pilot via an quality. A key parameter is the quantity of a upwards. umbilical. The oil industry uses AUVs to particular crude’s sulphur content: sour Kill pump: A high-pressure pump designed make detailed maps of the seafloor before refers to corrosive, high-sulphur content and to stop oil flowing in the event of an emer- building subsea infrastructures. sweet to low-sulphur oil. gency.

GPS: The oil industry uses global-position- ing systems involving satellites to determine the exact location (latitude, longitude and elevation) of a receiver or station on Earth Block: A large geographical area Deepwater: Exploration activity located in Licensing round: When oil companies within about 2 m [6 ft]. Fixed receivers are encompassing a group of one or more oil offshore areas where water depths exceed compete to work on exploration acreage, used to determine relative motions of fault fields, and underground reservoirs of oil approximately 300 metres (1,000 feet). typically in return for a fee and a perform- blocks while hand-held ones can be used for or gas. Oil companies acquire individ- Shallow-water fields refer to exploration and ance or work obligation, such as acquisition producing accurate geological maps, acquir- ual blocks under licence from the host production from a country’s continental of seismic data or drilling a well. Exploration ing navigation data for 3D seismic surveys AUV government to explore, develop and pro- shelf. Exploration, including offshore Angola, licences are initially of limited duration and positioning wells in the fields. duce its oil and gas resources. Angola’s is now taking place in ultradeep water of (about 5 years). If hydrocarbons are discov- offshore blocks are typically sized at 4,000 1,500m and more. ered, a separate production licence or square kilometres.. production-sharing agreement is usually Drilling mud: Drilling mud is a fluid that drawn up before development can go ahead. Blowout: Blowouts (or gushers) are uncon- acts as a lubricant and allows the drill pipe trolled releases of oil or gas from a well being to rotate freely as the well is drilled. The mud Hydrocarbons: This is the catchall term for Lost circulation: This occurs when the drilled. Blow-out preventers (BOPs) are often contains barite, which is heavy and naturally occurring organic compounds drilling mud escapes into the subsurface designed to stop the potentially explosive therefore prevents any oil or gas from sud- comprising hydrogen and carbon – from formation, either into a highly porous reser- release of hydrocarbons into the drilling denly flowing into the well and possibly simple gases such as methane (CH4), to voir or a fracture system. This is a potentially platform and atmosphere. causing a blowout. highly complex compounds which can dangerous situation since there is then no occur as gases, liquids or solids. The most hydrostatic head (weight) on possible oil or BPD: Barrels of oil per day is the unit of Drillship: A vessel designed or modified to common hydrocarbons are natural gas, oil gas flowing into the well, which could cause measurement used in the industry to include a drilling rig and using dynamic and coal. a blowout. describe the production rates of oil fields, positioning equipment to ensure it stays pre- pipelines and transportation. Abbreviated to cisely in one place. LNG: Liquefied natural gas is supercooled bpd, a barrel of oil is the volume of oil or oil natural gas that is maintained as a liquid at product equivalent to 158.978 litres or 42 US or below –160°C which fills 1/640th of its gallons. original volume and is therefore easy to Injection well: A well by which fluids are transport if pipelines cannot be used. injected rather than produced, as drillers E&P: Exploration and production phases of work to maintain reservoir pressure. Two upstream operations in which companies main types of injection fluids are gas and explore for, develop and produce oil. water. Separated gas from production wells,

26 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 27 life the hole is plugged and abandoned – based on the presumed recovery potential and shut in and permanently isolated. value, and the market’s interest in the rights.

MWD: Measurement while drilling is Well head: The surface end of a well that a technique which uses 3-D direc- holds facilities for installing the casing as the tional information about the location wellbore or hole is prepared for production. TLP: Tension leg platforms are drilling plat- of a drillbit in the well. Engineers use it QHSE: Quality, health, security and environ- The wellhead also enables the installation of forms attached to the seafloor with to adjust the drilling process, guiding ment are regarded as being fundamental to Christmas trees and surface flow-control tensioned steel tubes. They are not dissimilar the wellbore to a known target. Logging- the way an oil industry company operates, facilities to allow for production. to spars, vertical-floating platforms moored involving all key factors in how it presents while-drilling (LWD) tools gather with a semi-taut or taut mooring system. information (e.g. resistibility, density, poros- itself to the outside world, benefiting the rel- Wildcat: An exploration well, about which ity) about the rocks and formation while the evant departments which have seen little is known of the subsurface geology. well is being drilled. investment rise over the past decade. Tight hole: This refers to a well which has a Deepwater offshore exploration wells can confidential status – the information must cost up to $50m each, so oil companies Pig be held tight and not divulged to any outside rarely spud wildcats in such environments. parties. The term comes from exploration wells in West Texas in the 1920s. Wild cats were Tripping the bit: When the drill bit – the abundant in the area at the time, and those Reserves: This is the recoverable portion of Natural gas: This naturally occurring mix- assemblage at the end of the drill pipe that unlucky enough to be shot were hung from resources available for use based on current ture of highly compressible hydrocarbon grinds the rock enabling the drill pipe to sink oil derricks. knowledge, technology and economics – the gases including methane (in some cases con- deeper into the subsurface – is worn out, volume of hydrocarbons that can be stituting as much as 85 per cent of some then the pipe and bit is withdrawn from the extracted using prevailing technology. Proven natural gases) which occurs in reservoirs. hole and a new one is screwed onto the end reserves represent the accurate assessment However, it is often found in remote loca- of the pipe. This is commonly called “trip- of a country’s or company’s investment. tions, leading to the development of LNG ping for a new bit”. technology.. X-radiography: A technique for scanning Roustabout: Any unskilled manual the inside of a core of rock by moving a labourer on the rigsite. A roustabout may be source of X-rays along the extracted drill core part of the drilling contractor’s workforce. and recording X-rays on the other side on Similarly, a roughneck is a low-ranking photographic film. member of the drilling crew. The roughneck Unitisation: A process whereby owners of Operator: Generally, but not always, the usually performs semiskilled and unskilled adjoining properties pool reserves into a sin- operating company will have the largest manual labour requiring long hours of hard gle unit operated by one of the owners. financial stake in an exploration project and work in difficult conditions – screwing is the overall manager and decision-maker. together the sections of drillpipe when run- Upgraded crude: A blend of hydrocarbons Yard: Shipyards are sites of heavy industrial As far as the drilling contractor and service ning (inserting) or pulling (extracting) a similar to light crude oil produced by pro- activity where vessels, FPSOs, and platforms companies are concerned, the operator is drillstring. cessing bitumen or heavy oil at a facility are built and repaired. Japan, South Korea, financially responsible for the entire opera- called an upgrader. (Also known as synthetic Singapore and the US Gulf Coast all have tion expenses. It can recoup these from the crude oil.) other partners who have an advisory role in very active shipyards catering for the off- the project depending on their stake. shore business. VLCC

Supermajor: Following a series of mergers and acquisitions during the 1990s, a new group of huge oil companies emerged VLCC: Tankers are used to ship crude oil and including, for example, BP which took over refined products across the world, and are Pig: Also known as a scraper, this machine is several rival companies including Amoco, part of a huge fleet of specialist vessels used Zone: In petroleum geology, a zone is rock equipped with blades or brushes which are Arco, Burmah Castrol and Veba Oil. This elite across the industry. The Ultra Large Crude differentiated from surrounding rocks on the introduced into pipelines for cleaning and group also includes ExxonMobil, Royal Carriers (ULCC) can carry more than 550,000 basis of its fossil content or other features, maintenance. The pressure of the oil stream Dutch/Shell, Total, Chevron and barrels of oil on one trip. The more com- such as faults or fractures. For example, a behind pushes the pig along the pipeline ConocoPhillips. monly known VLCC, Very Large Crude cleaning out rust, wax, scale and other debris. Carrier, holds up to 250,000 barrels. The fracture zone contains numerous fractures, while a biostratigraphic zone contains a par- Signature bonus: Some host countries Suezmax tanker (120,000 barrels) is the Plug and abandon: When the drillbit first demand payment in advance of exploration largest tanker capable of sailing through the ticular fossil or fossils. hits the ground or seafloor, the well is said to activities for the rights to develop an explo- Suez Canal. have been ‘spudded’, while at the end of its ration area. The size of the signature bonus is

28 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 29 PMP GLOBAL December is the month that for Angolans marks the beginning December is the month that for Angolans for their much-loved Ilha, the time when Luandans head It’s a further afield can take their pick from Those who venture the ubiquitous valley, Inland, gracing almost every hill and

of summer – a season that those from colder climates living here of summer – a season that those from round. would consider lasts the whole year bars separating the city the sandy finger of beaches, cafes and of the the palm-lined arc the bay from the sea just across from to which will soon be restored Marginal – a stylish city promenade its former glory. both north and south string of fine and almost deserted beaches surfing. world-class some of them offering of the city, clearly liv- is to be found with its idiosyncratic profile baobab tree tree”. ing up to its sobriquet “the upside down

N

INSIDE ANGOLA REGIONAL FOCUS

With every year that passes since the end of hostilities in 2003, the possibilities for tourism offered by Angola’s welcoming coast and countryside become increasingly evident

As our comfortable 4x4 hums along the good metalled road to Sumbe, the Aslumbering suburbs of Luanda are quickly lost in the early morning haze. This is to be a two-day tour of what in colonial years was a string of popular resorts and small seaside communities along some 250km of Angola’s beautiful, and sometimes dramatic, coastline of KwanzaSul province. We are to visit recent entrepreneurial projects that are beginning to breathe life back into the region’s economy. It is the kind of trip that in the not too distant future will provide a rich experience for visitors from other parts of the world. As the bare silhouettes of the baobab trees become visible on the low hills to the east, we turn off to a vantage point high above the Barra do Kwanza noted for its vividly coloured sediments laid down at the same time as Angola’s offshore oil deposits. The ochre bluff from which we gaze out to the white beach below is out of earshot of the Atlantic beakers, even in the still of dawn. “This beach is a favourite place for turtles to lay their eggs,” says our guide Mario Pinto of EcoTur. But other envi- ous eyes are already being cast on this narrow coastal plain, keen to develop its low scrub and grassland for resorts and villas within easy reach of the capital. A few kilometres south, the majes- tic Kwanza River meets the sea at the end of its journey from the highlands of the interior. Fringed by mangroves, its swirling brown water conceals a thriving families of crocodiles. The river forms the northern border of the 1.2m hectare Kissama National Park, where some PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL WINTER 2007 33 18,000 hectares of its bushland are the pre- serve of indigenous species. Here, too, there are plans to carefully develop the area to attract visitors, with several projects for tourist lodges. The dense thicket, savannah and large open grassland are a natu- ral environment for many species of wildlife. Before the military disruptions, it was home to Africa’s “big five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, SCARRY: leopard and black rhinoceros, as well as many Its head carved from a tree different birds. trunk, this lifelike figure created “There are plans to reintroduce these by a bush villager guards the species,” says Mario. “It is a scheme called family charcoal store Operation Noah’s Ark, which has already begun to reintroduce wild animals to Angola. The land is ideal for wildlife populations and a “This is a slow recovery in numbers of major species has begun. Once, few people lived here, but the beautiful place hostilities forced the population to converge on the park, and the wildlife was steadily for a vacation. trapped and taken for food.” We would love At the roadside we see further evidence of less-welcome human intervention – the Kissama Park. With extensive marshland on SNAPSHOTS: remains of a long-abandoned oil pipeline and either side, the river formed an ultimately Foz do Kweve slave the facilities to fort, cliffs overlooking pumping station, a relic of an early Portuguese impassable barrier for the advancing South the Kwanza coast, African forces in the battles following inde- be improved, project to exploit the country’s hydrocarbons. Porto Ambiom Even now there is talk of new exploration in pendence in 1976. but at the the area, which could have a devastating The first town of any size on our route is moment Porto impact on the fragile environment. the exquisite Porto Amboim, tucked beneath Our first major stop is Golfino Beach, low cliffs at the end of a wide bay. In former Amboim has a some 125km from Luanda, a favourite week- times, it was a thriving commercial centre and end destination, especially for surfers who holiday resort much favoured by families from low priority.” report some of the finest waves in Africa. the capital. It was also an important point Descending the steep approach road past an through which the coffee crop of nearby plan- Beachfront café proprietor, attractive ancient lighthouse, we can smell the tations as well as cotton and quartz were Porto Amboim aroma of fresh-brewing coffee and barbecuing exported worldwide. seafood. There are already people leaning at Driving into the town, we pass saltpans the bars while others gaze out at the ocean and yards of racks laid out with fish drying in PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL from the shade of beach umbrellas. the hot sun. These restarted enterprises, the wide streets with shops and villas leading railway, picking its way along the valley “It is early yet, but with this weather we traditions of which go back to the earliest days down to the seafront give many signs of its for- into the hills, was an important link are expecting big crowds from Luanda,” says of the province, have been recently regener- mer prosperity – and potential for the future. between the isolated villages along the bar manager Ricardo, a chef from Lisbon who ated by Rui Teixeira. There is even a small airport, its single runway way, and in the mornings the carriages trained in Switzerland. “Improvements to the “I am getting around 200 tonnes of salt a putting the resort within 45 minutes of were jammed with workers and rum- road mean that we are now only a couple of year from the pans, and we dry about the Luanda. The promenade, with an avenue of bustious schoolchildren. hours from the city.” same amount of fish every month,” he says, tall palms and paved with traditional “This is a beautiful place for a vaca- Further down the beach, gaily painted standing under the shade of a palm tree as Portuguese cobbles, leads along the beach to tion,” says the proprietor of a fishing vessels have just returned with the women carefully lay out the fish. “Business is the small port with its smart customs house beachfront café. “We would love the morning catch – a lively scene that could be definitely improving and now our produce and single jetty. facilities to be improved, but for the anywhere along the Mediterranean coast. goes all over the region.” Easy to believe for Mario Pinto’s father was once the head of moment Porto Amboim has a low prior- “Here you don’t have to select what you anyone who has been stuck behind a truck- customs, and young Mario spent much of his ity with the authorities.” want from the menu,” enthuses one visitor. load of fish as it painfully grinds up a winding childhood here. “At the time of the coffee har- Sumbe is our destination for the “Give your order, and they’ll go and catch it – mountain road. vest, this was a busy place,” he says. “The light night but our next stop is lunch on the but don’t be in a hurry for your meal!” Alas, As elsewhere in Angola, the zungueiras railway brought the crop directly to the quay bank of the Foz do Kweve. Along this coffee is all we have time for. sell fish on the streets which they have bought from the plantations in the hills.” stretch of coast, the narrow plain leads The coast road continues to take us south from the fishermen and dried themselves. Indeed, the coffee industry was the main- to higher ground and is traversed by to the Longa River, the southern border of the Nearer the centre of Porto Amboim, the spring of the town’s economy. The light short wide rivers.

34 SONANGOL UNIVERSO feet into the gorge. tre for an important coffee regeneration proj- However, this is not a place to linger too ect, in its second year of production. The long as it is also a favourite spot for malaria- original farm, with its storage barns and wide- carrying mosquitoes. spread courtyard for drying the beans, is now a The city of Sumbe, 360km from Luanda, is blackened ruin. But breathtaking views down the capital of Kwanza Sul province. Though no into the valley, and the sandy ribbon that is the longer a port due to the shallow water along road along which we had driven, clearly show the shore, it displays its former elegance. There why this had been a key Unita stronghold are wide streets and a seafront esplanade with which controlled access to the east. hotels and a string of cafés and restaurants – in Now it is in the hands of manager Alfredo one of which superb traditionally-cooked Numba. “Our first task was to clear the under- seafood guaranteed our group sound sleep. growth that was choking the coffee bushes,” he The second day saw us heading for the says. “The trees are perfect because the bushes hills after a brief visit to the Cubal River gorge, need shade as well as the right temperature. In RETIRED: along which upstream growers float vast rafts our first year of full harvest we produced nine An engine that once hauled coffee of bananas to market. tonnes of beans from 47 hectares. Not bad, but crops from the mountain plantations As we drive inland, we are soon bumping we are aiming to cultivate 500 hectares, which to the coast, stands idle among the derelict warehouses of Port Amboim our way up steep dirt roads, potholed and rut- we hope will produce 100 tonnes.” ted by the rain, eventually reaching an altitude His optimism is in sharp In the rainy sea- swimming pool and plans to build ten lodges of almost 1,500m amid lush jungle. Along the contrast to the faded grace of the son the spot we are for tourists. “When they are not keeping me way there are wild banana and papaya trees buildings around us, already heading for would be and my wife busy, I have 300 hectares of good and the occasional coffee bush. Small grass- catching the brilliant slanting impossible to reach, land on which to grow tomatoes, onions, pep- roofed settlements can be glimpsed between rays of the evening sun. After two but now Mario picks pers and the like,” he says. the heavy foliage. long days on the road, we come our way along the Hard though it is to leave this place, there Our destination is the town of Gabela, away with the knowledge that dried-out riverbed. In is one more call before we reach our beds in perched on a hill at 1,100m. Now many of its there is much that this sprawling PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL the far distance a herd Sumbe – the vast Kweve River rapids, with a buildings are derelict, but it was once the cen- country has to offer in the years of glossy-looking cattle bridge that steps right across the top of the tre of a prosperous coffee-growing region with ahead. There is the potential for FISHY: graze on the lush grass as a flock of seabirds cascading water. Driving fast along the dirt the plantations covering the hills all around, at tourism, the jewels of the seaside A rich haul from the Atlantic circles overhead. From her eyrie an osprey road through the dusk, we just make the falls an altitude that is perfect to produce Angola’s resorts, the dramatic beauties of Ocean dries in the hot sun at Porto Ambiom, awaiting regards our approach with beady eye. before sunset. In the fading light, the white robusta bean. the countryside – and a land rich shipment to inland markets We lunch in the shadow of a ruined slave water is luminous as it crashes hundreds of One such farm is the Villa Nova do Seles. At in water and fertile soil to pro- (above right) River Kweve rapids fort, looking across the river to a sandbank the end of an overgrown trail, it is now the cen- duce good fresh food. ❖ white with oyster shells. These indicate our next destination: the Nova Esperança Lodge of Isidro Quaresma, where we sip ice-cold Coffee Break drinks and swallow the delicious shellfish in the late afternoon sunshine. As Angola makes plans to resume its place as a world coffee producer, Villa Nova dos Salas is a green shoot that can We are overlooking a lake of such raptur- lead the revival of a once important industry ous tranquillity that it could almost have been Coffee belongs to the botanical family Rubiaceae, which has some 500 genera and more than 6,000 species. Most are created by a 19th-century romantic painter. tropical trees and shrubs that grow in the lower levels of forests. Other members of the family include the gardenias and Born in Portugal, in the early 1950s Isidro plants which yield quinine and other useful substances – but Coffea is by far the most economically- important member of Quaresma settled in Angola. In 1975, during the family. the Angolan war, he moved with his wife to The two most commercially important species of coffee are coffea arabica and coffea robusta, which once ranked Portugal before deciding to return to Africa. Angola as the world’s fourth largest coffee exporter. In fact, coffee beans are not actually beans, but the seeds of a cherry He made the overland trip from Portugal to from the coffee tree which grows in subtropical climates from sea level to around 2000m. Guinea Bissau where he ran four rice farms. Coffea arabica may be the most commonly consumed coffee, but robusta now accounts for up to 40 per cent of world “After a short visit to Angola in 1990, the gov- coffee production. Discovered in 1898 in Congo, the robusta variety is the most popular among growers because it can be ernment invited me to restart agriculture in cultivated in less rigid conditions than arabica. the region,” he explains. “But with all the It is a robust shrub or small tree growing up to 10 metres, but with a shallow root system. Its seeds are smaller than problems, it was not possible – though I could arabica and take up to 11 months to mature. Currently, robusta is grown in West and Central Africa, throughout South-East not leave because I have grown to love this Asia, and also Brazil. country. Where else could you have this scene, Unlike arabica, the robusta plant does not need to grow at high altitude. It can thrive in areas between sea level and without another habitation in sight?” 800 metres. It requires less care due to its hardiness and is less susceptible to problems related to pests and rough handling, It is an experience Quaresma plans to with the result that it tends to yield more pounds of beans per acre at a lower cost. share with others. Already he has excavated a

36 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 37 INVESTMENT

the Hungry China’s rising profile on the African continent, particularly in dragon Angola, offers important opportunities as CHINA’S emergence in Africa has been particularly well as challenges controversial because of the fast inroads it has made to the continent’s resource-rich countries, where traditionally for the countries Western companies have held centre stage – thus posing a involved perceived threat to their entrenched commercial interests. From the perspective of African counties, however, this can be seen as a favourable shift in the status quo as it potentially places them in a stronger position on the global market. In recent years, bilateral trade between China and Africa has grown from just over $10 billion in 2000 to more than $56 billion in 2006. Not reflected in these figures is the investment from Chinese companies now pouring into Africa. Growing fromrom a handful of companies in the 1990s, the number of Chinese commercial enterprises active on the African continent today stands at more than 800. In addition, the China Exim Bank is financing more than 500 projects in Africa. So what exactly is so attractive about an underdevel- oped continent that receives less than 1 per cent of global investment? One of the most important motives for Chinese com- mercial forays into Africa is the growing hunger for raw materials and oil to feed its burgeoning economy. China currently imports more than 30 per cent of its oil needs from Africa, primarily from Sudan, Angola and Nigeria. Angola is now China’s top African trading partner, surpassing that country’s trade with South Africa. The procurement of secure oil supplies is a principal national interest and forms a fundamental part of China’s foreign policy. China’s interest in African oil has been prompted by the established US presence in the Middle East, consolidated by the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In addition, despite affirma- tions of co-operation with China, Russia has decided to direct the proposed East Siberian-Pacific oil pipeline to

BRIAN STAUFFER WINTER 2007 39 38 SONANGOL UNIVERSO Oiling the Wheels Japan and not China. While a dog-leg tributary rural population and has comparable purchas- cost of doing business in Africa to China has not been ruled out, the oil supply ing power. In addition, Chinese companies are and thus improve the business China’s imports from Africa include the metals platinum, cobalt, In March 2004, China’s that China will receive from Russia is consider- extremely price-competitive and weak in environment. Africa will benefit manganese, copper, niobum, iron ore Export Import Bank (Exim Bank) ably less than originally expected. terms of branding, but African consumers are by receiving cheaper goods and and stainless steel extended an oil-backed $1 billion The wider political implications are also more likely to be swayed by the price tag than services and the potential to credit line to the Angolan govern- significant. As the largest grouping of develop- the name. bridge the digital divide. China’s exports to Africa ing countries in the world, Africa as a bloc is African countries, for their part, have been Alongside the opportunities, Others Clothing and fabrics include: men’s, ment, doubled it six months later Tobacco boy’s and women’s wear, woven and and then increased it to $3 billion the largest collective voice in the United experiencing the highest rates of economic however, are several challenges. Metals Nations General Assembly. growth in several decades, fuelled in no small The success of the Chinese firms, China’s Diamonds embroidered fabrics, tee shirts and in 2006, making China the Cotton footwear. Automotive products include: It was due to the support of African states part by China’s appetite for oil and raw materi- while instrumental in the rapid Crude Oil biggest player in Angola’s post- Imports from Africa motor cycles and mopeds, light trucks, war reconstruction programme. that in 1971 China gained the seat at the als. Consequently, African markets have development of Africa’s essential tyres, batteries and other vehicle parts. The loan is intended to assist United Nations Security Council previously become more promising for Chinese compa- infrastructure, is at the expense of Electrical products include: TVs, radios, computers, air conditioners, telephones Angola in the rebuilding of vital occupied by Taiwan. This has not been forgot- nies as there is a larger market of African local fledgling industries which and spare parts infrastructure and is managed by ten. China continues to campaign for consumers able to afford the products that cannot compete. universal recognition of its ‘One China’ policy Chinese companies produce. The key lies in the hands of African policy- the Angolan Ministry of Finance. source: World Trade Atlas In exchange for the loan, payable with only five African countries continuing to The global demand for natural resources – makers to take advantage of this opportunity at 1.7 per cent over 12 years, enjoy diplomatic relations with Taiwan. So in stimulated by China and India’s burgeoning to boost economic growth. Generally speaking, with an extended five-year grace Africa at least, this political goal may be all but economies – offers the possibility to place Africa lacks the regulatory frameworks and period, Angola is to provide achieved. some resource-rich African countries in a government capacity to monitor and encour- China with 10,000 barrels of oil In commercial terms too, as a newcomer stronger position and transform their political age direct investment in local skills per day as collateral. The loan has to the international arena, some Chinese com- and commercial pulling power. development and the transfer of technological Others panies are not yet confident enough to enter The increased competition for Africa’s know-how. Tea placed China in a particularly China’s Electrical product favourable position with Angola the highly-competitive US and European mar- resources could strengthen the bidding The conditions under which foreign com- Automotive products Exports to Africa Clothing and fabrics which had been experiencing dif- kets. Instead, they have opted to enter between prospective investors. This would panies enter African markets should be ficulties in securing capital to developing countries in order to gain interna- allow African governments to be more re-examined in order to cultivate and harness embark on much-needed national tional experience. In the wake of increased assertive in securing more favourable conces- the development of small and medium enter- reconstruction. diplomatic and commercial traffic between sion agreements for their national prises while they can still play the natural of technology transfer. The advantage for According to the Angolan China and Africa, the continent has become a development. Several African governments resources card – an opportunity especially rel- Chinese companies is that they can begin to government, in August 2007 the favoured testing ground in which aspirant such as Angola are already using China’s inter- evant to Angola. realise their global aspirations in Africa. country’s credit line from China Chinese multinationals can cut their teeth. est in their oil reserves to diversify investment The emergence of Chinese multinationals However, several issues need to be had increased to $13 billion. With a population of nearly 700 million, in the national economy. in Africa has the potential to benefit both resolved in order for this potential to become a Sub-Saharan Africa is similar in size to China’s China is beginning to redefine Africa’s risk African countries and Chinese commercial reality. If left unaddressed, the reputations of profile. Investment in Africa is traditionally interests. Africa will benefit by receiving China’s multinationals could be tarnished and seen as a commercially risky venture, given the cheaper goods and services than it would from African economies miss out on much needed often inhospitable business environment and traditional suppliers, as well as the possibility rejuvenation. ❖ political instability. Chinese companies, how- ever, are appearing to adapt to the African 15000 environment more readily than traditional Building bridges market players and are quickly stimulating In 2005, China granted Angola a $211 million loan to finance the first stage of a project to rebuild roads destroyed during (millions of US dollars) renewed interest in African markets. China’s crude oil imports the civil war. This initial project stretches 371km between Luanda and the northern agricultural and mining province of Uige, con- Secondly, until recently, the development 12000 from Africa necting the Angolan localities of Kifangondo, Caxito, Uige and Negage. of infrastructure was not a priority for the The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), contracted to undertake the job, invested more than $30 million in equip- donor community in their African aid pro- ment for the construction work which is now nearing completion. The project includes the repair of 12 bridges, ten of which grammes. Its importance, however, for require completely rebuilding – with further work involving the repair or construction of some 200 aqueducts. 9000 broader economic and social development is Commissioned by the National Road Institute, the work is being supervised by Galf Engineering of Germany and thought to now widely acknowledged. involve more than 3,000 Angolan and Chinese workers. China has not baulked at the massive At the beginning of the year, CRBC also completed the rebuilding of a 172km stretch of road between the towns of Ondjiva investment in infrastructure required to 6000 and Huambo. The project included re-laying the road surface, widening the embankments, drainage works and protection against extract Africa’s last untouched reserves. This erosion, road signage and the construction of new aqueducts and small bridges, representing an investment of $47 million. could be instrumental in developing the Repairs to the Benguela Railway, almost completely destroyed during the civil war, began in January 2006 [Universo 11]. 2005 under-developed continent. As a bonus, the 14,621.56 The project is being overseen by the Angolan Office for National Reconstruction (GRN) and co-ordinated by China International 3 2004 3000 200 10,061.69 entry of very competitive Chinese construc- 2002 4,847.14 Fund Ltd, a Hong Kong-based construction firm. 2001 2,893.70 tion and telecommunications firms allows 2000 2,596.27 Estimated to cost $300 million, the railway on completion will reconnect the eastern part of the country to the west, running 0 1999 3,600.28 Africa cheaper access to services that are 1998 875.52 1,300km from Benguela to Luau on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The railway also has a link to the port of 1997 287.17 essential for economic growth. 1996 912.43 Lobito, 700km south of Luanda. 1995 This in turn has the potential to lower the 279.87 source: World Trade Atlas 258.19

40 SONANGOL UNIVERSO WINTER 2007 41 POSTCARDS

Two iconic images of Angola are Marginal Luanda’s famous Marginal and the ubiquitous baobab makeover tree, both of which In the shadow of the historic have a special place Forteleza, Luanda’s palm-fringed in the hearts of its Marginal is being lavishly people. The baobab refurbished to offer an elegant is imbued with ocean frontage worthy of the mystical qualities as nation’s capital well as offering Once known as the “Rio of Africa”, Luanda was numerous benefits, admired as the perfect picture-postcard capital of while the capital’s Oone of Portugal’s most resource-rich colonies. One of the city’s distinctive features is its classic classic seafront is a Marginal – an elegant 2km promenade stretching favourite along the waterfront. promenading spot For many, it is a primary destination for relax- ation and on any day the tree-lined walkway is busy and is about to with walkers and joggers. Most come in the early receive a multi- morning or evening to avoid the heat of midday. Some afternoons, passers-by can watch capoeira million dollar groups sparring acrobatically to the rhythm of the remodelling berimbau, drum and tambourine. “There is a very intimate and emotional con- nection for thousands of people – Angolan and foreign – with this marvellous view of our bay and the great beauty that is the Luanda Marginal,” says Higino Carneiro, the Minister of Public Works. “There are so few places where you can get this space and fresh air,” comments housewife Isabel Daniel, who comes twice a week to run and stretch on the Marginal. “But it needs to be cleaned up – to have the trash removed and the coast protected.” areas of the bay and removing sediments to allow convention space. foreshore. “There is a clear strategy for this For Sonangol manager Raul Coimbra, who better circulation of the water. “It will bring some better quality into the intervention,” he says. “Fortunately, we have comes to the Marginal to walk, the area can cer- The project includes modernising the sewerage lives of Luanda’s citizens,” says Armindo this wonderful coastal location that can be tainly be improved. “Throughout the country, the system to divert the wastewater that currently spills Copingo, Vice-Minister of Public Works. “This developed with high-quality features for Marginal is famous as an area for relaxation and for into the bay when the system floods during the will be one of the most ambitious feats of engi- tourist purposes.” tourists,” he says. rainy season. The second phase involves widening neering in Angola since independence.” However, with new businesses burgeoning Granted, the air does not always seem so fresh. the Marginal by using the dredged-up sediment to Stage one is expected to take about 36 in Luanda, the city and its environs are already For many years, the bay has been polluted with the create new land and form the basis for a trans- months, although final completion, including experiencing increasingly-heavy traffic. As runoff of sewage overflows from the city. Now, how- formed bayside area. There will be space for six the new buildings, will take around 13 years. early morning runner Daniel says: “We don’t ever, this famous thoroughfare is about to undergo lanes of traffic along the wide sweep of the ocean Altogether, the $135 million development plus need to have more buildings. Downtown a multimillion-dollar makeover that will restore its frontage and a turn lane with traffic lights and side- the cost of infrastructure is estimated to reach Luanda is already very congested.” former style. walks, as well as parking space for 1,600 cars. $2 billion, financed entirely by private funds, But despite the extra buildings, Projecto In a collaborative initiative, the Ministry of The whole area will be interspersed with multi- the primary investor being the Portuguese Baía is set to offer more space for traffic, park- Public Works and Sociedade Baía, S.A. aims to clean use green spaces for leisure and sites for bank BCP Millennium. ing and leisure. As it comes to life over the next up the bay and widen the Marginal to expand areas commercial development. Long-term aims include Architect André Mingas, local affairs advi- few years, many Luandans will be eager to see for recreation. Initiated in November 2006, the first the construction of four buildings, two towers for sor to the President, says the government has how the familiar Marginal will regain its for- phase of Projecto Baía began by dredging shallow offices, stores, and residential use, and a hotel and rehabilitation projects for the entire Luanda mer glory as the vibrant city by the sea. ❖

WINTER 2007 43 Anyone who has read The Little Baobabs can live for thousands of a place to grow mushrooms. The rotting, Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry will years. Thus, for the people who live inner wood is also dug out to create a Aremember immediately the baobab tree, nearby, the tree becomes incorporated reservoir that can store up to 1,000 gal- which represents a calamity for the into religion and tradition because it has lons of water. prince. He imagines the work he must do been there through all human memory. This absorptive quality also charac- each morning to dig up sprouting baob- In Madagascar, the indigenous people terises the bark of the young trees. For abs to stop them developing into giant call it the “mother of the forest”. that reason, the Kissama people tradi- trees that will cover the land and break Everywhere it grows, the baobab inspires tionally strip the bark in pieces to be the planet into pieces with their penetrat- legends. Some of the stories even explain dried and formed into cloth for making ing roots. why this tree is apparently upside down. nappies for babies and pads for feminine It is not hard to imagine how de One tale comes from the Bushmen. hygiene purposes. Saint-Exupéry came upon the baobab as Young baobabs are difficult to identify Baobab trees are also frequently used the vegetative villain for his classic chil- because they have simple-lobed leaves, for food. The dry fruit pulp can be eaten dren’s tale. The tree is unique in its where an adult tree will have finger-like or made into juice. It is also used to make “upside down” posture and often breath- leaves. For this reason, the Bushmen the tart mucua ice cream, a popular taking in size. In Angola, the baobab is believe that there are no young baobabs. refreshment on hot days – homemade the tree of life and longevity, a storeroom They say that the adult trees are thrown and sold frozen in small plastic bags. for spells and a cultural symbol recognis- down from heaven and, being top-heavy, The leaves are used as a vegetable able to every Angolan. land with their roots in the air. In fact, the and the seeds roasted for eating, or for Indeed, the imbondeiro, as the tree is Bushmen claim to hear the thuds of the extracting oil or grinding into a coffee- called in Angola, is one of the most dis- falling trees regularly! like infusion reputed to be a treatment tinctive features of the landscape with its An Arabic version tells how the for malaria. Even the roots of young trees, giant trunk, finger-like leaves and large baobab was one of the first trees on the when well cooked, can be eaten like egg-shaped fruit pods. The trees – no land. When the slender palm tree asparagus, and a red-coloured dye

The baobab tree abounds in its uses and longevity, and its mystical qualities The Upside-down Tree have a special place in the folklore of the people of the Angolan countryside

baobab ever looks the same as another – appeared, the baobab complained that it extracted from the older roots. are most common in lowland areas below wanted to be taller. When the brilliant Baobabs are seen as being very old 600 metres, and prolific along the semi- orange-flowered flame tree appeared, the trees. Their precise age is not easy to ver- arid coastline of Luanda and Kissama baobab craved beautiful flowers. When ify because the wood does not produce National Park. Baobabs of inland Angola, the great fig tree appeared, the baobab annual growth rings, but carbon dating growing at higher elevations, are more prayed for fruit as well. The gods became has indicated that many are 1,000 to dispersed. angry and pulled the baobab up by its 2,000 years old. At the Museum of The tree originated in Madagascar, roots, then replanted it upside down to Slavery, 20km south of Luanda, the baob- where six species, including some of the keep it quiet. Since that time, as a pun- abs growing by the 17th-century colonial most bizarre, can be seen. The most com- ishment, the trees have been made to structure could have seen the arrival of mon species is Adansonia digitata, which serve the people by providing them with Europeans and the departure of the appears in mainland Africa and the things they need. Angolan slaves for the Americas. In fact, Madagascar, while another species of For the people of the Kissama region baobabs growing in some areas of Brazil Adansonia occurs in Australia. Baobabs of Angola, the baobab is seen as a were most likely introduced by slaves reach heights of up to 25m with a trunk dwelling place of spirits, and the witch- who carried the seeds with them to the of as much as 9m in diameter. Some doctor uses them as a place to store his New World. specimens attain enormous size, with feiticos (spells) and tricks. But the baobab All over Africa the baobab is sacred. trunks reaching almost 47m. tree is also a crucial source of food and It serves as a setting for ritual, a space for Common names include boab, bottle fibre, and even water. meeting to discuss issues of great impor- tree and monkey bread tree. The origin of Baobabs are succulents and hold an tance. The majestic tree is sometimes the name baobab is to be found in the exceptional volume of water. Elephants seen as an intermediary between God Egyptian name “bu hobab”, given to it by scratch the tree trunks to release the and man. In Angola, they are the “trees of merchants who traded in exotic plants in water during the dry season, and humans human life” having witnessed the calami- Cairo during the 16th century. In Angola, bore holes and squeeze the fibrous inte- ties of the country’s past and being ready the name imbondeiro developed as the rior to extract a drink. As the tree ages, it to observe the emergence of a brighter Portuguese version of m’bondo. gradually becomes hollow and is used as future. ❖

WINTER 2007 45 SPORT

Soccer may be a favourite Angolan sport, but basketball has achieved Winning unparalleled popularity and Afrobasket is the tournament that its team keeps winning… and Streak winning On the opening night of Afrobasket 2007, the Angolan national team was facing guests Rwanda. The Angolan players and their fans radiated an air of confidence, even entitlement. For Angola, hosting the biannual African Men’s Senior Basketball Championship was a high point, having previously won four consecu- tive titles, and eight out of nine since 1989. Basketball had certainly captured the imagination of a country emerging from the ashes of war. As the game progressed, the Angolan players seemed to run circles around their opponents, with consecutive slam dunks, sudden under- hand passes, and forceful defence tactics. Bedecked in red, yellow and black, many of the fans stood for the entire 40-minute game and roared at every home score.

PHOTOS: CARLOS MOCO WINTER 2007 47 and from the fans. The best Angolan players up the scorecard: 10-8, 10-10, 12-10, 15-12. could play for other nations but prefer to play At half time, the teams were neck and for their country because the pay and playing neck at 33-31. In the stadium, fans of the conditions are better. They also take the game home side were rapt, biting their nails and pat- very seriously. ting their chests with relief each time their “The players work very hard. They train team scored. and rest. They have certain rules and restric- In the second half, the Angolans slowly tions, which are normal – but sometimes pushed forward to a stronger lead: 53-43, 56- players end up proposing their own restric- 43, 58-45. A psychological edge was set. The tions,” said de Carvalho. “Serious training Cameroonians began to miss free throws. As doesn’t allow a player to have a very free the last minutes ticked away, a Cameroon lifestyle.” As Angola’s profile in international com- petitions has grown, so has the popularity of “Basketball is the sport at which Angola wins basketball. The sport has become more visible more titles. When the Angolan team goes in the parks and streets of Angola, both as a game to play and watch. “Basketball has been out to play, it’s to win.” gaining popularity since we won our first Venancio “Corimba” Quintas international victory,” said de Carvalho. “You Coach of the Vila Clotilde Basketball Club Junior League could say that if football is the king sport, then The only spectators who appeared calm Olympics. The Angolan team made it to sub- basketball is the queen.” were the dignitaries in the balcony: President sequent Olympic Games in 1996 (Atlanta), On the day of the Afrobasket 2007 final, upset was impossible. By now the entire sta- José Eduardo dos Santos and his ministers. 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens). the air in Luanda had an electric charge. dium was in uproar. Coach de Carvalho The First Lady, however, was on the edge of At this point, Angola is the African country People gathered on the sidewalks, buying slapped palms in congratulations. The final her seat. with the most titles in basketball, with Senegal sacks of cold beer, and passing cars displayed score: Angola 86, Cameroon 72. No one seemed to doubt the outcome of and Egypt trailing a distant second and third the Angolan flag. By nightfall, the streets were Luanda literally erupted in a united cheer. the game – or of Afrobasket 2007 for that mat- place. For many, how Angola has achieved almost silent as spectators crowded into Crowds spilled out into the streets, walking, ter. On this night, their optimism appeared such a superior position in the sport is a mys- PRESIDENTIAL ACCOLADE: homes or bars to watch the match on large- running, dancing. Euphoric youths sped up warranted: Angola crushed Rwanda 109-66. tery. In fact, the country has won titles on the Mr Eduardo dos Santos, President screen televisions. and down on motorcycles, doing wheelies and “Basketball is the sport at which Angola continent in several other games such as of the Republic of Angola and the The contest turned out to be challenging three-sixties. Cars cruised by, arms and flags First Lady attended the final of wins more titles,” said Venancio “Corimba” handball, indoor hockey, and men’s and for Angola, as the other finalists, Cameroon, waving from windows, the drivers honking Afrobasket 2007 in Luanda, in Quintas, coach of the junior league of the Vila women’s volleyball. which Angola beat Cameroon fought for a title they had never won. Initially, horns and cheering, elated to be champions. Clotilde basketball club. “When the Angolan “Maybe this country was chosen by God,” 86–72. After the match the every play seems to gain points for each team Once again the confidence was merited…once team goes out to play, it’s to win.” said sports fan Tito Goncalves. “It’s impossible President presented a trophy to the in succession, as Angola and Cameroon inched again the title was theirs. ❖ But it wasn’t always that way. to explain how Angola has gained such an home team After Angola gained independence in 1975, advantage.” the country’s prospects for competing in bas- This year, however, the Angolan team had ketball were few. Many Angolan players had some clear advantages. Pires Ferreira, former fled the country to escape the conflict. Those president of the Angolan Basketball who remained had poor facilities and few com- Federation, pointed out that the national team petitive games to improve their skills. Victorino had faced several adversaries they would nor- Cunha, the then coach, laboured to transform mally see only at global or Olympic level. the Angolan national team players by improv- “Such games enable the players to get valuable ing their stamina, net practice, and diet. experience. The Stankovic Cup is proof of Jean Paul Rebatet, coach for the Moroccan this,” he said. team at Afrobasket 2007, had seen Angolan National team coach Alberto “Ginguba” basketball evolve since he first led his coun- de Carvalho agreed. “This year we had several try’s team against Angola in 1980. “Angola good games, such as in Spain right before the learned quickly and achieved an enviable level championship. All this gave us a very strong of success,” he said. “Now Angola is a potent lead position. Also, we had had a lot of sup- team.” port. I really had the right conditions Cunha led the team to its first champi- necessary to prepare the team.” onship in 1989, and worked to solidify that Many of the advantages Angola has lead. He was also coach when Angola realised gained in its basketball have become self- perhaps its most famous game in 1992 against propagating. A record of success attracts more the American “Dream Team” at the Barcelona support from sponsors, from the Federation PHOTOS: CARLOS MOCO

WINTER 2007 49 48 SONANGOL UNIVERSO INTERVIEW

“I struggled through each day with little or would provide materials, uniforms, and food “Growing up, I no energy. I felt overwhelmed and depressed, for the students – a win-win situation for the was inspired sleeping very little at night and wandering student, the family and the country.” aimlessly through the streets.” She realised Today, Irmã Domingaz continues to work watching how that she was suffering from post-traumatic as a director for Obra de Caridade Criança the nuns stress syndrome. Feeling confused and disori- Santa Isabel (OCSI), her own non-governmen- worked with to ented, Irmã Domingaz returned to what she tal organisation. As well as building schools, place knew. she runs a literacy project known as Kidi the children and “I wanted to go back to the beginning Kulonga (A Place to Learn in Kimbundu) teenagers,” she when I knew who I was and what was which has more than 3,000 students, most of A needed,” she explains. “So I gathered up the whom are women. With the schools and the reflects. “I knew young children in the area and began teaching literacy project combined she serves more I wanted to Bible classes.” But she soon noticed an alarm- than 4,700 students in 25 communities. Her ing trend. oldest student is a 75-year-old woman who work with the learn “As I worked within the community, I saw has just completed the literacy programme. youth.” that there were many children who had been And the three orphans who first captured fessed a nun in 1986 at age 22. orphaned or abandoned roaming the streets. I her heart? “The oldest, Maria, helps me in the Irmã Domingaz Loureiro “However, I was very shy and lacked con- realised that most of these children could not orphanage and as a street educator, visiting fidence. But two priests recognised my read or write.” the homes of the school and community chil- potential and began to involve me in all of With no schools in the area to educate dren to monitor living conditions,” says Irmã their work in their parish at Cacuso.” these and the other orphans in her charge, Domingaz. “She also runs her own re-educa- The civil war had started again, and the Irmã Domingaz took on the task and in less tion centre that serves 100 students a year. fighting was growing worse as the months than a year there were more than 250 children Kidi and Carlos still live with me and are now wore on. It was on a fateful February day, and 80 teenagers as students, being taught in in grades 10 and 9.” while she was serving as the parish adminis- the only classrooms available – the patios and Never one to be idle, while currently over- trator, that Cacuso was attacked. The mission front steps of churches. seeing five schools and one orphanage, Irmã home was quickly flooded with refugees from This was the beginning. Domingaz continues to work within the com- the area seeking safety. “In 1994 I met with the Sobas (traditional munity, searching for children who need to be “I had to pull the curtains from the win- elders) of the surrounding bairros,” she recalls. in school. An attack on The echo in the small, windowless building dows to create a triage for the wounded. It “I asked them what they saw as the greatest Her most recent school was opened in Cacuso during is deafening as the rain pelts the tin roof. As is was the most difficult day of my life,” Irmã need of their people and without hesitation February this year. She has aptly named it common in Angola, the electricity is out and Domingaz remembers. they all expressed the same concern: educa- Nguitalele (Look at Me).” No longer the timid, the civil war the generator has yet to kick in, but the staff These were soon followed by other tion. unassuming girl who taught her first Bible provided a pivotal are not put off, continuing to work by the refugees, and among the first to arrive were “The development of a child is a social class, Irmã Domingaz has developed into a Tlight filtering through the open doorway. three orphaned children: Maria, aged 14, responsibility,” Irmã Domingaz stresses. “So it self-assured woman, confident in the public moment for a A woman dressed modestly in a simple Kidi, one, and Carlos, just two months old. was agreed that I would find the materials and arena. She feels it is worth it, to fight for the young Angolan skirt and T-shirt, stands next to a volunteer, “We were able to place most of the orphaned the fathers of the bairros would build the right of an education, to create Kidi Kulonga – nun that has answering questions about the orphanage. children with either families or orphanages, schools. Together we were going to rebuild a place to learn. ❖ since brought The only thing that distinguishes her from but we could find no one who wanted these Angola, one child at a time.” the rest of the people in the room is a small three. By then an attachment had grown In 1995 A Escola da Paz (the School of untold riches to cross that hangs from her neck. But what between us.” The decision that they would Peace) was opened. But now that Irmã hundreds of really sets her apart is the passion she radi- remain with Irmã Domingaz presented the Domingaz had the actual building for these Angolan children ates for her chosen vocation. task of educating them, which set in motion children, she set about tackling the second Irmã Domingaz Loureiro’s calling came the events that followed. obstacle these families faced. Quite simply on February 23, 1993, in Cacuso, Malange – a “The following May I began working with they could not afford to send their child to day that would propel her on the journey of refugees in Malange, helping with the alloca- school and lose the income the child earned her life’s work. It was not the day she took her tion of the displaced people.” A year later, she selling at the markets, so once again she began vows as a Dominican nun, but it signaled the moved with the three children to Viana, an working with the parents. beginning of her true mission. urban development outside Luanda with the “I started a micro-credit project, whereby “Growing up, I was inspired watching idea of doing the same work. But the war had a sum of $100 would be given to the families – how the nuns worked with the children and taken its toll on Irmã Domingaz. She had not as a handout, but as a loan,” she explains. teenagers,” she reflects. “I knew I wanted to already endured great hardships that “The families were then expected to work that work with the youth.” At age 17 Irmã included temporary paralysis as a child and money, make it grow so that the family would Domingaz began teaching Bible classes and, several bouts of malaria. But the move to not suffer an economic loss while a child after finishing her theology courses, was pro- Viana was to be her greatest test. attended school. In addition, at school we

50 SONANGOL UNIVERSO PHOTOS: PMP GLOBAL AUTUMN 2007 51