Coming Home Angolans Are Flooding Back with a Passion to Help Rebuild Their Country

Home , Job (footballer), Kwanza (The First), Love (footballer), Manucho, Mayombe

SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:10 Page 1

UniversoSPRING 2008 Sonangol’s International Magazine

Coming home Angolans are flooding back with a passion to help rebuild their country

LUANDA’S BANKING BOOM

AFRICA’S OIL RUSH

A STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE SONANGOL NEWS pages 42-51 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:10 Page 2

THE BIG CONTENTS PICTURE

Work is starting this. year on R Sonangol Department for o Inside Angola’s most expensiveg con- n Communication & Image o struction projectC – the $8 Brazil is to give $30million to Director Letter from the editor 4 Tiger, tiger burning bright 26 billion Liquefied Natural Gas develop a 33,0000 hectare João Rosa Santos Banking on a secure future Cabinda complex in Soyo. pp46-7 agricultural project in Pungo Cabinda Corporate Communications Assistants Readers’ letters 5 Andongo, Malanje. The Cristina de Novaes, Roberto Graça, Beauty against all odds 30 land will produce maize and Raimundo Vilares Mbanza Angola news 6 The Miss Landmine pageant Soyo Congo sugar cane. Publisher Sheila O’Callaghan Zaire Coming back to the future 8 Uige The paving of 95km of road Editor Angolan talent floods back between Munenga and Alex Bellos Kibala in Kwanza Sul Uige Art Directors has been completed Lisa Pampillonia Bengo David Gould

Lucapa Caxito o R. l Sub Editor i Kwanza u Ron Gribble Luanda Malanje C Luanda Norte Lunda Norte Editorial & Design Consultant Richard Addis Ndalatando Saurimo Malanje Advertising Design Miss Landmine 2008 © Bernd Wojtczack Kwanza C u Lunda Sul a Sul n C Circulation Manager Fever pitch 34 z u a a Matthew Alexander n R. José Silva Pinto Angola’s biggest-ever sporting project g o

R Group President . Ca . ssai R John Charles Gasser Opinion: David Brookshaw 14 Angola’s gentle giant 38 Sumbe R. i bez am Protecting the Palanca Negra Luena Z Project Consultant Africa’s deepwater riches 16 Huambo Bie Nathalie MacCarthy All go in the Gulf of Guinea Lobito Lu ngu This magazine is produced for Sonangol by Benguela Kuito a-B Sonangol News uag Impact Media Custom Publishing. The views o Angolan beat that’s 20 Benguela R expressed in the publication are not neces- Huambo Moxico . sarily those of Sonangol or the publishers. shaking the world Reproduction in whole or in part without The growth of kuduro prior permission is prohibited. This magazine is distributed to a closed circulation. To receive a copy please contact Huila [email protected] Menongue Impact Media Custom Publishing Lubango 53 Chandos Place, London WC2N 4HS Tel + 44 20 7812 6400 C u Fax +44 20 7812 6413 Namibe . an R d o

e R [email protected] n . e Cuando Cubango

n C Cover: Miraldina de Carvalho Ribeira, u Cunene

u Namibe C b photo by José Silva Pinto. a n g o

R . Photolibrary Onjiva Briefing 42 Inside Sonangol o Rua 1 Congresso do MPLA, No 8-16 Caixa Postal 1316, Luanda Republica de Angola Interview 46 Following Angola’s agreement Sonangol USA (SONUSA) 1177 Enclave Parkway, Antonio Orfão, president of Sonagás Second Floor, Houston TX 77077 to honour debts with the Paris The rehabilitation of the Ngove Dam on the Cunene River, Sonangol UK Mereval House Brompton Place Club, Japan will provide and the installation of a hydro-electrical station, is due to start in London SW3 1QE United Kingdom Focus 48 credit to finance the early 2008 and will last approximately two years. The dam was Sonangol Asia 3 Temasek Avenue 31-04 Runners and riders in the second reconstruction of the posts of badly damaged during the war. It’s restoration will aid economic Centennial Tower Singapore 039190 licensing round

Lobito and Namibe. development of the provinces of Huambo and Bié. www.sonangol.co.ao João Reis

SPRING 2008 3 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:10 Page 4

OVERVIEW READER’S LETTERS

Fast forward Dear Sir I have just finished a documentary about Luanda’s National Music School, called Escape from Luanda. I think it offers an interesting insight into modern Angola. The first director of the school felt it was enough for the students, all of whom had suffered badly during the war, to turn up at the school on a regular basis. It was a time of dealing with a terrible past by re- introducing some order, some education, Alex Bellos some culture. To the director, the quality of the learning was not as important. Escape from Luanda: DVD is The director who replaced her had availalble at www.seventh-art.com other thoughts; he believed that musical standards had to be improved. I wonder Letter from the editor if this small change of emphasis in one cles to development. We are committed ernment official and journalist, who from school in Luanda represents where mod- to doing as much as we can to help the 1870s to 1890 analysed many key ern Angola is positioned. Perhaps, just Angola halve the deaths from malaria problems of colonial Angola: from the A fresh start perhaps, the country has been able to among children under five. We also are slave trade to bureaucratic inefficiency; reconcile itself with its past and is now in committed to the fight against HIV/Aids, from race relations to Portuguese migra- a position to move forward – to look not and are supporting Angolan efforts to tion. His trenchant writing style back but ahead. prevent the pandemic from taking root fomented controversy. or Angola, 2008 will be a crucial In it I hope to publish stories that express will benefit the country in micro and Phil Grabsky, England here. Our bilateral relations also encom- In 1890, when Portugal was forced to year. The country is taking giant the diversity and versatility of the nation macroeconomic terms. More Angolans pass strong educational and cultural give up territorial claims in Central Fstrides forward in the spheres of as it faces the challenges of growth and are opening bank accounts, and more Special relationship exchanges. Angolans have studied in the Africa, Fontes Pereira wrote an editorial politics, finance and industry. In development. When I visited Luanda for international investors are willing to lend Dear Sir United States through the Fulbright in a Luanda newspaper which openly September, the first elections will be held the first time last year, I was struck by the money. Already inflation is at its lowest I am so pleased to be in Luanda to repre- Scholarship programme since 1998. I attacked Portuguese rule. Boldly, he since 1992. The year will also see the amount of activity going on and the com- level for 16 years. sent the United States. My wife Grace plan to work hard to expand and deepen urged Angolans to replace Portugal with opening of the Luanda stock exchange, as mitment of Angolans to rebuild. As Yet it is only six years since the end and I arrived here in November and we these exchanges. Born and raised on a another colonial power, England. Due to well as the country repaying its arrears to Raquel de Oliveira, one of the many of fighting, and the shadow of the war is can already tell that we are going to enjoy dairy farm in the state of Iowa, I have a what was deemed a treasonous opinion the Paris Club. Reconstruction work in Angolans who has come home since the still present all over the country. We greatly our stay. We come to Angola at an special interest in promoting economic in the colonial press, Fontes Pereira lost the capital and the provinces continues end of the war in 2002, told me: “People report on a controversial beauty competi- historic moment as the nation further diversification through agricultural devel- his newspaper and government jobs and apace. are starting to believe in the country.” tion for women who have suffered brutal consolidates peace and prepares for leg- opment, which will be a priority focus for died soon afterwards. This year is also a big one for Raquel was interviewed as part of injuries from landmines. The hope is to islative elections in 2008, a sign of me. Fontes Pereira’s writings are a pre- Sonangol. For the first time since Angola the cover story on Angolans who have change the perception of the women significant progress after many decades During our service in Angola, Grace cious legacy. In fact, his writings joined OPEC it has a quota – 1.9 million moved back from abroad. The flow of from ‘victims’ to ‘survivors’. of war and devastation. This is an excit- and I are determined to visit all 18 represent an example of a modern anti- barrels per day – a limit that is expected nationals returning home is one of the From this issue, the corporate side of ing time in Angola’s history, and I am glad provinces. In reaching out to Angolans colonial written protest in Western and to be reached in the first half of the year. most obvious demonstrations of a new Sonangol’s activities will have its own to be here to do what I can to help the across this great nation, I hope to create West Central Africa, before there were In March, the winners of the second optimism. section at the back of the magazine. people of Angola harvest the fruits of this greater understanding and stronger ties organised nationalist parties. José de licensing round will be known, opening In this magazine there is more evi- Antonio Orfão, the president of Sonagás, well-earned peace. between the people of Angola and the Fontes Pereira of Luanda, indeed, was the up seven offshore and three onshore dence of this self-confidence. We feature is interviewed in what will be a regular America’s support for Angola is evi- people of America. Father of early Angolan nationalism. A blocks to exploration and production. a report on the preparation for the 2010 slot where we speak to a prominent dent in many areas, most especially in Dan Mozena statue to his memory would be an appro- Work has started on the $8 billion African Cup of Nations, which will be the company executive. And we list the 81 the petroleum sector. American compa- Ambassador, United States of America priate recognition of his courageous Angola Liquefied Natural Gas plant in most high-profile event ever held in companies which have pre-qualified for nies provide employment and training contribution to Angolan national identity. Soyo, the most expensive single construc- Angola. Angolan authors are gaining the second licensing round – proof, if any for Angolans and have also invested in a Statue of liberty Douglas L. Wheeler, tion project in Angolan history. New wells increasing international prominence. A were needed, of the vast global interest in wide range of health, agriculture and Dear Sir: Professor of History Emeritus, Univ of in already-operated blocks are expected style of electronic music that mixes Angola. other programmes. I am quite proud of I herewith propose New Hampshire to come on line. And Sonangol has a new Angolan rhythms and Western technol- My aim with this issue of Universo the contributions that American business the building of a statue 22-storey office on the Luanda seafront. ogy is being played on the dance floors of has been to capture the dynamism of a continues to make to Angola’s growth and in central Luanda of We welcome your opinions on the magazine, To reflect the great changes under- Europe. country accelerating into the future. I well-being. the great Angolan Angola and the oil industry. Please email way in the country, and the progress and With the opening of a stock hope you enjoy it. I am proud, as well, of the role of my writer and nationalist [email protected]. Letters may expansion of Sonangol, Universo is also exchange, Angola’s financial sector is government in working with Angolan José de Fontes Pereira (1823-1891). be edited for length. Please include name, updating. This is my first issue as editor. becoming more sophisticated – which [email protected] counterparts to tackle some of the obsta- Fontes Pereira (above) was a lawyer, gov- address and phone number

4 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 5 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:10 Page 6

UPDATE

Olympic hope number of hydroelectric dams planned for the Angola news briefing Angola's women's handball team are the Kwanza River. The projects only African side to qualify for the are expected to be com- Olympic Games in Beijing this year after 3pleted by 2014. they won the African Cup of Nations

PMP Global (CAN) in January. It was the sixth consec- utive victory at the CAN and ninth in total. The team will be hoping to for a the number of good performance at the Olympics, Angolans registered since they reached their highest ever 8m on the electoral roll position in the handball World for the forthcoming elections. Championship last December. Angola beat France, Croatia and Macedonia in the opening round but lost in the quarter-finals to Germany. This year's CAN

was held in Luanda. istockphoto.com/Edward Hor Revving up 30,000 dollar price tag that state diamond Bay watch Angola plans to open a car factory in a company Endiama paid for Miss Angola Micaela Reis’ gala dress from

Reuters/Scanpix Norway venture funded by Chinese firm CSG Luanda’s seafront and bay is getting a using technology from Japan’s Nissan. the Miss World tournament. Micaela $2 billion makeover. The redevelop- The project, backed by Hong Kong’s was runner-up in last year's competi- ment will extend the coastal road, the China International Fund, will produce tion, held in China - the highest Marginal, into the sea so that it will pick-ups, SUVs, compact cars and other position ever achieved by an Angolan in have three lanes in either direction. vehicles at a factory in Viana, on the out- either Miss World or Miss Universe. New hotels, offices and hotels will be skirts of Luanda. Initial annual capacity built including a 37-storey and a 24- will be 5,000 vehicles but is expected to storey building, a convention centre eventually rise to 30,000. The SUV and two car parks. The project will Paladin will be among the Nissan-style include landscaping of the public areas models produced. and renovation of some of the historic 240,000 colonial facades. One million cubic number of monthly passengers esti- metres of sand has already been Press ahead Beer cheer mated to use the Luanda railroad, dredged. between Musseques and Viana, once Edições Angola’s three brewers Cuca, Nocal and new carriages begin operating. Novembro, EKA have signed contracts with the which pub- Angolan National Private Investment Poll position lishes the Agency to modernise and expand. The Swiss first Jornal de result will mean an increase in beer pro- Angolans will be going to the polls this year Angola and the duction from 770 hectolitres to 6,000 1-4-2008 no April fool; The for the first time in 16 years. Legislative elec- Ricardo Lumengo (right), a former MPLA Jornal dos hectolitres a month. Employees will triple day Lufthansa starts its weekly tions will take place on 5-6 September. activist, has become Switzerland’s first black Desportos, from 2,500 to 7,500. service to Luanda. President José Eduardo dos Santos Member of Parliament. Lumengo, aged 45, inaugurated a announced the dates during his end of year fled Angola during the war 20 years ago and new printing message in December. He emphasised that ended up in Switzerland, where he was press in the elections must take pace in a climate of granted political asylum. After working as a December. This peace and harmony. Angola’s first general cleaner in a restaurant to pay his way will enable the position of Angola in election was held September 1992, but the through law school, he became active in Jornal de Angola, the country’s only daily the United Nations' e- war restarted shortly afterwards. Since the local politics as a member of the Social newspaper, to increase circulation from 127 government rankings, up 31places achievement of peace five years ago condi- Democrat party. He was elected to parlia- 15,000 to 60,000. Jornal dos Desportos, a since 2005. The ranking measures web- tions have been created for the ment in October and was sworn in last sports daily, will increase from 3,000 to site and telecommunications reintroduction of the ballot box. December. 10,000. infrastructure, and human resources. PETER KLAUNZER/AP/PA Photos José Silva Pinto

6 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 7 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:10 Page 8

COVER STORY

Home is where the heart is…

“Angola is the land of opportunity. Everyone wants to come here.” Coming back to the Staying put: each of these six women lived outside the country for many years – now they are back

future From left to right:

Yuma Solange dos Santos, 30, bank worker and businesswoman Angolans who fled the country during civil war are returning Yuma spent 15 years abroad, mostly in home with a passion to help rebuild the country – and the Portugal but also in London. On her All images by José Silva Pinto new vibrancy is also attracting their children who were born return, she sent off her CV and was or educated abroad. By Catherine Hamlin offered a job at the Banco de Fomento Angola. She had never worked in a bank coming back at the beginning. Now I like rewarding – and what has been especially Miraldina de Carvalho Ribeira, 26, before, but with a degree and profes- it and don’t want to leave. No one day is satisfying is that she is helping her country- trainee lawyer sional experience found it was not like the next.” In the short time that she has folk. “It’s made coming home worth it,” she After going to school in Luanda, Miraldina difficult to get employment. In Portugal, been back, she says she has seen the city says. went to Lisbon to study. She stayed seven she says, there are lots of qualified peo- change and has changed herself. “I have years, returning just last year. “I know uring almost three decades of Such opinions reflect a huge change ple and not so many jobs, but in Angola become more independent. You really get Raquel de Oliveira, 29, loads of people who are working in civil war, hundreds of thousands since the years of conflict. War broke out it is the other way round. Yuma came to know your limits. This is a dynamic advertising executive Portugal, but they want to come home Dof Angolans left the country. in Angola immediately after independ- back because she wanted to be with her place. In Portugal nothing ever changes.” At the age of 16, Raquel went to live in because there are more opportunities here. Many fled, fearing for their safety. Some ence in 1975. There was rationing, and family. In addition to the day job, she has South Africa and then moved to England, Things used to be more difficult here, but stayed, but sent their children to study few schools and medical clinics. In order started a production company with her Ilda Kuleba, 27, where she stayed for five years. She you can really see the changes.” abroad. Now, in peacetime, Angolans are to escape the fighting, many were forced two younger sisters that makes commer- HIV programme coordinator returned to Luanda to be with her family in finally coming home. to abandon their homes and left on foot cials. Being back home has turned out to Ilda was only two and a half when she left 2002 and shortly afterwards, after a brief Deisi Bravo da Rosa, 24, Since 2002, when the war ended, an for neighbouring countries such as the be a good decision financially. “Here my Angola. The daughter of diplomats, she period of wondering what she wanted to trainee lawyer estimated 460,000 refugees have reset- Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia level of income is higher than what it lived in Europe, Ethiopia and the US as commit herself to, joined an advertising Deisi was nine when her family moved to tled. Professional Angolans are also and Namibia. For the middle classes, the would be in Portugal,” she says. her parents moved through tours of duty. company. She is committed to the country. Pretoria in South Africa. She stayed 14 flooding back. Luanda is jam-packed main destination was the former colonial Ilda has a degree in international relations “This is my home. It makes you want to years, finishing school there and graduat- with recently repatriated men and master Portugal. Others went elsewhere Paula Morais, 29, and a masters in reproductive and sexual fight for it.” The work environment, she ing in law. First, her two sisters came back women taking advantage of the new in Europe, to South Africa and the US. software enterprise advisor health research. She returned to Luanda18 says, has been completely transformed in and then, last year, she decided that it was opportunities. “It’s hard here, but it’s For the past six years, the country and businesswoman months ago to co-ordinate USAID’s HIV the last few years – more rapidly than time for her to return too. “I came back exciting,” says Paula Morais, a 29-year- has slowly started to rebuild. Those com- After living for 11 years in Lisbon, Paula programme. “I always wanted to come anyone can remember. “This is like virgin because of the opportunity of work,” she old businesswoman. “Angola is the land ing back are playing a large part in the came back to Luanda in 2005. She back to do some sort of community work,” territory; everything is new. You can start says. “In South Africa it’s very difficult as a of opportunity,” adds bank worker Yuma reconstruction. There are several works part time for a software company she says. She describes her experience as building up from the roots; that’s what foreigner to get a good job. And the situa- Solange dos Santos. “Everyone wants to motives for returning: for a start, it is no and is setting up her first shop, selling being “enlightening, frustrating and an makes the difference. People are starting to tion here is a lot better than it was. I intend come here.” longer dangerous and there is the sunglasses and watches. “It was hard eye-opener. It’s been good.” Her job is believe in the country.” to stay. I am 100 per cent a patriot.”

8 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 9 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 10

COVER STORY The Angolan in me never died “I am currently working for the United Nations Populations Fund as a focal person on adolescent sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention for young people. I think that being back in Angola I am able to Paulo Muzuza and family (top right)

achieve some of my Clockwise from left: Sangwa Muzuza, aged two, daughter; Jacquilina Mucamulegi, aged 30, wife; goals.” Palmira Miyombo, aged 14, sister’s daughter; Paulo, Esanjo Muzuza, aged four, daughter; Zango Palanga, aged five, nephew; Hiluka Luzia, aged 58, mother; Hiluka Muzuza, aged two weeks, daughter

chance to make money, but it is also a that aims to encourage them to return. matter of national pride. “I have always “There are still many (skilled had this sense of purpose – that it was Angolans) outside – maybe as many as important to come back,” says Ulanga 30,000 or 40,000,” says José Severino, AIA Gaspar Martins, a 31-year-old lawyer president. “Still, there are many more whose family left in 1989. “It is a mission coming than going.” Despite the offer of to serve and contribute to Angolan a job, returning to Angola is not always growth.” easy. There are many bureaucratic obsta- Paulo Muzuza, 34, Paramedic thought this was also a good opportunity choice. I can’t wait to help determine the As a result, the Angolan economy has cles and the cost of living in Luanda is The rainy season was just starting in to reunite with them, but it has not been future of my country through a democratic boomed. In just a few years, the capital, one of the highest in the world. “The 1978 when we fled Angola. My easy. electoral process. Luanda, has transformed from a quiet problem in reintegrating is housing,” says mother carried the two of us on a The challenge has been trying to inte- During the time that I was outside, the ocean-front city to a bustling metropolis Severino. “Accommodation costs are very journey, which took months, before reach- grate into the existing environment with no “Angolan” in me has been alive through in permanent traffic gridlock. Infrastruc- high, especially when you have to pay a ing a refugee camp in Zambia. Ultimately, Portuguese – that affected my efforts look- and through. No one would be proud to ture is still lacking, but jobs abound for year’s rent up front.”

I ended up living in Zambia for almost 28 ing for a job. Getting employment is not be a refugee forever, and I had hope that Angolans with qualifications. For Martins Another reason why Angola has years. I did primary, high school and even easy in Angola, even when you have the one day I would be able to go back to my the country is changing so fast there is no become more attractive as a place to live college in that country. I studied clinical right qualifications. I would like to further country. My parents used to say how time to delay being part of it “My brother for Angolans is to do with the changes in

medicine and then trained in psychosocial my studies because Angola needs quali- Angola was beautiful, naturally gifted with is waiting for conditions to get better the rest of the world. In Europe, Angolans ‘‘counselling in Kenya. fied human resources to spearhead the minerals, water and wild fruits, and so I before he comes back. And I have friends have to compete with increasing migrant I came back to my home country in development of the country, but my efforts was always looking forward to being there who got used to the kind of life outside. I labour from North Africa and Eastern September 2004 because of the presence have not yet yielded results. I have hope and seeing for myself. The Embassy in tell them – ‘The country won’t wait for Europe. And opportunities in Portugal, of peace. It was not easy living as a that one day I may go back to school. Zambia at one point used to organise trips ‘‘ you’.” home to the largest Angolan community refugee and I had always wanted to come I am currently working for the United to Angola for students just so that they As the economy grows, it is likely in Europe, are fewer than in other home and enjoy the privileges of being a Nations Populations Fund as a focal per- could stay connected to their homeland. that more and more Angolans will come Western European nations. With better “national”. With the little education I had, I son on adolescent sexual reproductive Of course, temptations were there for one home. There is a shortage of skilled pro- housing options, believes Severino, the was determined to come back and con- health and HIV prevention for young peo- to change citizenship just to have access to fessionals and it is easier and more influx of trained Angolans would rocket tribute to the reconstruction and ple. I think that being back in Angola I am certain services as a national, and I must lucrative for companies to employ in years to come. development of the country. I must say that, able to achieve some of my goals. say that many of my compatriots did make Angolans rather than import foreign staff. The return of academically-qualified in a short period of time, I can already see I have never voted in my life and so I have that change unfortunately. Me – I The Angolan Industrial Association (AIA), Angolans is having an impact on the fab- my positive contribution. After a long registered and am looking forward to exer- am proud to be home and proud which represents about 3,000 firms, has ric of Angolan society by creating a new, period away from many family members, I cising my right to choose the leader of my to be an Angolan. created a network for Angolans abroad cosmopolitan middle class. As they

10 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 11 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 12

COVER STORY

Sonangol changed my life “Sonangol has been a school decided to send us away again. Since South Africa was emerging with Mandela for me – I have learnt a lot newly in power, it looked attractive. So about politics, about Dad got together with two other families and sent all the kids to the Western Cape, upstream and downstream. It though he went into debt for us to study there. has opened doors all over. I We were 15 boys and girls between eight and 21 years of age in one house, am responsible for the chaperoned by only one adult. That’s where I learnt to appreciate reading and telecommunications for the grow in number, the country becomes practice Aikido. liquefied natural gas project.” more dynamic and the “peace dividend” Returning to Luanda in 1998, I rebelled becomes more evident. against the system and the family. I spent a The diversity of those coming back is year doing nothing. Then I went to also helping to give Angola a new sense of Catholic University but wanted to leave the positive identity. Adão “Dodó” Miranda country again. My brother and I were in was born in what is now the Democratic Portugal, but ran off to Holland. We spent Republic of Congo after his parents, who Oldemiro Napoleão, 28, three years there, planting tomatoes, wash- were involved in the revolution against Telecommunications consultant ing dishes, sleeping on floors and hanging the Portuguese, fled Angola on foot in the I was born in 1979. The whole out. I thought I was having fun, but 1960s. He returned in the 1990s and is family moved to Holland in 1983 realised I was wasting my time. now an acclaimed local musician. “My when Dad got a job in Rotterdam One day, soon after the end of the war fortune was that in our family we main- with Angonav, the Angolan shipping in 2002, I woke up on a cold rainy morn- tained our Angolan identity. I always felt company. ing in Groningen to a phone call from my connected,” he says. I went to the American International mother. I said: “How is Angola?” and she In fact, the Angolan communities School and that’s where I learnt English. painted this picture of the warm sun, some- abroad have remained close-knit which But after a few years Dad wanted to one’s wedding, my sister. I started crying. has helped their reintegration now they return home so, in 1987, we came back. “What am I doing here?” I thought. are returning home. In Portugal the ‘‘My siblings and I were not adapting I came back in February of 2003 and Angolans kept their identity. Paula Morais well. Our Portuguese was gibberish. I’m it has been a roller-coaster ride ever since. and Raquel de Oliveira, a 29-year-old thankful my teachers beat me so that I I networked like crazy, hoping someone advertising executive, became friends learnt to speak correctly! would see I had potential and give me a within the expat community in Lisbon. It was difficult being back – it was chance. The first job I landed was running They are both passionate about dark because of power problems, the a Unitel representation at Luanda Airport. I

building their lives in the new Angola. food was always the same, and the edu- worked for a few non-governmental organ- Paula believes she is part of a special gen- cational and health conditions were isations. Then I started working with a eration – the one that saw the war, but rough. Our parents would assure us that South African computer outfit and, eventu-

will also see the peace. “I remember this “next weekend” things would get better. ally, with some partners, opened an city as a child. You could never leave it. By 1992 people were talking about internet service provider called Internet Now I have the pleasure of seeing how the approaching elections, saying: “If Technologies Angola. things are changing a lot. My generation something is going to happen, it’s better From there I got picked up by Mercury all left to study abroad – Portugal, South if you aren’t here.” So my siblings and I Systems Telecom, Sonangol’s telecommuni- ‘‘ Africa and Brazil. I don’t think that will were packed up and sent to Portugal to cation arm. Sonangol has been a school happen so much again. They will now study in Coimbra. I was there for three for me – I have learnt a lot about politics, stay here.” years, and that was when I really began about upstream and downstream. It has Those who have lived outside are to become the person that I am today. opened doors all over. I am responsible for returning with a fresh eye and a desire to We came back in 1995, and that’s the telecommunications for the liquefied be part of the reconstruction. While when things really got bad. The kwanza natural gas project. aware of the immense challenges ahead, was devalued and the economy was in In Angola, people are returning they also realise that the future of their decline. My family was going bankrupt, to a normal life. We can reach our country depends on them. and we kids started to rebel. The family goals in 15 or 20 years.

12 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 13 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 14

OPINION

Ondjaki colonial family from the beginning ation of the Portuguese novelist Eça of the 20th century through to de Queirós. Here, however, he is 1975, and the differing loyalties given a type of post-colonial re- that its members have with the incarnation as an ardent land of their birth. abolitionist and equally devoted More recently, Pepetela has lover of an Angolan slave woman, continued his satire of contempo- whose freedom he seeks. As the rary Angolan urban society title suggests, Agualusa’s major through the genre of the detective interest is to exploit the cultural novel. Indeed, his creation of the affinities that exist between coastal hapless Luanda gumshoe Jaime Angola and seaboard Brazil, pre- Bunda, a cross between Columbo cisely the author’s Creole world. David Brookshaw and Inspector Clouseau, marks a His more recent novel, O new departure in lusophone Vendedor de Passados (The Book of African fiction. Chameleons), is also set in Angola The new millennium has wit- and across the Atlantic, but has a nessed the emergence of an more familiar satirical intent, while Writers in war and peace exciting young author, Ondjaki, also examining the relationship whose work has been received with between fiction, memory and iden- acclaim in Portugal, and has tity. It won this year’s foreign fiction How Agostinho Neto and the cultural consciousness that heralded the anti-colonial struggle recently been translated into prize, awarded by the English spawned a wealth of Angolan literature that helped to build a nation English. His first international suc- newspaper, The Independent. cess was the novella O Assobiador Angolan literature has tradi- (The Whistler), published in 2002, tionally been concerned with when the author was only 25. evoking the country’s social and ngolan literature is among the who had revolutionised the literary lan- idealism of the 1970s through to the shift It is a light-hearted but also cultural realities, but writers here oldest of African literatures in any guage of Angola by incorporating oral in economic and social values from the haunting tale about the effect upon have always been open to the A European language, dating as it influences in his collection of stories, late 1980s onwards. village life of a stranger, who can world and, of course, to dialogue does from the mid-19th century, when Luuanda, which won a prize in Portugal His first major international success whistle the most beautiful with other lusophone literatures, waltercraveiro/link Creole journalists and poets began to while its author was in a colonial jail. was the novel Mayombe, which has as its melodies. It is a story about the especially that of Brazil, the vast engage with Angolan social and cultural Literature has continued to play an setting the forest of Cabinda during the power of the spirit, about the importance recently published poems in Portuguese New-World country a mere hop across reality, often inspired by the example of important part in Angolan cultural life. anti-colonial war. It had in fact been writ- of dreams, but also about rejuvenation and Umbundu, one of Angola’s ‘national’ the South Atlantic, where Angolan influ- Brazilian writers, whose country had ten during this campaign, in which and the uplifting power of love, reflecting languages, under the title of Ombela. It is ences are likewise deeply etched into become independent in 1822. The new Pepetela had participated actively, but perhaps the experience of a country that rather as if peace has freed writers to Brazilian cultural tradition. It is this cre- While this period of literary activity was first published in 1980. has just emerged from war. break out of Luanda and rediscover the ative synergy between the expression of was stifled with the imposition of mod- millennium has It is as much a discourse on the Bom Dia Camaradas (Good Morning, country in all its cultural variety. local tradition and modernity that gives ern colonial rule, Angolan literary voices problems facing a newly independent Comrades), published in 2003, is a novel The most international of Angolan Angolan literature its own particular were raised once again in 1948 in a move- witnessed the Angola, in both terms of ethnicity and about childhood and coming of age in writers is undoubtedly José Eduardo dynamism. ment that chose “Lets Discover Angola” revolutionary commitment, and the role Luanda during the 1980s, which not only Agualusa. He was only 15 when he left as its slogan. emergence of an of the individual, as it is a novel about evokes the secret world of children, but Angola in 1975, and although he has David Brookshaw is professor of Luso- This growth of a cultural conscious- war. But in its treatment of controversial also gives a unique insight into the life of returned to the country recently, he has Brazilian studies at Bristol university. ness heralded and then accompanied the exciting young issues, it achieved an almost iconic sta- a pair of Cuban schoolteachers who are lived in Brazil as well as Portugal. His first anti-colonial struggle, its most emblem- author, whose work tus, so much so that it was widely studied recalled with affection by their pupils. novel, published in 1989 under the title A atic figure being Agostinho Neto, the in other African countries. The return of peace to Angola after a Conjura (The Conspiracy), evoked the Found in translation, Angolan poet, guerrilla leader and later first has been received During the 1980s and 1990s, Pepetela quarter of a century of civil war, and the Creole nationalism of the early 20th cen- literature available in English President of Angola. It was Neto who was to become his country’s most prolific country’s slow progress towards multi- tury, and won the Sonangol literary prize ● Luandino Vieira; Luuanda appreciated the role of literature in with acclaim and versatile writer of fiction and, in party democracy has been reflected in of the same year. ● Pepetela; Mayombe, Yaka, Jaime Bunda: nation-building, one of the first institu- 1997, he was only the second lusophone literature. Ana Paula Tavares, the coun- Of greater impact in Portugal, and Secret Agent tions he sponsored being the Angolan The author whose fiction seems to syn- African writer to be awarded the Camões try’s major female writer, not only subsequently translated into English, was Writers Union in 1975, which encouraged thesise the changes which the country Prize, the most prestigious literary acco- expresses in her poetry the plight of his epistolary novel Nação Crioula ● Ondjaki; The Whistler, Good literary activity by providing a meeting has undergone since the first days of lade in the Portuguese-speaking world. women in war, but also pays homage to (Creole), set in Angola and Brazil during Morning, Comrades! place for writers and a venue for literary independence is undoubtedly Pepetela, By this time, his work ranged from satires the oral cultures of the rural peoples of the 19th century, and the struggle for the ● Ana Paula Tavares; I brought events, as well as subsidising publication. the literary sobriquet of Artur Pestana. of the re-emerging urban bourgeoisie of Southern Angola, her native region. abolition of slavery. Its main character is flowers For many years, its secretary was Pepetela’s work reflects the trajectory his Luanda to a saga, Yaka, set in southern Manuel Rui, another major fiction Fradique Mendes, the cosmopolitan ● José Eduardo Agualusa; Luandino Vieira, cult writer of the 1960s, country has followed, from the utopian Angola, which covers the history of a writer and poet, also from Huambo, has dandy, correspondent and literary cre- Creole, The Book of Chameleons

14 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 15 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 16

Africa’s deepwater riches

With output steadily climbing in Angola, new licensing rounds expected from Nigeria to Gabon and the tiny archipelago of São Tomé and Principe poised to join its club of exporters, the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as one of the world’s petroleum hotspots. By Daniel Wood

Heading upstream: fishermen pass an oil rig off the coast of Nigeria.

GEORGE OSODI/AP/PA Photos SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 18

AFRICAN OIL

listening limousines and new exploration long relegated it to a mar- hopes to award the blocks early in 2008. structure for the underdeveloped refining break time for the joint development development operated by Chevron sports utility vehicles glide along ginal position. In February 2006, the China National sector. zone,” says Goldman. should reach its maximum of 200,000 GLibreville’s plush ocean-front As the United States tries to reduce Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) – one of Meanwhile, a question mark still In Angola the story is different, with bpd after starting up in 2006. It is one of boulevard. At the InterContinental Hotel, its reliance on oil from the volatile the Asian giant’s “big four” petroleum hangs over the joint development zone a very attractive success rate for explo- the US oil major’s “big five” projects in looking out across the Atlantic rollers, Middle East, West Africa’s geographical firms – signed a deal for offshore acreage between the African oil giant and the tiny ration and steadily increasing Angola, including a planned $8 billion dark-suited foreign businessmen discuss proximity to Atlantic seaboard refineries in Equato-Guinean waters, just a month island state of São Tomé. Some analysts production. The country is set to reach its liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant produc- investments, while in the futuristic makes it strategically significant. after it paid $2.3 billion for a stake in the believe the zone, created to defuse a OPEC quota of 1.9 million bpd, allocated ing 5-million-tonnes per year at Soyo in Finance Ministry tower officials are final- The Gulf of Guinea already provides oil mining license (OML) 130 deepwater long-running dispute between the two in December and effective from January, the north of the country. Shareholders ising a landmark $1 billion debt buyback. around 17 per cent of America’s oil field in Nigeria, its first significant sally neighbours and 60 per cent controlled by this year which may pose some include Sonangol, Total and BP. Until a few years ago, Gabon, the imports and the National Intelligence into Africa. The block’s giant Akpo Field is Nigeria, contains some 14 billion barrels headaches for officials. “It will be inter- With rising international demand for Gulf of Guinea’s most mature petroleum Council, a US-government think-tank, expected to come on stream late this of oil. After a licensing round in 2004, the esting to see how they allocate the curb LNG, countries across the region are province, was facing the prospect of has forecast this will rise to 25 per cent by year. only area to have so far generated com- among companies,” says Shaxson. “With looking for the means to harness the gas dwindling oil revenues. But record prices 2015, eclipsing even the Persian Gulf. “While most production is still oper- mercial interest is Block 1, which is production rising fast, Angola would be deposits. Equatorial Guinea aims to start have changed all that, encouraging the Fast-growing Asian economic giants ated by established majors, Indian and 51-per cent operated by Chevron. easily able to exceed that, and there are construction soon on additional trains at extraction of oil deposits previously con- China and India are jockeying for posi- Chinese companies have established Despite a buzz of interest generated new fields coming on stream.” its 3.4-million-tonne per year Punta sidered uneconomic. tion. themselves at the table,” says Anthony by large oil developments in nearby The largest of Angola’s upcoming Europa LNG plant, operated by Marathon Production stabilised at around Goldman, an independent West African Equatorial Guinea, initial tests proved fields is the Mondo development oper- Oil, having signed agreements with 250,000 barrels a day (bpd) in 2007, and oil consultant. “That process is going to disappointing, and two more wells were ated by ExxonMobil as part of its giant Nigeria and Cameroon for additional gas the government is planning a new licens- The Gulf of Guinea continue this year.” planned for late 2007 to check the viabil- Kizomba complex in offshore Block 15 supplies. ing round for 2008, hoping to take In Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil pro- ity of the finds. China’s Sinopec and near the Congolese border, with sweet “If I were going to point to one major advantage of booming investor interest already provides ducer, foreign companies are pursuing Canada’s Addax are also expected to sink crude of about 30 degrees API and pro- theme this year, it would be the develop- with more than 30 deepwater offshore multi-billion dollar investments despite test wells early in the new year on their duction of around 100,000 bpd. ment of gas, with strong interest from blocks and some onshore acreage around 17 per cent attacks by insurgents in the Niger Delta, acreage. Meanwhile, production from the Europe as it looks to diversify its supplies expected to be on offer. of America’s oil where kidnappings and bombings “This year is going to be make-or- Benguela Belize-Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) away from Russia,” says Goldman. “If prices remain at current levels, resumed after the new President Umaru this level of production could be main- imports and the Yar’Adua’s peace initiative unravelled last CYPRUS SYRIA tained for a dozen years,” says Serge year. OIL IN THE SPOTLIGHT TUNISIA LEBANON MOROCCO IRAQ IRAN ISRAEL Findji, managing director in Gabon for Output ended 2007 at around 2.1 JORDAN National Intelligence KUWAIT ALGERIA LIBYA French oil company Maurel & Prom million bpd – down from an average of NIGERIA WESTERN SAUDI BAHRAIN SAHARA ARABIA QATAR EGYPT UNITED ARAB which has just signed a new exploration Council has fore- 2.45 million bpd the previous year, as vio- Production: Fell to EMIRATES MAURITANIA OMA deal for the Kari Field. The company also lence shut in production. The country’s around 2.1 million bpd at MALI

cast this will rise to SENEGAL NIGER YEMEN expects its 12,000-bpd Onal Field to come output capacity is estimated at around 3 ERITREA end-2007 due to ongoing violence in the Niger GAMBIA CHAD SUDAN BURKINO GUINEA FASO on line in the fourth quarter. million bpd, two-thirds of which is Delta. Production capacity estimated at 3 million bpd. BISSAU GUINEA BENIN DJIBOUTI 25% by 2015, SIERRA NIGERIA GHANA SOMALIA LEONE IVORY The excitement in Gabon is mirrored onshore in the Delta. Proven oil Reserves: 36 billion barrels TOGO COAST LIBERIA CENTRAL AFRICAN ETHIOPIA in the rest of West Africa. This year will After a quiet year for new develop- (Department of Energy estimate, Jan 2007) REPUBLIC eclipsing even the CAMEROON EQUATORIAL GUINEA see a string of new fields come on stream, ments in 2007, Nigeria’s production Benchmark crude: Bonny Light UGANDA KENYA GABON from Angola to smaller producers such should grow in 2008 as Chevron launches Things to watch in 2008: RWANDA Persian Gulf. New deepwater licensing round CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC BURUNDI as Republic of Congo. Even countries its Agbami development, a $1.1 billion expected in first quarter; Chevron to launch $1.1 billion Agbami OF CONGO TANZANIA with no history of oil exploration – war- floating production, storage and offload- development early in the year, Nigeria’s largest deepwater ANGOLA ravaged Liberia and tiny Guinea-Bissau – “The size of the reserves here are ing (FPSO) vessel made by Korea’s project; Total sees start up of 180,000 bpd Akpo Field by MALAWI ZAMBIA hope to cash in on the boom with explo- smaller than in the Middle East, but it Daewoo. year-end, in which China’s CNOOC holds stake. ZIMBABWE MOZAMBIQUE ration tenders planned in 2008. remains easier for oil majors to gain Peak production from the field, some NAMIBIA MADAGASCAR “There is significant interest across access, even with growing competition 70 miles offshore, is forecast at 250,000 EQUATORIAL GUINEA BOTSWANA the region, particularly in Angola,” says from China and India,” says Shaxson. bpd by 2010, making it Nigeria’s largest Production: 390,000 bpd SWAZILAND LESOTHO Nicholas Shaxson, petroleum expert for Angola has placed itself at the fore- deepwater development. Proven oil Reserves: 1.1 billion barrels (DOE) SOUTH AFRICA West Africa at London-based institute front of this diversification, becoming the Total also expects the 180,000 bpd Benchmark crude: Zafiro (ExxonMobil) Chatham House. “The new ultra-deep largest supplier of oil to China’s booming Akpo Field to come on stream late in the Things to watch in 2008: Extension of Punta Europa LNG ANGOLA fields in Angola are at the forefront of economy last year – shipping a record year, helping Nigeria towards its target of plant expected to begin. Government expected to award seven Production: Approaching 1.9 million bpd. world technology.” 900,000 bpd in December. raising production capacity to more than new oil blocks early in year. Proven oil Reserves: 8 billion barrels (DOE) With its easily-refined, low-sulphur In Equatorial Guinea, India’s Oil and 4 million bpd by 2010. Benchmark crude: Cabinda crude oil, West Africa has long attracted Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) was A new licensing round is tentatively Reserve estimates Things to watch in 2008: Exxon Mobil’s Mondo interest from Western oil majors such as among the selected bidders in September expected for the first quarter of 2008, bar- Republic of Congo – 1.6 billion barrels (DOE) development, part of the giant Kizomba complex, due on Shell and ExxonMobil in Nigeria and for seven blocks off the island of Bioko. ring political surprises, with the Gabon – 2 billion barrels (DOE) stream. Chevron’s BBLT development to hit maximum output Total in Gabon, but regional political Talks over production-sharing agree- government oil agency again expected to Cameroon – 0.4 billion barrels (DOE) and construction of LNG plant continues. instability and the difficulty of deepwater ments continue and Malabo, the capital, favour investors willing to finance infra-

18 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 19 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 20

MUSIC

The Angolan beat that’s shaking the world

Kuduro is the music of Angolan youth and it’s now being performed from London to Istanbul. Alex Bellos investigates oão Reis J

he singer Tony Amado was recently performing a concert in the grounds of a hotel in the south of Angola. The crowd asked him to Tsing some kuduro – the electronic musical style he invented in the mid-1990s. But when he began, the crowd suddenly pushed forward. He lost his balance and fell off the back of the stage – splash! – into a swimming pool. “I was holding the mic and lead,” says Tony. “When I hit the water, I felt a huge electric shock. I couldn’t move. No one could get in the water since they also got a shock. I thought my life was over. I said to myself: ‘I’m going to die singing kuduro!’” A couple of weeks later, Tony is sitting in a hotel in Luanda. He did not die, although he is not quite back to full fitness. His body aches and his Above: Cool and the muscles are stiff. “In the end, a fan jumped in and pulled me out,” he says. gang Puto Mira and “The kid was very brave.” Heroy of Os Vagabanda on the streets of Marcal. For Tony, the anecdote shows how passionate young Angolans are about kuduro. The way he tells the story, revelling in his cartoonish antics, also Left: Bottoms up Tony Amado. Picture by reflects a deeper nature of the musical style – a fashion whose roots are born Carlos Moco out of slapstick and fun.

SPRING 2008 21 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 22

MUSIC

João Reis

Tomona: only 12 but one of the most influential kuduro dancers in Angola

Kuduro is the music of Angolan raw, almost punkish. There are some Like all dance a little of everything – traditional folk Van Damme), and he invented a parody about getting rid of the sense of revolt youth. It’s the electronic beat-beat-beat loops and samples used, although usually dances, carnival dances, a bit of Michael of the film star’s staggering, inebriated that we had inside us. At the time we that you hear played on the blue and kept to a minimum. Simple lyrics are music styles, Jackson, underground house, break dance to go with it. were not valued by the establishment. white candongueiro vans that are the only added on top, shouted in a playful way. dance and hip-hop,” he says. It was this The track was a huge success and a Then the scene developed.” public transport in the streets of Luanda. The musical ingredients – voice and com- kuduro is not just mixture of the international together with style was born. All that it needed was a Over the years, more and more It’s what children listen to at parties and puter – make it inevitably similar to rap the Angolan that was the start of some- name. In 1995, Tony wrote Amba Cu kuduro bands have started up and the learn to dance to. It’s what’s on the CDs music produced all over the world. Yet about the music – thing genuinely new. Duro. Amba means “dance” in scene has established itself as the music that are sold by the side of the road. kuduro has a very noticeable African For a while, Tony worked for the Kimbundu, and cu duro means “tough of choice for young Angolans, especially Now, after more than a decade of rhythm to it, as well as softer-sounding it’s also about the World Food Programme as a storekeeper. butt” in Portuguese. The phrase stuck, those who live in the outlying areas of popularity at home, kuduro is spreading Portuguese lyrics. Its closest musical rela- dance. Kuduro has Then he moved to Luanda, where his tal- although the spelling was later changed Luanda and the regions. Tony Amado, as around the world. You can hear kuduro- tion is baile funk, the electronic music of ent at dancing led to jobs as a to kuduro so that it did not cause offence. the elder statesman of the genre, has now influenced music in the nightclubs of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro. developed its own choreographer for some well-known Having become a star in Angola, moved on to other more commercial Europe. Originally limited to Lisbon, the Like all dance music styles, kuduro is singers. He also started to write and with Tony was invited to live in the US for a Angolan styles, but his reputation is still style is now played from London to not just about the music – it’s also about unique moves that, minimal equipment – a Yamaha electric year. He stayed in Boston, where he as the king of kuduro – as the incident in Istanbul. Much of this is thanks to French the dance. Kuduro has developed its own organ and a simple Boss electric drum learnt about recording techniques and the swimming pool showed. DJ Frederic Galliano, who has released a unique moves that, again, borrow from again, borrow from machine – recorded some of his own carried on making kuduro. On his return, compilation CD of kuduro tracks. It is also international styles yet are absolutely compositions. He was inspired by the the scene was expanding and he worked Os Vagabanda are one of kuduro’s most down to the Portuguese-Angolan outfit African. Watching an Angolan dance international styles international electronic music of the time with Sebem, the biggest name of a new recent successes. Their song Vo Le Dá (I’ll Buraka Som Sistema, whose kuduro kuduro – with its hip-shaking, arm-sway- yet are absolutely and wanted to find a way to play African generation of kuduristas, who was to take give it to you) was a big hit last year. Even crossover dance style gained many plau- ing, body-popping crazy intensity – is like rhythms with electronic beats. the popularity of the genre to new levels. though Angola has no official record dits last year; the London Observer watching the history of world dance dis- African. His first track was called Leite de Boi Kuduro was changing too. “In the industry and Os Vagabanda’s tracks are described them as one of a selection of tilled into 30 seconds of manic energy. (Cow’s Milk). Inspiration for the second beginning, kuduro was quite violent, only available on pirate CDs, there is bands who are “proving that ‘world music’ And it all began with Tony Amado. came while watching a film starring aggressive,” says Tony. “There was a enough money in the scene to allow now sounds fresher than ever”. Born 33 years ago in Malange, the son of Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. dance move in which you hit your head them to travel all over the country. When So, what is kuduro? Galliano calls it evangelical pastors, he learnt to sing and “In the film, he was in a bar and was against the floor. There was also one I meet them, they are about to fly to the “only original music and rhythm cre- play keyboard for performances at dancing drunk,” remembers Tony. “It was where you jumped in the air and landed Moxico to perform two shows to an esti- ated by an African DJ”. The style is church services. He was also a good a very funny dance.” The chorus to Tony’s on your back. My knees are both dam- mated 15,000 people. electronic, with fast, percussive, heavy dancer and, while still a teenager, new song became “dança que dança que aged since there was also a move where Os Vagabanda’s members are Luiz beats created by computer. The sound is became a dance instructor. “I would mix dança Van Damme” (dance, dance, dance you landed on your knees. It was all dos Santos, or Heroy, who is 23, and

22 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 23 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 24

MUSIC

Admiro Paulo Antonio, or Puto Mira, who We are in Marcal, a suburb of routine perfectly – instant proof, if any is only 16. The singers met at a gig in Kuduro dancing Luanda, and our presence attracts lots of were needed, that this is the dance of the Kwanza Norte, an inland province. Puto attention from passers-by. Tomona wig- streets. Mira was a dancer for another band while is not about gles and shakes his legs, throws his arms “Kuduro is what gets the kids going,” Heroy was singing on his own, and they being sexy or around, and aims little punches – its non- says Heroy. “It comes from adrenalin.” decided to work together. My first reac- stop bouncy energy, all the time with a The music has now established its own tion is that 16 seems awfully young to be “cool”, it’s about grinning smile and his tongue sticking rules. There is an intro, where the two in a band touring the country, but then I out from behind his teeth. singers “announce” the song with shout- realise that this is a very young scene. Os being playful, Kuduro dancing is not about being outs and calls to arms. Then there is the Vagabanda’s main dancer is only 12! sexy or “cool”, it’s about being playful, song itself, in which each of the singers “The young boys are the best dancers,” going mad, going mad, having fun, being exuberant recite their verses and both come says Vagabanda manager Chamdo. “Just and letting it all hang out. together for a chorus. The song ends with watch and see.” Tomona, the 12 year old having fun. Almost as soon as he stops, a small, an “outro”, where the singers again make who invented the dance routine for Vo Le chubby boy who must be about six years shouted comments, bringing it to a close Dá, gives me a demonstration. old comes up and performs the identical and, explains Chamdo, “leaving something in the air”. Heroy says his lyrics are about what is going on in his neighbourhood. He wants to talk about reality, but usually with a little bit of comedy thrown in. Sometimes his lyrics urge youngsters to INTERVIEW: give up crime. Once Heroy and Puto Mira have writ- Os Vagabanda: Puto FREDERIC GALLIANO ten some lyrics, they find a producer to Mira, aged 16, and French DJ and international kuduro ambassador Heroy, aged 23. record them and put on a backing track. They use a friend, Laurindo Sena, or What is special about kuduro? Kobe, aged 20, who lives a few blocks It is special because this is the first original electronic music from Africa. It is really away. Kobe’s studio is a corrugated iron authentic, based on the traditional rhythm of Angolan percussion with electronic hut in his parent’s yard where he has a energy. simple computer and a microphone. Kobe has downloaded basic sampling Why is it original? software from the internet, which he uses This is not hip-hop or reggae. The reference and musical model are uniquely African. to record the tracks – for which he The vocals are originals too. charges $25 each. The equipment that Kobe uses is Where have you played kuduro and how do people react to essentially the same as any aspiring pro- the music? ducer will have in any other country in I have played kuduro all around the world in my DJ set, and the reaction is always the world, although it is much cruder. In positive. this way, kuduro is as international as any other rap or dance music style. Kobe is What do you like most about kuduro? influenced by African rhythms, but also I like this idea of real electronic music from Africa. I have been waiting for this for a by US hip-hop and European techno. The long time. This energy is musical, creative, social and political. This is what I like. mix is unique. What is powerful about And it is evolving. It is not a fixed style. kuduro is that it is a style that is not Every year it is different. aping anything else – it is using what is available in the rest of the world and What is the future for kuduro? using it for its own purposes. It’s an origi- There are two possibilities: either to stay nal sound. ghetto music without open audience. Or Kuduro is “the voice of the people”, there is a chance to integrate with the says Chamdo. It is a voice that, for the music of Europe if there is a hit. For me, first time, puts an Angolan musical style the future of DJ-produced music will be in the international dance music scene – started in countries such as Brazil, while never forgetting that its roots are Angola, India and other emerging firmly in Africa. nations. Frédéric Galliano presents Kuduro Sound System is available from www.fcomshop.com

João Reis SPRING 2008 25 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 26

BANKING Tiger, tiger burning bright

Angola’s financial sector is firing up to spearhead the march of modernisation in the country with a growth in banking jobs, branches, transparency and the opening of a stock exchange. By Alex Bellos

he banking sector in Angola is booming. In 2006, the banks’ total Tavailable credit almost doubled, more than 2,000 jobs were created and more than 100 branches were opened. Growth is now estimated at 70 per cent a year. Yet beyond the figures, deeper changes are also underway: Luanda is about to have its own stock exchange; the government has declared its intent to get a sovereign risk rating; and Visa and MasterCard are arriving. In other words, the Angolan banking industry is becoming much more sophisticated. Until recently, the country’s banking system was underdeveloped and anti- quated. This was a result of the structure put in place by the Portuguese in colonial times, which then passed through years of Marxist-Leninism. It is only since the end of the war six years ago that real changes have been seen. Of the 17 banks now operating in Angola, ten of them have opened their doors since 2002 and they are dealing with larger and larger sums. “For the first time in Angola, we have some banks that are about to reach a size that will put them in the Top 1,000 World Banks, as listed by The Banker,” says Paul de Sousa, senior partner of KPMG

Glittering future: Angola. “That is very, very notable. It’s a Luanda at night key issue.”

José Silva Pinto SPRING 2008 27 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 28

BANKING Pretty in pink: Angola’s central bank

As the financial sector grows, it is Angola’s ernment borrowing against oil. Now you also gaining more respectability. The cen- see the government borrowing on com- tral bank has been aggressively trying to economy is mercial terms from local banks. That’s a modernise the way local banks are run, huge milestone. It’s the coming of age of realising that stability and solid growth growing at about the banking sector – the government is depend on the credibility of laws and going to local banks and raising money institutions. And already, the Angolan 20 per cent. If oil is against a sovereign guarantee.” economy has a lot more credibility. Angola, however, has not taken the Fundamentals are improving. Inflation is excluded, then the traditional path towards entering the down from three figures five years ago other parts of the global financial market. Usually, an and last year was 11.78 per cent, the low- emerging nation wanting to raise money est in 16 years. economy are approaches the International Monetary Foreign currency reserves, depleted Fund and, in return for the cash, agrees to during the war, are now $10.2 billion, growing at double structural reforms. Instead, Angola raised according to Bloomberg. The country money from China in exchange for oil. now has enough cash to honour its this rate. Yet for Angola to continue to grow national obligations. In December, it and attract outside investment it must, to agreed to pay its outstanding arrears to tral bank, said the stock exchange would a certain extent, play the game. An the Paris Club, a significant breakthrough provide a new source of capital and important signal that it is willing to do so in regaining international respect, since it improve transparency. On a micro level, is its declaration to get a sovereign risk will reopen lines of credit that will help in it will also allow Angolans to invest in rating. Without it, many institutions will the country’s reconstruction. shares in national companies, increasing not do business with Angola and the ones A major step forward in 2008 will be participation in the market. that do expect a greater return. the long-anticipated opening of the For De Sousa, a turning point in the But applying for a risk rating is ask- Luanda stock exchange. The equipment maturity of the country’s financial credi- ing for an independent party to make a is in place and the staff trained. At the bility came last year when the judgment on the internal workings of a time of going to press, all that was government borrowed $1billion from a country – in Angola’s case, submitting it awaited was the date. Rui Miguêns de syndicate of local banks. “In the past, to a scrutiny that it has never previously Oliveira, the deputy governor of the cen- there was this whole mystery of the gov- allowed. De Sousa says that he has been The next stage of banking develop- currently considering licence applica- speaking to politicians about this for the ment in Angola will be diversification. tions for five new banks. Bank assets Number of active ATM machines Percentage share of market last two and half years. “The economic At the moment, clients find it difficult to Yet there are challenges. Because of members of the government are very distinguish between the banks because the heritage of Marxism in the 1970s and 485* easy to persuade because they know the they all offer the same type of product. 1980s, many Angolans do not have the importance of these things,” he says. He Yet this diversification can only capitalist skills or understanding to know 800 BANCO DE BIC 11 BANCO ESPÍRITO believes that the fear of a bad rating is happen with the help of the legislative how to invest. POUPANÇA E SANTO ANGOLA 9 unfounded. “If you look in Africa, even authorities. The government has made very sig- Total assets CREDITO 20 700 325 Burkina Faso and Mozambique have a “The banks should be offering more nificant investment incentives. For a Deposits Others 7 rating that is not terribly, terribly bad.” sophisticated products, but the govern- $50,000 investment you will get eight Credit De Sousa goes further and thinks ment needs to create the accompanying years’ corporate profits tax exemption in 600 that Angola should issue a sovereign legal framework,” says De Sousa. He adds Luanda, or up to 15 years in the bond. Currently Ghana is the only Sub- that new legal instruments for leasing provinces, but it needs financially-literate 500 Saharan country, with the exception of have been introduced but final negotia- businessmen to take advantage of this. South Africa, to have issued a sovereign tions are ongoing as to the fiscal Angola’s economy is growing at

400 *estimate bond. implications, which is delaying banks about 20 per cent. If oil is excluded from

Billion Kwanzas With a risk rating and a stock offering these services. the equation, then the other parts of the 150 exchange, Angola will be much more From a consumer point of view, the economy are growing at double this rate. 300 BANCO DE attractive to investors because there will growth in the banking sector means a A large market for investment is “import COMÉRCIO E Active ATM machines of the Multicaixa network Active ATM INDÚSTRIA 4 be stronger and more transparent finan- better service for customers. ATMs are substitution” – creating ways to produce 85 200 BANCO AFRICANO DE cial instruments. In fact, in a country now an increasing sight in the country goods that are currently imported. Since INVESTIMENTOS 22 49 whose lack of transparency has often and local banks are launching their own very little is produced within Angola, BANCO TOTTA been criticised internationally, the bank- Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Since there are great opportunities to be had. If 100 31 BANCO DE DE ANGOLA 4 FOMENTO 23 ing sector is in many ways the leading only an estimated 5 to 6 per cent of more investments keep coming in, and force of modernisation. Business and Angolans have a bank account, the the central bank continues its path of

2004 2005 2006 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Sources: KPMG Angola banking survey 2007 finance can move much quicker than opportunity for market growth is, theo- greater transparency, the future for bank- Year politics. retically, still vast. The Central Bank is ing in Angola is very bright indeed.

28 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 29 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:11 Page 30

Beauty against all odds

Angolans have welcomed a beauty competition that they believe will give women victims of war back their self-esteem and a chance to improve their lives. By Alex Bellos

hen Norwegian theatre director Morten Traavik first demeaning to women, or as a freak show. Yet the pageant is travelled to Angola in 2003, he watched a group of part of a wider movement in the developing and underdevel- W children put on a beauty pageant in the street near oped world of using beauty competitions to empower the where he was staying. What he saw challenged his preconcep- disenfranchised. In South America, Europe and other parts of tions about beauty competitions. Africa, beauty contests in women’s prisons are now a common “It was so different from all the sleaze, commercialism and occurrence. the sexism that you associate with them in our Western culture,” Traavik says that those people who call Miss Landmine he says. “On the contrary, it was a feel-good experience – more degrading are, in fact, showing how remote they are from under- like a street party with the neighbourhood attending. The kids standing local culture. The contest, he adds, also raises organised everything themselves, with girls from seven to 17 awareness of the consequences of landmines. parading up and down, going through all the regular motions of Even though most international non-governmental organi- a beauty contest with great earnestness and dedication. It was sations (NGOs) have not been willing to support the project, the very inclusive – heart warming.” Angolans have embraced it. The Angolan government’s National The experience inspired Traavik, aged 36, to create a con- Demining and Humanitarian Assistance Commission has been troversial and thought-provoking beauty contest of his own. If positive since early in the planning stages and has provided pageants are a much-loved part of Angolan culture that can be financial and logistical support. Another sponsor is Aker used to empower women, then why not use the genre to give Kvaerner, the Norwegian oil-engineering company present in self-esteem to some of the local women who need it most? With Angola. a $60,000 grant from the Norwegian Arts Council, he created However, there are dissonant voices. Zeca Agostinho, Miss Landmine, a beauty contest for Angolan women injured by deputy programme manager of the Halo Trust in Luanda, says landmines. that he does not like the idea of Miss Landmine: “They are not The Miss Landmine gala will take place on April 4 in stressing the beauty of the women; they are stressing the artifi- Luanda and feature representatives from ten provinces: Bié, cial limbs, the deficiencies. To have a separate competition for Moxico, Cuando Cubango, Uige, Cunene, Benguela, Malanje, disabled women is discrimination because this means they are Kwanza Sul, Huila and Huambo. The contestants will be given not part of normal society. They should look into other ways of marks by a panel of judges – although it is up to them to decide empowering women.” what criteria to use. The winner’s prize is a prosthetic limb from In order to find the contestants, Traavik travelled to three Norway worth up to $18,000. One of Norway’s top orthopaedic provinces and says that it was not difficult to find women will- engineers will be attending the event to take measurements ing to take part. “I did not need to persuade anyone. What I did immediately afterwards. have to do was convince them was that it was actually true, that Miss Landmine has been criticised in some spheres as we were not joking.” Miss Cunene Severina Cuhiela, aged 26.

All images © Miss Landmine 2008 SPRING 2008 31 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 32

SPECIAL REPORT

attention and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting the final stages. In response to his critics, Traavik says that they do not understand that Miss Landmine is a subversive project that is “hollowing out the concept of beauty pageants from within. It is also a very potent comment on the sentiment that beauty pageants are superficial and solely focused on physical looks.” He adds: “I have been accused of exploiting these women. But I think that if you look at this as an exploitative project, you are maybe a little stuck in the past. The criticism might have been true in the colonial period, but one of the things I am trying to achieve is to overcome these stereotypes. Just because I am white and male and come from a wealthy country, does that automatically make me an exploiter of presumably poor, black African women? Assuming that the relationship is one of exploita- tion is, I find, incredibly condescending to the women themselves. You are assuming they don’t know what’s good for them.” When Traavik sees the pictures of the Miss Malanje Miss Landmine contestants he says he Filomena Domingos Da Costa, aged 33. sees true beauty. “I see beautiful women who are proud, dignified and comfort- Staff at Norwegian People’s Aid, About 80,000 people were injured by able with who they are. They radiate a Top left: Top right: working in the other provinces, assem- “I see beautiful landmines during the war. According to strong joy of being encouraged to be sexy Miss Cuanza Sul – Maria Restino Miss Huila – Paulina Vadi, aged 27. bled the remaining contestants – whittled women who are latest estimates, almost 2,000 communi- and funky and attractive and glamorous. Manuel, aged 25. In1997 Paulina set off a landmine on the down from about 50 who wanted to parties are affected in all 18 provinces. Yet that feel-good factor is all the while In April 1994, Maria detonated a land- way to getting some fruit from her family’s ticipate. “My instructions were that the proud, dignified and Cuando Cubango has the most people undermined by the tragedy of war. It is a mine while farming in Chole-Chole, a small farm near Quipungo, three hours from main criteria should be that the women affected, while there are more mine acci- picture of ambiguity, but where the forces village 40 minutes drive from Sumbe. The Lubango. After the accident, Paula was taken were comfortable with their disabilities comfortable with dents in Moxico. One of the aims of the of life prevail.” mine shattered her right leg. She waited to the local hospital. The injury was so severe and looks, and should be approximately Miss Landmine pageant is to turn the Traavik will chose judges for the gala for a day to be transported to the hospital. that they had to cut off her right leg. Paulina between 18 and 35,” says Traavik. who they are. emphasis from landmine “victim” to from a representative section of Angolan Today she earns about $50 a month as a has two sons. Her dream is to go back to Last year, all ten women were flown landmine “survivor”. society and NGOs. He says there will be shop assistant. She supports her mother school, but she cannot do so because her to Luanda for a photoshoot, for which They radiate a Traavik originally planned the event no rules for the judges – so they can and 4-year-old daughter, who live with her school documents were burned when Unita they were paid. Traavik flew from Oslo strong joy of being as an art project, rather than a philan- decide whether to judge for beauty, in a small mud house. Her father was attacked the town in 1997. with a fashion photographer and a stylist thropic one, although he says he now charisma, sympathy or whatever they killed in the war. – and a bag of dresses and bikinis he encouraged to be sees things differently. He believes Miss chose. It is also possible to vote via the Bottom right: bought from American Apparel. The Landmine is both. “It’s a way of applying Miss Landmine website. At the time of Bottom left: Miss Cuando Cubango – Generosa photographs, which will be used in a funky and attractive and staging art ideas that reach outside going to press, 7,000 people from 30 Miss Benguela – Ana Diogo, aged 32. Cassinda, aged 30. From Menongue, Miss Landmine magazine to be distrib- the confines of the art environment. I am countries had cast their votes based on Ana has always been a farmer. In 1984 Generosa was injured in 1989 when she uted at the time of the gala, were taken so and glamorous.” trying to find a definition for the genre – the photographs. she went to help collect firewood near was tending fields. She has two children, that the women looked as glamorous as Morten Traavik maybe it is activism.” As a measure of the success of the Benguela airport. “It was awful, my leg aged eight and ten, and is a street and possible. As the Miss Landmine gala current project, Traavik is already plan- was smashed and aching a lot.” Ana, who market vendor. She dreams of becoming an A consequence of Angola’s 27-year approaches, its momentum is growing. A ning a second event – in Cambodia. Miss has three children, says the only thing she economist. civil war is that it is considered one of the travelling exhibition of the photographs Landmine, whatever the criticisms, looks knows how to do is agriculture but she most mined countries in the world. in Europe has attracted international like she has a healthy future. can’t do it because of her missing leg. www.miss-landmine.org

32 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 33 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 34

FOOTBALL

Fever pitch

Angola hopes that by hosting the Cup of Nations in 2010 and presenting a showcase of new soccer stadiums and a modern tourism infrastructure will attract international attention in the run up to the World Cup. By Alex Bellos

n June 2010 the soccer World Cup will the end of the civil war. Putting on a good be held in Africa for the first time. The show – with modern stadiums, a devel- Ievent, in South Africa, is the most oped tourism infrastructure and happy important tournament of the world’s fans – will send a powerful message about most popular sport. Its TV audience will Angola’s progress. be bigger than that of any sporting event For Angola the stakes are high – not ever held. All eyes will be on Africa in a just because the logistical challenges are way they have never been before. greater in a country with many other pri- Five months earlier, in January 2010, orities, but because 2010 is a big year for Angola will also be putting itself on the soccer in Africa. Its proximity to the World soccer map. The country will be hosting Cup means that the CAN will attract more the continent’s main tournament – the interest than any other year. African Cup of Nations – for the first time. The competition, which brings together the 16 best national teams in Africa, will Luanda’s new stadium in numbers be the largest event in the country’s history. Completion date: October 2009 International sporting events are Cost $200 million more than just about sport. They are Area of land 300ha about national identity and pride and are Concrete 100,000 cubic metres a way of presenting a country’s culture to Prefab seating 35km the rest of the world. South Africa knows Workers 2,300 (800 chinese that in 2010 much more is at stake than a and 1,500 angolans) few good results on the pitch – hosting a Power needed 5,000W good World Cup is a brilliant way of showing that it is a capable, competent Capacity and modern nation. Total 50,000 Likewise, hosting the Cup of Nations Presidential VIP area 120 (known as the CAN, after its French VIP seating 2080 Centre stage: an artist’s impression of Luanda’s acronym) is more than about sport for Disabled seating 200 new stadium by David Reinbold Angola. It will be the most visible expres- Media seating 200 sion of the country’s reconstruction since Illustrations

SPRING 2008 35 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 36

FOOTBALL

THE HISTORY OF THE CUP

The African Nation’s Cup, or Coupe d’Afrique des Nations, was first held in 1957. Since 1968 it has been held every even year. Angola has only qualified four times – in 1996, 1998, 2006 and 2008. Hosts since 2000 are:

2002 Mali 2004 Tunisia 2006 Egypt 2008 Ghana 2010 Angola 2012 Gabon and Equatorial Guinea 2014 Libya

Cabinda John Peters/Manchester United/Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United poses with Manucho Lubango Wang Yuguo/Xinhua Press/Corbis

With less than two years to go, con- most distinctive species of Angolan flora Augusto Silva, secretary-general of use the CAN to piggyback on the World bring many benefits to Angolan football,” United, the first time an Angolan has struction plans are only just underway. and fauna – the Palanca Negra antelope the Angolan Football Federation, said Cup. He believes that football fans might says Augusto Silva. “First in terms of joined a big club in one of Europe’s big It has been decided that four new stadi- and the Welwitschia mirabilis plant. The that two other stadiums would be built come to Angola to get a taste of what infrastructure, but also because the leagues. Silva believes he will be the first ums will be built: in Luanda, Benguela, curved roof supports will be in the shape for participating teams to train in. South Africa will be like. “We are trying to young people will see their idols here. I of many. “The war was a factor in our Lubango and Cabinda. Final contracts of the palanca’s long horns. Organising a tournament like the create a relationship between CAN and think in a small space of time Angola will sporting development, but now there is were signed last December and work is The stadium will include restaurants, CAN, of course, needs more than a few the Word Cup, and by doing this make it a become a big power in African football.” peace we will grow,” he says. “I think that due to start in March. All are being built car parks and boutiques. Aguinaldo stadiums. The transport and hotel infra- bigger event,” he says. He also hopes that Even though in colonial times many within five years Angola will definitely by Chinese companies, and will involve Jaime, the assistant minister in the prime structure is not yet in place for an event some of the teams going to the World Angolan footballers played internation- have top-quality players who can play at a mixture of Chinese and Angolan minister’s office, said that the stadium on this scale. Dinho Chingunji, the Cup might use Angola as their prepara- ally for Portugal, progress during the top clubs in Europe.” labourers. would also have space dedicated to Minister of Tourism, is well aware of the tion base. All this depends on whether independence was slow after the national Together with the CAN, the Angolan Instead of refurbishing the national future real estate developments to attract problem and hopes to double the num- the infrastructure is ready for the CAN. team’s first match, a 1-0 victory against Football Federation is hoping to open stadium at Cidadela in Luanda, Angola’s investment and continue being viable ber of hotel rooms in Luanda to about “We’re trying to create conditions for vis- political ally Cuba in 1977. It was almost football schools in each of the country’s capital will gain a brand-new 50,000- after the CAN. 5,000 by 2010. “Because of our history we iting teams to come and have a few days two decades before Angola qualified for a 18 provinces. It will cater for a total of seater stadium in the satellite town of In Benguela and Lubango, the stadi- are struggling with infrastructure for adaptation here. These teams always major international competition, the 3,000 boys between the ages of ten and Viana. The location will be near the uni- ums will each hold 35,000 spectators and tourists,” he says. “We are encouraging attract international supporters.” CAN in 1996. They have qualified three 16. Silva believes that this will be a great versity campus and the stadium designed are being built by the SinoHydro private investors to make sure we accel- There is also a sporting dividend. more times since then and – in what is a step forward, and bring a promising to cater for athletics – with an eight-lane Corporation. In Benguela the stadium erate the building of infrastructure, The 2010 CAN comes at a time when much more difficult feat – reached the future. running track around the pitch. will be in the Taka neighbourhood, and in especially accommodation.” He adds that Angolan soccer is on the up. Putting on World Cup in 2006, although they were At present, Angola is not known for Zang Di, head of the Shanghai Urban Lubango it will be in Tchioke. The four five-star hotels are already under an event will increase interest and partic- knocked out in the first round. its soccer. From 2010, all that could Construction Group, explained that the Cabinda stadium will be slightly smaller, construction. ipation in a sport that has traditionally In December, striker Manucho change. stadium will contain motifs of the two holding 25,000. Mr Chingunji hopes that Angola can come second to basketball. “The CAN will Gonçalves was signed by Manchester Additional reporting: Teixeira Candido

36 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 37 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 38

Angola’s gentle giants

Having survived the war, the mysterious Giant Sable Antelope is a symbol of hope in Angola. But now conservationists and local shepherds are trying to it protect from a new threat of extinction. By Ramona Siddoway

murmur rippled through the group as someone called out: “They were here!” There was a surge of excitement as we A gathered around the hardening mud. Still moist from the previous night’s rainstorm, we were able to see the marks clearly –deep, indented, unmistakable – the footprints of the Palanca Negra. The Giant Sable Antelope, or Palanca Negra, is more than just an animal in Angola. It is the heart and soul of the country; a symbol of independence, strength and dignity. The Angolan people are passionate about an animal that for centuries was hidden and protected by local tribesmen. Images of the Palanca are everywhere – as the mascot of the national football team, in the logo of the national airline and in paintings and advertising. Yet almost no one has seen a Palanca Negra in the wild. No one knows exactly how many there are, but estimates range anywhere from 100 to 300 in the entire country. So to see a footprint of the national animal was exhilarating and moving. I knew I was privi- leged to witness what, until now, few had ever seen. Many feared that the animal had died out during Angola’s civil war, but to realize that the Palanca has survived is a powerful metaphor for the restoration of hope in Angola as a whole. I came here, to the Cangandala National Park in the province of Malanje, with environmentalist Pedro Vaz Pinto. A scientist at Luanda’s Catholic University, Pinto has made it a personal mission to protect the Palanca Negra and assure its survival in the wild. It is a difficult, time-consuming job and he has introduced a programme which involves the local tribes. As we made the bumpy nine-hour drive from Luanda, Pinto explained: “It’s only logical to use the local villagers. I needed the

naturepl/Pete Oxford SPRING 2008 39 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 40

CONSERVATION

they wanted to be involved in protecting excited as we saw three giant sable cows THE STORY OF KATABA

the giant sable.” Photolibrary emerge on the screen. They were visible In 1960, in an attempt to safeguard for only a few minutes, but the video con- Before his death, Kataba was a respected hunter from the Bola Cassaxe village that the giant sable, the Portuguese govern- firmed the prints in the mud. at one time was situated inside the ment restricted access to a 630sq km area There is another threat, however, to Cangandala Park. According to the local of Cangandala Park and appointed a local the giant sable. This new and most alarm- villagers, Kataba was a hero, responsible tribesman called Kataba to be the park’s ing development is the creation of a new for saving their village. official game warden. hybrid species. There are two species of In 1960, Portuguese officials travelled Kataba was a member of the Songo Palanca – the Palanca Negra and the from village to village in search of the tribe of about 15,000 people. A skilled Palanca Vermelha, or Roan Antelope. Palanca Negra in order to protect it. The hunter, he was revered by both the According to Vaz Pinto, a Roan bull is now Soba of Kataba’s village denied the ani- Portuguese and his own people for his breeding with the pure sable cows. This mal was in the area. Angered, the officials special gift of always knowing where to cross-fertilization has resulted in the birth chained and imprisoned the Soba’s entire find the animal. Kataba quickly gained of a new hybrid animal. Genetic rules sug- family, refusing to release them until the whereabouts of the Palanca was revealed. the nickname Pastor das Palancas or gest that these hybrids are most likely During this time, Kataba was out hunt- Shepherd of the Giant Sables. His legend sterile and this inbred self- destruct ing when another tribesman came to warn and tradition of caring for the Palanca A RARE SPECIES mechanism is now a real threat of extinc- him that his family was in danger. By the continue to this day. tion for the Palanca. time he returned to the village, his family “When I first began this conserva- The Palanca Negra is a large, rare sub- Last spring, Vaz Pinto was able to had been in chains for three days. tion project in 2003, I was captivated by species of the common sable antelope record evidence of two male calves. He According to tribal legend, Kataba the story of Kataba.” Vaz Pinto explains. endemic to a small region in Angola. has not been able to find them since. declared: “If you release my family, I will “I worked with the government to rein- The most striking feature about this ani- There are two possibilities – the hybrid lead you to the giant sable. If I fail to state the official status of these men and mal is its massive, curving horns which bull is chasing them away from the cows locate the animal, you can cut off my instituted the shepherd programme in can reach lengths of up to 165cm. The or, in the worst case, they have fallen prey head!” Following the hunter, the Kataba’s memory.” bulls are black and the females are a to poachers. Neither scenario bodes well Portuguese were led straight to a clearing chestnut colour. Both sexes have white where the extraordinary animals were In the Songo social hierarchy, vil- for the Palanca. “eyebrows”, white cheek stripes, and a indeed grazing. lages are led by the Soba, the village On my last night in the park, I sat white belly and rump patch. “Kataba arrived back in the village; a elder. Vaz Pinto allows the Soba to There are two species of Palanca: the with the others around the campfire until cheer rose up and there was clapping of choose who will be officially deemed as Palanca Negra or Sable Antelope and late into the evening, the euphoria of the great joy,” say the villagers, describing the a shepherd. the Palanca Vermelha or Roan Antelope. weekend making it impossible to sleep. event. The prisoners were released and “The Soba knows his villagers. When There are four races of Palanca Negra: The next morning I was reluctant to leave the hunter became a hero. By 1963, the I first came to the park, the Soba chose the Palanca Negra Gigante or Giant the park and the small sanctuary that I national park was created with Kataba as six men to go with me. When I needed herds arrived to welcome us. Dressed Sable (which is the most endangered had briefly shared with the Palanca. As I its first game warden. more, he gave me more. This village feels mostly in the drab olive green indicative “It’s only logical to and rare); the Palanca Negra Vulgar drove away, I wondered at the Palanca’s Vaz Pinto finds it interesting that the it’s their responsibility to protect the of game wardens, some were wearing (Common Sable); the Palanca Negra de future. The animal had barely survived the site of the first salina in which he placed Palanca. The other villages don’t. I con- clean T-shirts in honour of the visitors. Kirk (Kirk’s Sable), and the Palanca war. Was it going to survive the peace? the infrared cameras is the exact location use the local Negra de Roosevelt (Roosevelt’s Sable). where the Palancas were found by Kataba tinue to leave this responsibility [of Not shy, every shepherd made a point of In Cangandala there are only 20 to 30 on that fateful day. choosing the shepherds] to the chief.” shaking hands with each one of us. A few villagers. I needed animals left. Vaz Pinto believes that there Today there are 16 shepherds. Their of the shepherds had government-issued 14 identified salinas. These are areas may be more Palanca in the Luando Strict leader is João Kataba, the great-grandson AK47 rifles slung over their shoulders, a the help. They had encrusted with salt and minerals, located Nature Reserve, an area south of and big- of the first Kataba and Great Chief reminder of the unfortunate reality of at the base of abandoned termite ger than Cangandala. However, because Shepherd; a coincidence that does not go poachers and the need to protect the the skills, they mounds. Vaz Pinto and his team have only been unnoticed and is a great sense of pride Palanca. were close and, Roughly every three weeks, Vaz Pinto able to conduct limited research in the for João and his family. The next morning we followed Vaz makes the trek from Luanda to check the reserve, this is merely a guess. He believes At one time there was a deep-seated Pinto deeper into the park. We did not more importantly, equipment, change the batteries and that before he can even consider the belief among the Songo that the giant expect to actually see any Palancas – process the dated recordings. Due to the Palanca as a self-sustaining species, he sable held a spiritual link to their ances- observing this elusive creature is very they wanted to be sensitive nature of the infrared equip- would need to see the population stabilize tors. Whether or not the current difficult. We did, however, acquire more ment, even the wind or heat can trigger at around 1,500 animals. generation maintains this tradition is proof that they exist than just the foot- involved in the beam and the camera will record a Vaz Pinto and the shepherds are uncertain, but the instinct to protect the print. vacant salt-lick. This is normal. But on working hard to overcome the obstacles Palanca is still strong. As part of this project Vaz Pinto has protecting the this trip, we would not leave empty that will allow the giant sable to thrive “Kataba looks down on us and is set up a number of battery-powered cam- Giant Sable.” handed. We were in for a special treat. once again. Much like their ancestors, glad we are continuing to protect the eras triggered by infrared beams. He has Back at the campsite, we gathered these sentinel shepherds continue to Pedro Vaz Pinto Palanca,” João said. “It is our duty.” six 35mm still cameras, two video cam- round as Vaz Pinto began reviewing the guard and protect one of Angola’s greatest Family business – João Kataba, great After we had set up camp, nine shep- eras, and four digital stills spread out over most recent footage. We became very treasures. grandson of the Great Chief Shepherd Ramona Siddoway

40 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 41 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 42

Sonangol news briefing SONANGOL NEWS

OVERVIEW Gas search

Angola kept up total oil PMP Global Gas Natural, Repsol, Galp, Eni and Exem have signed an production in 2007, pro- agreement with Sonagás to create a consortium to prospect for natural gas offshore in Angola. The project involves evalu- ducing an estimated 1.7 ating the gas reserves, making the necessary development million bpd and is on investment and, if applicable, exporting the product as lique- course for hitting its OPEC fied natural gas. Sonagás will be the operator and have a 40 quota of 1.9 bpd in 2008. per cent stake. Angola joined the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries last year and was initially exempt from quo-

tas but this changed this istockphoto/Mark Evans year. Oil continues to domi- Russian venture nate the Angolan economy, contributing 90 per cent of Baptista Sumbe (right), Russian diamond monopoly Alrosa is part of a consor- president of Sonangol tium given a licence for crude oil exploration by Angola’s the country’s exports and USA, and Elma Almeida, Sonangol USA's Employee oil ministry. It is the first Russian company to be granted 50 per cent of GDP, which of the Year 2007 a licence. Alrosa, together with Sonangol and Dark Oil, represents 80 per cent of will explore onshore deposits in the Lower Congo, Upper national receipts. Birthday tribute Kwanza, Etosha, Okavango and Kassanje and will also And more money is work offshore. “Angola is one of the biggest oil suppliers flowing in every year. The great and the good of the United since the Sixties – through the good in Africa. For the moment we’re only geographically According to Sonangol States oil community celebrated times and the bad. It’s a very important exploring,” said an Alrosa spokesman. Alrosa is the sec- Sonangol USA’s 10th anniversary at a country for us.” ond largest diamond producer after De Beers, providing chairman and chief execu- gala dinner attended by industry lead- Houston is a key link in the a quarter of the world’s diamonds. It is already involved tive Manuel Vicente, ers from Angola, the UK, France, Sonangol chain that spans the globe to in mining in the province of Lunda Sul. investment in oil research, Singapore and other countries. provide a round-the-clock trading exploration and develop- Baptista Sumbe, president of service. It is also the headquarters of ment in Angola could reach Sonangol USA, told the 500 guests at Sonangol Shipping, which operates a $66 billion between 2008 Houston’s JW Marriott Hotel in fleet of Suezmax tankers totalling more November: “I am so proud of my win- than 794,000 deadweight tons. Heavy returns and 2011. ning team. When we opened for Sonangol’s US headquarters plays Much of this money will business ten years ago, we were faced an important role in administering the The Massambala-1 be used in the develop- with many challenges. Now we count welfare of Angolan students attending onshore oil field in ment of deep and leading refineries among our clients, courses at American universities and Cabinda has a total ultra-deep water conces- and this year we traded 73.4 million in supporting the officer cadets of the reserve of 170 million sions awarded in 2005 and barrels of oil, achieving revenue of Sonangol Maritime Training Scheme. barrels of oil – five times $4.82 billion.” In addition, it provides international the initial forecast of 33 Alex Bellos 2006. George Kirkland, executive vice- experience for the mother company’s million barrels, it has The value of investment president of Chevron, upstream and graduate trainees on secondment from been announced. The New HQ gala has been steadily increas- gas, added: “We’ve been in Angola Luanda. field is operated by Roc ing since deepwater drilling Oil, which holds 60 per Sonangol’s new head office is to be officially opened at a gala began almost two decades “We’ve been in Angola since the Sixties cent of the block. The oil ceremony in February. The 22-storey building is located on ago. In the 1990s, the total discovered is heavy, vis- Luanda’s bay, metres away from the old office. The $100-mil- – through the good times and the bad. cous crude rather than lion building is the most modern in Angola and includes a value of investment in oil the light petroleum usu- helipad, gym, restaurant and three levels of parking. The new was $15.5 billion. So far, It’s a very important country for us.” ally found in Angola and building will enable Sonangol staff currently spread out in

$48.3 billion has already photolibrary Western Africa. different offices to be based in the same place. Baptista Sumbe, president of Sonangol USA been invested this decade.

42 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 43 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 44

SONANGOL NEWS

dent cadets on the $40,000 two-year Total wins award Pazflor will produce 200,000 bpd when PMP Global course, which involves spells at it comes on line. Glasgow and the Academy of Maritime It’s all go for Total in Block 17. The French Technip’s share of the contract tankers being built for the Education in Chennai, India – as well major has won an international engineer- covers the engineering, procurement, Angola LNG project. as six months at sea in one of the ing award for its work on the Rosa Field fabrication and installation of over Sonangol tankers. “We are expecting and has finally awarded the key contracts 80km of production and water injec- 7 our first Angolan graduate to receive for development of the multibillion dollar tion rigid flowlines, conventional his Masters Certificate within four Pazflor Field. flexible risers and integration years,” says Richard Speight, deputy The prize from the International production bundle risers. Technip will and assistant principal at Glasgow Petroleum Technology Conference in also carry out the engineering, procure- College of Nautical Studies. Dubai was awarded for the $2.5million ment and fabrication of over 60km of Carvalho Afonso was one of 35 integration of the Rosa Field to the FPSO umbilicals. specially selected Angolan students at Girassol. Rosa is 15km away from Acergy’s contract covers the engi- the college, 19 of whom are training as Girassol and is the first deepwater field of neering, procurement, fabrication and deck officers and 16 as engineers, as its size to be tied back to such a remote installation of 55km of water injection part of Sonangol’s project to create the installation and in such water depths. lines, gas injection and gas export lines, number of barrels per daym set by OPEC nucleus of an Angolan Mercantile The subsea installation consists of 64km umbilicals and over 20 rigid jumpers. It 1as quota.9 for Angola in 2008. Marine. of insulated production flowlines and also includes the installation of all 40km of water injection lines linking the manifolds, three subsea separation field to Girassol. units with associated umbilicals and Meanwhile, Italian company Saipem the FPSO mooring lines, together with is due to start drilling operations in the overall pre-commissioning. All companies on the “We are expect- Pazflor in 2010 and hopes to get the first Acergy fabrication will be undertaken pre-qualified list for Top award oil out a year later. The deal – worth at the Sonamet yard in Lobito which is the second licensing ing our first almost $1 billion – will use the drillship jointly owned by Sonangol and Acergy. round. Sonangol’s Maritime Training Scheme Angolan gradu- Saipem 12000 which is currently under In another move, Total is in talks to received international recognition construction in South Korea. assume control of two discoveries – 81 when Engineer Cadet Emanuel de ate to receive his Total has also signed a $1.86 billion Calulu and Muzongue – in Block 33. Carvalho Afonso from Luanda received contract with Technip, the leader in a ExxonMobil previously operated Block the Scottish Vocational Qualification in Masters consortium with Norwegian firm Acergy, 33 but withdrew, leaving the other part- Merchant Vessel Engineering at the to supply the projects umbilical riser and ners Sonangol, Galp, Falcon Oil and Nir British Marine Society annual court in Certificate within flowline system. It is expected that to share out its stake. 240,000 London on October 10. Corbis number of barrels a day produced at Cadet Carvalho Afonso received four years” BP’s Grade Plutónio patform, which started producing last year. his award and a cheque for $789 from Richard Speight, deputy and assistant principal the Royal Navy’s Assistant Chief of at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies Naval Staff, Rear Admiral A.M. Massey, First of three CBE, at HMS President, in the shadow of Tower Bridge. ExxonMobil announced it has begun istockphoto/Jose Gil

The young engineer, who is now PMP Global production from its massive Kizomba serving aboard the Sonangol Shipping C development in Block 15 –195km crude carrier M/T Kassange, has just from the Angolan coast in waters completed his course at the Glasgow 800m deep. The project started with % 90oil as percentage of total Angolan College of Nautical Studies where he one field, Mondo, producing about exports produced his winning presentation on 80,000 bpd and this is expected to Tasks and Reports of Work Aboard increase to a peak of 200,000 bpd by Ships. Derek Robbie, head of Nautical the third quarter of the year when two Studies at Glasgow University, more fields – Saxi and Batuque – come described the presentation as “confi- on stream. three fields – which have estimated ExxonMobil is the operator of dent and articulate with excellent Kizomba C has two FPSOs and 36 reserves of 600 million barrels – will be Block 15, with 40 per cent. The other explanations and descriptions of the wells, making it the company’s largest 4981m about $2 billion. About three-quarters of partners are BP (26.67 per cent), ENI the total depth of the most recent oil procedures involved”. underwater project in the world. The that is being spent locally, including (20 per cent) and StatoilHydro (13.33 well discovered by Total in Block 32 There are generally around 60 stu- US major’s total investment in the logistics and construction by Angolans. per cent). with its Alho-1 probe.

44 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 45 SU_17_for web:Layout121/2/0812:12Page46 46 © Alex Bellos SONANGOL UNIVERSO Once up and running, itwillemployOnce upandrunning, 500peopledirectly. About 60percentofthe workers are Angolan,2,000from Soyo. biggest, butit’s agoodstart. LNG ayear. It willbeoneofthebestinworld.It won’t bethe $8 billion. The production train willproduce 5.2milliontonnesof At present, allofthegaswillgotoUS. the gasfrom thetankers. in2008. Construction isalsoduetostart finally, inPascagoula, aterminal Mississippi, willbebuilttotake Shipping. These tankerswillbechartered from third parties. And tium includingMitsui/NYK/Teekay andthree by Sonangol the plant. We are havingseventankersbuilt–fourby aconsor- the blocks. Second, we needtobuildtankerstakethegasfrom will takelesstimetomakethantheplant,andbepaidforby blocks–Cabinda,contributing 14,15,17and18. These pipelines take thegasfrom theblockstoplant. We offwithfive willstart butotherthingsneedtobebuilttoo.suming part, in early2012. oftheplantismosttime-con- The construction activityisduetobeginin2008. struction contractwe signedtheconstruction withthem.De factocon- curement contract withUScompanyBechtel,and inDecember tion oftheplant. We hopetheproject hasapositiveeffect;thatit Already itseems thatallAngolanbanksare inSoyo, inanticipa- A Q A Q A Q A Q A Q A Q A Q Chevron, TotalBP.and sponsors Sonangol GásNatural (alsoknown asSonagás), Petroleum Minister, Sonangol, AngolaLNGandthefourproject –the officially sanctionedinDecember withsevensignatories from theGovernment, Sonangol andpartners. The project was The LiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)plantinSoyowillcost$8billion–makingitthecountry’s most expensive constructionproject,says For phasethere theconstruction willbeabout7,000jobs. It’s themostexpensiveproject inAngola.It willcostmore than Firstly, we needtoputdown thenetwork ofpipelinesthatwill The project willtakefouryears. producing The planistostart In January andpro- 2007AngolaLNGsignedanengineering At themoment,Soyo isatown withupto100,000people. At theendoflastyear, finalapprovals we gotallthenecessary How manypeoplewilltheproject employ? How bigwilltheSoyoplantbe? Such as? When willconstructionstart? At whatstageistheLNGproject? How willtheplantchangeSoyo? How longwillittaketobuild? Stepping onthegas Antonio Orfão, build a new airport too.build anewairport companies are alsosettingupthere. Ibelievethere isaplanto already thathousesare beingbuilt, andhotels. Construction working inSoyo tolivethere withtheirfamilies. You cansee grated ofthetown. intothefabric We wantthepeoplewhoare newjobsindirectlywill bring andthattheplantstaffwillbeinte- A Q A Q A Q projects. This issomethingwe neverdidbefore. actively promoting theexploration ofmore gastodevelopother ing becausethisisanewfuture forgasinAngola.Sonangol is plantthatwillproduce ammonia.It excit-a secondary isallvery We are outpreliminary research carrying of intotheconstruction And somewe hopewillbeusedinthepetrochemical industries. ofapetrochemical complexintheSoyostart area. promote theuseofnatural gasforpower generation aswell asthe plant butalsoforotherprojects. Finally, thisproject willalsohelp network ofgaspipelinesthatwillbeusednotonlyfortheLNG way, linkingseveral blockstogetherandpromoting theideaofa marketing gasintheU.S. gas value chainfrom production, processing, transportation to through different intheentire willfullyparticipate subsidiaries as anewbusinessandsource ofrevenue. In fact,Sonangol, the project thathasmadeSonangol thinkmore aboutnatural gas that itwasawasteoftime. Now theattitudehaschanged. This is there wasalotofscepticism–thatitwouldn’t result inanything, local contentandintegration withthecommunity. involved inareas suchaspromoting Angolanization,theuseof accompanying whatishappeningandwe expecttobestrongly man. From now, Sonagas’s role willbemuchmore oneof and BP. AngolaLNGhasaboard, andSonagas provides thechair- LNG, whichhasnow –Sonagas, fivepartners Chevron, Eni, Total by Sonagas. byThe project isbeingrun anewcompany, Angola involvedinsettinguptheproject, butitisnotoperated been very ident whenthestaffwasappointedfollowing year. Ihave 26 years. In late2004,Sonagas wasfoundedandImade pres- (22.8 percent), Total, Eni andBP(all13.6percent) Angola LNGismadeupofChevron (36.4percent), Sonagás No. Some willbeusedtogenerate inZaire electricity province. It important. isvery tenyearsWhen theproject ago, started I amachemicalengineerandhaveworked forSonangol for Will alltheSoyogasgotoLNGplant? istheprojectHow important strategically? What hasbeenyourrole intheLNGproject? Also, theproject helpedSonangol thinkinamore regional president ofSonangolGásNatural. INTERVIEW SPRING 2008 47 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 48

Licensed to drill

More than 80 firms want to bid for ten blocks in Sonangol’s second licensing round. By Alex Bellos

“The number and ompanies from all four corners of include Ascom (Moldova), Mol the world are in the running for (Hungary), Pluspetrol Resources variety of bids is a Cacreage in Angola’s second licens- (Argentina), Glencore (Switzerland), ing round. India, Russia, China, Brazil, Aabar (Abu Dhabi), Stuart (Australia), vote of confidence Australia, Pakistan, Argentina and Nigeria Africa Oil Corporation (Canada) and the are all represented in the list of 81 com- Oil and Gas Development (Pakistan). in Angola and in panies that Sonangol has pre-qualified to They will be competing against more bid, as well as the supermajors and other established names such as Galp, Gaz de Sonangol. The next American and European firms. France, Maersk, Marathon, StatoilHydro few years will be The current round is for ten blocks: and Tullow Oil. Cabinda Centro, KON 11 and KON 12 In addition to the 39 companies very exciting for all onshore, and 9, 19, 20, 21, 46, 47 and 48 qualified to bid for operator contracts, 42 offshore. It is only the second time have qualified to bid for non-operator of us working in the Sonangol has had a licensing round – the contracts. These include Inpex and Sojitz first, announced in 2005, included seven from Japan, Repsol YPF from Spain, Roc hydrocarbons blocks: 1, 5, 6, 15, 17, 18, and 26. Oil from Australia, and SSI, the Sonangol- Of the five supermajors in the list, BP, Sinopec joint venture. sector in this Chevron, ExxonMobil and Total are Again, the field spreads wide. country.” already present in Angola. Shell used to Runners and riders include Naftagaz be here but sold its stake in Block 18 and (Russia), Namcor (Namibia), Amber pulled out of Block 16 – its place on the (British Virgin Islands), Atlantic (Nigeria), list shows its desire to re-enter the field. Wexford (UK) and Wega (Norway). The supermajors are likely to be “We are very pleased with the vol- most interested in operating the ultra- ume of interest from around the world in deep water blocks 46, 47 and 48. The our licensing round,” said a Sonangol blocks, 200km due east of Soyo, have spokesman. “The number and variety of depths of around 2,500m. These all have bids is a vote of confidence in Angola and production periods of 25 years and in Sonangol. The next few years will be require the drilling of four wells each in very exciting for all of us working in the the initial phase of exploration. hydrocarbons sector in this country.” The list of bidders is noticeable for its All the bidders are required to buy a data breadth. Three Russian players – package before submitting offers. Prices Gazprom, Lukoil and Sintezneftegaz – are vary from $115,000 for KON 12 to included as well as ONGC Videsh from $275,000 for blocks 9, 19, and 20. The India, Sinopec from China and Petrobras packages are available until March 7. Bids from Brazil. Less well-known companies will be opened publicly on March 14.

48 SONANGOL UNIVERSO Arnulf Husmo/Getty Images SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 50

OIL

Offshore blocks: Onshore blocks:

BLOCK 9 BLOCK 20 BLOCK 46 CABINDA CENTRO Area: 4000 sq km Location: 125km west of Luanda Location: 200km west of Soyo Area: 1425 sq km Depth: 50-1000m Depth: 300-1,500m Depth: 2,500m Wells drilled: 33 CC Wells drilled: 7 Wells drilled: 2 Wells drilled: none Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 50 per cent, Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 80 per Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 80 per Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 70 per Work program 30 per cent, Contrubution for social • Cabinda cent, Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent, Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent, Work program 10 per cent, projects 20 per cent cent cent Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent Contract period: 4 years initial exploration, 3 years 46 • Soyo Contract period: 4 years initial exploration, Contract period: 5 years initial exploration, Contract period: 5 years initial exploration, subsequent exploration, production period 20 years. 3 years subsequent exploration, production 3 years subsequent exploration, production 3 years subsequent exploration, production Sonangol has 50 per cent participation on contrac- 47 period 25 years. period 25 years. period 25 years. tor group. Mimimum work program: Initial phase: to Minimum work program: Initial phase: to Minimum work program: Initial phase: to 48 drill 3 wells, one being in pre-salt play, 100 drill 4 wells, one being in pre-salt play. drill 4 wells, one being in pre-salt play. KON 11 sq km of long offset seismic shot. 1,500 sq km of long offset seismic shot 1,000 sq km of long offset seismic shot Area: 1020 sq km Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in Wells drilled: 47 pre-salt play. pre-salt play. pre-salt play. Exploration of the block started in the late 1950s Sonangol has 65 per cent participation of ExxonMobil has preferential rights and can that led two two major discoveries. the contractor group and will be the opera- take 30 per cent operating stakes if it takes BLOCK 47 Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 20 per cent, tor. terms of the best proposal. Location: 200km west of Soyo Work program 60 per cent, Contrubution for social 19 • Luanda Sonangol has 65 per cent participation on Depth: 2,500m projects 20 per cent BLOCK 19 the contractor group. Wells drilled: none Contract period: 4 years initial exploration, 2 years Location: 100km northwest of Luanda Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 70 per subsequent exploration, production period 20 years. Depth: 200-1,500m 20 cent, Work program 10 per cent, Angolan companies will make up 70 per cent of the 11 12 Wells drilled: 1 Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent contractor group. Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 70 per Contract period: 5 years initial exploration, 21 cent, Work program 10 per cent, 3 years subsequent exploration, production KON 12 Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent period 25 years. Area: 1024 sq km Wells drilled: 6 Contract period: 5 years initial exploration, Minimum work program: Initial phase: to 3 years subsequent exploration, production drill 4 wells, one being in pre-salt play. Exploration started in late 1950s leading to one 9 period 25 years. 1,200 sq km of long offset seismic shot marginal discovery. • Sumbe Minimum work program: Initial phase: to Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 20 per cent, drill 4 wells, one being in pre-salt play. pre-salt play. Work program 60 per cent, Contrubution for social istockphoto/Mayumi Terao 1,500 sq km of long offset seismic shot projects 20 per cent BLOCK 21 Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in BLOCK 48 Contract period: 4 years initial exploration, 2 years Location: 200km southwest of Luanda pre-salt play. Location: 200km west of Soyo subsequent exploration, production period 20 years. • Lobito Depth: 300-1,600m Depth: 2,500m ExxonMobil has preferential rights and can Angolan companies will make up 70 per cent of the Wells drilled: 2 Wells drilled: none take 30 per cent operating stakes if it takes contractor group. terms of the best proposal. Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 80 per Weighting of bid: Signature bonus 70 per cent, Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent, Work program 10 per cent, cent Contrubution for social projects 20 per cent Prequalified for Operator Pre qualified for Non-operator Contract period: 5 years initial exploration, Contract period: 5 years initial exploration, 3 years subsequent exploration, production 3 years subsequent exploration, production Aabar Gaz de France Perenco ACR Iberdrola Petro Norte Trafigura Addax Gazprom Netherlands Petro SA Amber Inpex Petrogas Underwater period 25 years. period 25 years. Afren Glencore Petrobras Atlantic Kalunga Poliedro Upite Minimum work program: Initial phase: to Minimum work program: Initial phase: to Africa Oil Interoil Pluspetrol Resources Banigor Lime Rock Prodiaman Wega Ascom Lukoil Shell Chamavo Lussadissu Rak Wexford drill 4 wells, one being in pre-salt play. drill 4 wells, one being in pre-salt play. BP Maersk Sinopec Dikanga Mirabilis Repsoil Zimbo 1,500 sq km of long offset seismic shot 2,000 sq km of long offset seismic shot Burren Marathon Internaitonal Sintezneftegaz Esperaza Monumental Roc Oil Chevron Medex Somoil Exem Murphy Servicab Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in Subsequent phase: 2 wells, one being in Cobalt International MOL Hungarian Starfish Falcon Oil Naftagaz SHA pre-salt play. pre-salt play. ENI NPC Statoilhydro Global National Petroleum Sojitz Essar ONGC Videsh Stuart Geociencias Company of Spice Group Sonangol has 65 per cent participation on Esso Oil & Gas Development Total Grupo Gema Namibia SSI the contractor group. Galp Perbras Tullow HBA Nedoil Tap istockphoto/Chad Anderson

50 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SPRING 2008 51 SU_17_for web:Layout 1 21/2/08 12:12 Page 52