SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:34 Page 1 Universo SUMMER 2008 Paddle power

A special report on at the Olympics

Countdown Preparing for Election 2008 Shell shock Saving the turtles

OIL AND GAS NEWS pages 38-51 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:34 Page 2

THE BIG PICTURE CONTENTS

GIRABOLA Sonangol Department for Communication & Image Inside Director Cabinda Letter from the editor 4 Future in their hands 22 The is the name João Rosa Santos given to the domestic football All set for Election 08 Mbanza league. It was started in 1979 Corporate Communications Assistants Congo Readers’ letters 5 with 24 teams and since 1995 Cristina de Novaes, Roberto Graça, Zaire has had 14 teams. The 2008 Raimundo Vilares Interview: Aguinaldo Jaime 26 season started in March and Angola news briefing 6 Speaking to the Deputy PM Uíge ends in October. Sonangol sponsors Petro Atlético and Publisher Sheila O’Callaghan Petro de . OLYMPICS SPECIAL Uíge Bengo Editor Hungry for victory 8 Alex Bellos Canoeing to China Caxito Art Director Luanda Kwanza 12 Norte Lunda Norte David Gould Super Marathon Man Six of the best Ndalatando Sub Editor Malanje Ron Gribble Advertising Design Lunda Sul Bernd Wojtczack Kwanza Sul Circulation Manager Matthew Alexander Group President Bié Luena John Charles Gasser Huambo Kuito Project Consultant

Nathalie MacCarthy José Silva Pinto Huambo Benguela This magazine is produced for Sonangol by All hands to the pump 30 Moxico Impact Media Custom Publishing. The views Oil in expressed in the publication are not neces- Carlos Villalon sarily those of Sonangol or the publishers. Reproduction in whole or in part without Games 16 Turning the tide 34 Huíla prior permission is prohibited. Angolan sport’s first couple Saving baby turtles For editorial enquiries, please contact Namibe [email protected] This magazine is distributed to a closed Sonangol News Namibe List of champions: Kuando Kubango circulation. To receive a copy please contact o 1979 1 de Agosto o [email protected] Cunene 1980 1 de Agosto o 1981 1 de Agosto Impact Media Custom Publishing 1982 Petro Atlético o 53 Chandos Place, London WC2N 4HS Ondjiva 1983 1 de Maio 1984 Petro Atlético Tel + 44 20 7812 6400 o 1985 1 de Maio Fax +44 20 7812 6413 1986 Petro Atlético [email protected] 1987 Petro Atlético 1988 Petro Atlético Cover: Fortunato Pacavira, 1989 Petro Atlético photo by André Vieira. 1990 Petro Atlético o 1991 1 de Agosto TEAMS o Petro Atlético Benfica Primeiro de Maio Petro de Huambo 1992 1 de Agosto City: Luanda Luanda Benguela Huambo 1993 Petro Atlético Briefing 38 Stadium: Cidadela Coqueiros Estadio Municipal Ferrovia 1994 Petro Atlético 1995 Petro Atlético Nickname: Tricolores – the triple Proletários – the proletarians Planálticos – the men from the plateau o colours Santos 1996 1 de Agosto 1997 Petro Atlético Message from the CEO 40 Luanda Benfica de Lubango Recreativo do Libolo o Cidadela Lubango Calulo 1998 1 de Agosto o Primeiro de Agosto o Rua 1 Congresso do MPLA, Manuel Vicente speaks Luanda Ferrovia Patrice Lumumba 1999 1 de Agosto No 8-16 Caixa Postal 1316, Luanda Coqueiros Interclube 2000 Petro Atlético Republica de Angola Militares – the military men Luanda Desportivo Sagrada Esperança 2001 Petro Atlético Arbitration for the nation 44 22 de Junho Lubango Dundo 2002 ASA Sonangol USA (SONUSA) 1177 Enclave Parkway, Second Floor, Houston TX 77077 ASA Polícias – the policemen Ferrovia Quintalão do Dundo 2003 ASA A new course in oil law André Vieira Luanda Militares da Frente Sul – The 2004 ASA Sonangol UK Mereval House Brompton Place Coqueiros Kabuscorp do Palanca military men of the southern front Bravos do Maquis 2005 Sagrada Esperança o London SW3 1QE United Kingdom Blind faith 18 Aviadores – the aviators Luanda Luena 2006 1 de Agosto 48 Sonangol Asia 3 Temasek Avenue 31-04 Terminal velocity São Paulo Mundunduleno 2007 Interclube Same again please, Mr Sayovo Centennial Tower Singapore 039190 Ambitious plans for Lobito www.sonangol.co.ao

SUMMER 2008 3 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:34 Page 4

OVERVIEW READER’S LETTERS

Crown jewel: Miss Into the wild Landmine 2008 taken for their custom-made prosthetic Dear Sir Augusta Hurica limbs to be manufactured in Norway and I read the story on the palanca negra to be ready for use in late May. gigante (giant sable) in Universo [spring, We salute all the brave and beautiful 2008], and would like the opportunity to participants and organisers of Miss thank you for your support and update Landmine Angola. We hope that their readers on the latest developments of contributions to this groundbreaking our project. project will also pay off in the long term During the upcoming dry season we in the form of the improved social secu- will undertake an ambitious game-cap- rity that a resourceful society like Angola ture operation, mainly to separate the must strive to offer its citizens, and of hybrids from the pure breeds, which will which Miss Landmine is but a small first Alex Bellos also allow us to blood test all the animals. step. The giant sables will be marked and Watch out for Miss Landmine equipped with VHF and GPS collars Cambodia 2009. Letter from the editor before being released back into the wild, Morten Traavik so that we can track their location in real Creator and director, time and so learn more about their Miss Landmine behaviour and group interactions. www.miss-landmine.org Bringing the nation together Later in the year, we intend to make a preliminary assessment of condi- tions and animal populations in the nature reserve, and implement a frican elections have been under much since 2002 – why turn the clock most impressive Olympians of all time of similar model as the one in . the spotlight this year – first back? any nationality. And Fortunato Pacavira’s We will start by hiring the first sable A Kenya, then . In both And, so far, government and society story is no less impressive. This former shepherds there. Brave and beautiful countries the people voted, the results are rising to the challenge. In this issue fisherman and part-time bus driver from We will place remote cameras in the Dear Sir were disputed and violence ensued. The we report on how more than eight million Luanda will be competing in a sport he Luando reserve, and hopefully before the On behalf of the winners, the participants world has looked on with shock, anger Angolans have been registered and issued had not even tried four years ago. end of the year we will have more images and organisers of the world’s first Miss and sadness. with the most modern voting cards in Both Ntyamba and Pacavira are of the giant sable from new herds, this Landmine pageant, I wish to thank you In September, attention will focus on Africa. Almost 60,000 people are being examples of people from underprivileged time including mature bulls. for your well-written and extensive Angola when it holds its first elections trained to work as election staff, in about backgrounds who have not been afraid to I will keep you posted on our activi- preview article on our project in Universo since 1992. The poll will, in fact, be only 12,000 polling stations. Yet, as Caetano de dream. They are just like José Sayovo, the ties. [spring, 2008]. the second time Angolans have ever Sousa, president of the National Electoral blind runner who took home three golds Pedro Vaz Pinto, The pageant finals were staged in voted since independence in 1975. The Commission, says, the success of the at the in Athens 2004, Coordinator of the giant sable conserva- Luanda’s Cine Tropical on April 2 in elections will be the best chance since the election is not just down to the people – it and who is Angola’s best chance of a tion project, Luanda collaboration with Angola’s National end of the civil war in 2002 to show how will be up to the politicians to accept the medal this year. Commission for Demining and the social much the country has moved on. For results. Sonangol, which sponsors the Back from the brink: foundation Fundo Lwini, and were the giant sable decades Angola was synonymous with A month before the vote, another Angolan Olympic team, is a champion of attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 300 conflict – now Angolans must learn how event will be uniting Angolans – the national sports. It also sponsors the foot- specially-invited guests from Angola and to win the peace. Olympic Games. This year, Angola has a ball league, the Girabola, and some of the abroad. There are many reasons to hope that great chance to achieve its best-ever top and football teams. In his Among them was the First Lady, Ana the elections on September 5 will be a results in the men’s basketball and the annual speech to the press, which we Paula dos Santos, who crowned the win- Golden boot: Maria Restino Manuel with her trophy success. First, Angolans are only voting women’s handball, the country’s two publish in this issue, Sonangol chief exec- ner of the Angolan pageant, Augusta for winning the international vote for members of the national assembly. national sports. utive Manuel Vicente tells of his Hurica of , in front of a Presidential elections will probably be The Olympics are much more than commitment to corporate responsibility. large contingent of national and interna- We welcome your opinions. If you would held next year. A contest between parties just a sporting event – they are also about The company will shortly open a health tional media. like to have a letter published, please email – rather than between leaders – is likely to international harmony, fair play and per- clinic and a technical college in Luanda. The clear winner of the international [email protected]. Letters may be edited for length. be less combustible. Debate will be about sonal transformation. We interview two This issue of Universo celebrates the web vote was Maria Restino Manuel of politics, rather than personalities. Angolan athletes going to Beijing who vitality of Angolan sport and we wish all Kwanza Sul province who won 29 per Secondly, as Deputy Prime Minister may not win medals but are emblematic its athletes the best of luck at the cent of the 9,888 votes cast by more than Erratum Aguinaldo Jaime says in an exclusive of what the Games stand for. Olympics. Despite all of Angola’s chal- 30 countries. The quotation on p42, Spring 2008 interview in Universo, Angolans have Long distance runner João Ntyamba lenges, there remains a lot to cheer about. Both women received their trophy, a issue, was incorrectly attributed to seen so much war that they know the will be competing in his sixth successive golden prosthesis, in a separate cere- Baptista Sumbe. It should have read value of peace. Life has improved so Games – which makes him one of the [email protected] mony on April 4, and measurements were George Kirkland. Brian Huntley, 1970

4 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 5 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:34 Page 6

Precious growth Pay back 70,831 Angola news briefing State-owned diamond company Endiama esti- Angola has paid the first part of its foreigners live legally in Angola, accord- mates that it will produce more than 10 $1.8 billion debt to Paris Club credi- ing to the Ministry of Interior, of whom million carats of diamonds this year, up from tors for late interest payments. The 35,000 have work visas, 20,000 are resi- Tall storey Catch up 9.7 million in 2007. The most productive second part will be paid in January dent and 15,000 refugees. province in terms of volume was Lunda Sul, 2009 and the final part a year later. The tallest skyscraper in Africa is to be built in Luanda, an Angolan con- Angola’s fishing industry is booming. More than due to the creation of the Catoca project The creditor list is comprised of struction company has announced. The 325m Torre de Angola – Angola 100,000 tonnes of fish were caught in 2007, a 15 which represents more than 60 per cent of the France, Spain, Holland, Italy, Tower – will be almost 50 per cent taller than the Carlton Centre in per cent increase on the previous year. Benguela country’s diamond production. Angola is Sweden, the UK, Johannesburg, which at 223m is currently the tallest in the continent. was the province that accounted for the greatest Africa’s third-largest diamond producer and Denmark, Real Empreendimentos announced that the $800 million building will catch, followed by Luanda and Namibe. Poland the world’s fifth biggest in terms of value. Only Austria, be designed in the shape of an A and have a 1,400-room hotel on one side has announced it will invest $22 million to build about 40 per cent of the territory believed to Belgium, 60,000 and luxury apartments on the other. “Inside Angola Tower there will be a fishing academy in Namibe. have mining potential has been explored. Bié, Japan, international restaurants, conference centres, health clinics, cinemas and Malanje and Uíge have been identified as Canada, fruit trees have been planted in Huíla; travel agencies,” said a spokesman. “It will be a city within a city.” The proj- areas to explore in the future. Finland, including orange, tangerine, lime, and ect is still in the financing stage, but when work starts it is estimated it will From June 18 to 22, the second Sweden mango trees. provide 14,000 jobs. International Mining Fair of Angola will be and held at Luanda’s Expo-Angola facility. The Norway. event will focus on the challenges of the min- The pay- ing industry with sustainable development. ments are Angola-Telecom is planning to laying the install1000 telephone booths ground- throughout the country, adding to the work for 500 installed already. re-establish- ing relations istockphoto.com/Steve Snyder between Angola and the international financial

istockphoto.com community. istockphoto.com/Andrew Manley Rooms for improvement $28.4 m Tourism infrastructure is slowly improving as Lotta Bottle is the size of the contract won by the numbers of business travellers and visitors Chinese company CICM to rebuild the increase. About 250,000 to 300,000 tourists visit Two foreign brewers are entering the Angolan electricity grid in Luanda. Angola every year. The government hopes to market for production. First, Unicer, from increase this to half a million in the near future. , plans to build a factory to make Super Hotels are being built in Luanda and in the Bock beer, which Angolans drank in record provinces. Cosal is investing $20 million in a volumes – 108 million litres – last year. Secondly, hotel complex in Samba, Luanda Province; Central de Cervejas, which is owned by Britain’s Dania is investing a similar amount to build a Scottish & Newcastle, plans to invest about $200 four-star hotel in Soyo, Zaire Province; and a million in opening manufacturing plants in tourism centre is being planned in Morro das Luanda, Benguela and Malanje. 223 Pedras, 18km from Uíge city in Uíge. The number of deputies being elected for the national assembly in September’s legislative elections.

floors in the Angola Tower, planned to be 70 Africa’s tallest building. istockphoto.com/Joseph White Above: Angolan wildlife will attract tourists

José Silva Pinto Left: Lowrise Luanda, but maybe not for long SUMMER 2008 7 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:35 Page 8

OLYMPICS SPECIAL

Slow boat toChina Fortunato Pacavira has beaten the challenges of poverty and minimal support to qualify for the Olympic Games. He kicks off our 14-page report on the Angolans who will be flying the flag in Beijing. By Alex Bellos

Oarsome! Pacavira trains in Luanda bay every day at dawn

Pictures by André Vieira

8 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:35 Page 10

ROWING

ing the war. Pacavira grew up on the Ilha 200m and the 1000m. What does he think with a brother and five sisters. Aged 15, his chances are for Beijing? he became a fisherman. “It was a difficult “I am growing, improving, but at a life. Up early in the morning, back in the world level it is very difficult. The other evening,” he says. “If you are catching competitors have lots of help and get gov- swordfish, you go out in the evening and ernment support. I hope to do as good as I don’t come back until the following day.” can and to do well for the name of Angola.” Because Pacavira was a fisherman I ask him where his talent comes from. and had been on boats around the Ilha all “I understand the sea,” he replies. “I can tell his life, he got to know people at the when a wave is coming, I understand the Naval Club. He started to learn how to movement, and how the wind hits you. sail and when, in 1999, the club received Canoeing is about strength and balance. some old kayaks he gave up sailing and You have to have a brain to control the switched sports. canoe. And you control it with your weight.” “It was then that I realised I had a Is being short an advantage in this? “A bit. talent,” he says. He raced kayaks on and Sometimes the tall ones can reach the water off for a few years. (Kayaks are canoes further away, but the shorter guys can be which you sit down in and use a double- more speedy.” ended paddle). Then, in 2004, he linked Freire has been co-opting friends to up with Freire who suggested that he help Pacavira’s performance in Beijing. In should switch to canoe – a boat in which Germany, the head of the Brazilian Canoe- you half-kneel and use a single-ended Kayak Federation spotted the Angolan and paddle. offered to pay for him to go to Brazil to train A former poor fisherman who drives a bus to Pacavira’s achievements are in no for a month with the Brazilian team. Now make ends meet will represent Angola in the small part down to the application and Freire is off to Portugal to get a high-per- canoe-kayak event at Beijing commitment of Francisco Freire. Born in formance canoe from Nelo – a Portuguese The country on his shoulder: Coach Freire: Cape Verde, but living in Angola since he sports-canoe maker that was founded by a Pacavira in training dream come true was a small child, the 42-year-old physi- Portuguese born in Angola. The boat will be cal education teacher’s ambition has painted in the Angolan national colours. ortunato Pacavira is not what you achieved.” not I have to go without.” At weekends, always been to be an Olympic coach. He Freire says there is such a wealth of tal- expect from an Olympic athlete. We are sitting in the bar of the Naval Pacavira often drives a blue and white started off training swimmers, since he ent that with more support and structure FWhen you meet him, you are struck Club at the beginning of the Ilha – the candongueiro bus to earn some cash. earns his living as a instructor, more Angolans could qualify next time by his size – he is a slight 5ft 3ins – and finger of land that juts out into Luanda’s Freire says that it is a huge challenge but in 2000 turned his attention to around. “The kids living here on the Ilha are his quiet modesty. His most distinguish- bay and is a strip of restaurants and training athletes with no financial canoes. playing on small boats from an early age. ing feature is a sparkly stud in his left ear. nightclubs. There are certificates on the resources: “It’s a shame that I can’t give “For eight years I have been working They are getting an understanding of the Pacavira’s sporting background is wall of some of the world’s largest fish them anything. Sometimes an athlete here in the Ilha,” he says. “I thought that sea, how to deal with water. Fortunato was also unconventional. He used to be a ever caught. In the marina in front are gets here but can’t train since he or she in canoeing I would be able to achieve just like that. It isn’t difficult to turn some- fisherman and first took up canoeing several dozen yachts and a fine view of didn’t eat the night before. If they train, my dream and get someone to the one like that into a great athlete since they four years ago when he was 25 years old. Luanda across the water. It’s probably the they get a headache. They burn lots of Olympics.” Out of a group of more than have the grounding. All I do is explain the In fact, the Angolan’s journey to the 2008 most peaceful spot in the city. calories in the canoe. If they are not 150 youngsters, he chose eight because sporting rules, and give them a structured Olympic Games is one of the most Every day at 5am, Pacavira is here to replenished, there is even a risk of tuber- there was a limited amount of equipment training routine.” remarkable and uplifting stories you are train with Freire and seven other team- culosis.” at the Naval Club and made a four-year- Freire believes that with support he can likely to hear this year. mates. He comes back for another The obstacles in Pacavira’s path have plan ending at the Athens’ games in 2004. go further. “I think the next time I could In January, Pacavira finished in sec- session in the late afternoon. Yet the been numerous. It is a testament to his “We didn’t get any qualified. But I qualify at least two into the Olympic ond place in the African Canoe-Kayak wealth and comfort here does not reflect skill and determination that he has man- believed we could achieve the Olympic Games. We have a , Fátima António, Championships in Kenya, clinching the the canoeist’s situation. Pacavira grew up aged to overcome poverty, inexperience minimums next time around. So I invited who is really good. She got a medal in the second African guaranteed spot for in a poor family on the Ilha and some- and isolation to be the second best in his the athletes and we worked with them, African Championships. She was second, Beijing in both the 500m and 1000m flat- times does not have enough food to eat. sport in Africa. “Rarely do Angolan indi- and we achieved it this time.” behind the athlete who is the fifth best in water canoe races. “It was a dream come “Sometimes after I train there is no vidual athletes qualify for the Olympic Pacavira first got into a canoe in the world, and just missed out on qualifica- true,” he says. “I never dreamt that I food at home. I have to go to the beach Games,” says Freire. “Usually they get 2004. A year later, he left Angola for the tion. We also have kayakers who are very could get to an Olympic Games.” just to get a fish to eat. It is very difficult wild cards. This time we are going first time for a demonstration race talented and could get a place next time His coach Francisco Freire says that to train with no support. I have nothing because we are one of the best. We are against two South Africans. He beat both around.” Pacavira started crying in his boat. “I sometimes to replenish the calories that I going to Beijing on merit.” of them. Last August, he participated in After basketball and handball, Freire

wanted to cry too, but I didn’t. But I was have lost. Maybe I might get an orange Pacavira’s parents were poor farmers Hungry for victory: the World Championships in Germany hopes to make canoe-kayak Angola’s third so happy and satisfied at what he had juice or a yoghurt in the morning, but if from Malanje who moved to Luanda dur- coming ashore at the Naval Club where he reached the semi-finals in the guaranteed Olympic sport. 

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Super Marathon Man

In 1987, João Ntyamba was told that he had three months to live. Last November, he finished the Seoul marathon within the Olympic minimum time and qualified for his sixth consecutive Games. Angola’s greatest-ever track athlete spoke to Universo from his home in Colombia about his remarkable career and his plans to return to Angola

Universo: The first Olympic Games you was just a baby. I moved first to Namibe competed in were at Seoul in 1988. and then to Lubango where I was brought What was it like returning there last up by my big brother and sister. year and winning qualification to Ever since I was a kid, I loved sports. Beijing 2008? Even though it was tough, I had a really João Ntyamba: I finished the marathon happy childhood. I never had a toy on the same track that I ran the 800m bought for me, but we made toys and had back in 1988. It was a feeling you cannot fun on the street, playing football just like believe. It’s the greatest feeling a sports- any kids. man can have. Imagine going to your first When I was young, I was playing Olympic Games? But going to your sixth football and a sports coach was watching. is another feeling entirely and doesn’t He saw that I was running and running happen often to many people. from one end of the pitch to the other. So I feel like I am blessed. It comes from he invited me to take part in an athletics many hours of pain, sweat and tears. meeting – I did and I won every competi- When I got to my hotel, I just lay back on tion I entered. my bed and slept for 12 hours. Even though Luanda dominated I had always dreamt of going to six everything at athletics, I went to the Olympic Games and that’s how it has national championships and won gold in turned out. I have honoured my word to the 800m and 1500m. On the radio they the Angolan people. said: “A phenomenon has been born in Huíla who will soon make history!” They How well do you think you can do in didn’t mention my name, but that was Beijing? me! It was the beginning of my many bat- I’m not going just to see the sights. I’m tles in the world of athletics. going to compete. The Olympics is differ- ent from the World Championships or all What do you mean by battles? the other important competitions. For I have had many challenges all through me, if I am in the top ten, that will be like my career. I have only managed to get winning a medal. What I want to do is where I am through much persistence give everyone a big surprise. and dedication. For example, a year before the Seoul You were born in a small village in Olympics, I had a routine medical. The Huíla. How did you become a sports- doctor said that my heart was too big for man? my chest and that I would only live three I was born in the middle of the country- months! It was as if the world was against  side. My Mum and my Dad died when I me. But I proved that medical opinion Carlos Villalon Power suit: Ntyamba in Bogotá 12 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:35 Page 14

Long distance John: JOÃO NTYAMBA upbeat for the olympics

Clockwise from right: Ntyamba winning the Cali run in 2007, winning the 2001 marathon in Rio de How long have you been living outside Janeiro and in the marathon at the Angola? Olympics in 2000. Since 1987. For a time I worked in the Angolan Embassy in . I ran for Benfica and Belenenses there. Then I lived in Eugene and San Diego, California. For the last ten years, I have been in Colombia with my wife Nancy

El Tiempo and my daughter Jocerema.

What is João Ntyamba Sports? It is a big project that I have here in Colombia, in which I am trying to teach what I have learnt in athletics. We have 453 children and 202 adults. I want to give something back to Colombian soci- ety, to say thank you for all the years I have been here. I have an athletics club and a busi- ness that helps with grassroots sports. I want to help people. I have managed to get this idea going in Ecuador and Brazil. My big dream is to bring this project to Angola.

How are you spending your time now in the run up to Beijing? Zulmair Rocha/Folha Imagem Michael Steele/Getty Images I am devoting myself 95 per cent to ath- JOAO NTYAMBA is not always right – for three decades needed to change since track racing was- born in Angola was the best thing that letics. I am retreating from other things Born 20 March 1968 now I have been running, which is all n’t earning me enough money and I have could have happened to me. I consider so I can concentrate on my preparations. Zimbambi, Huíla that I ever wanted to do. People call me a always lived off what I made as an ath- myself 110 per cent Angolan. I am running about 140-180km a week. Even though my body is strong – lete. This is one of the challenges I have And I work on my muscles and my stam- Olympic history ever since I was small, my mind has globetrotter always had. Where do you think your talent came ina. 1988 Seoul, 800m – eliminated in heats always been stronger. The motto of my life is “running so I from? 1992 Barcelona, 1500m – eliminated in heats because I have can eat, and eating so I can run”. Living Talent is innate but you need to work What is next for you after the Olympics? 1996 , 1500m – eliminated in heats How did you get to your first Olympics? away from home with no support is a real hard to polish the raw material. Of I am 40 years old now. It’s my intention to 2000 Sydney, marathon – 17th I trained in Lisbon and Cuba, and then “lived in Portugal, challenge. Twenty years as a professional course, if you have talent, then it is easier retire at the end of the year and return to 2004 Athens, marathon – 53rd the Angolan team went to the African isn’t 20 days. I always work hard so I can to have opportunities. But you need to Angola. I have offers to go and train ath- Personal best: Championships in . I broke the Germany, Japan, give my best and transform this into hap- turn these opportunities into real letes in South Korea, Venezuela and 800m 1:47.54 Angolan 800m record and achieved the the USA, Cuba and piness for my country. chances, and that’s what I’ve done. Many Brazil, but my first choice will be to come 1,500m 3:39.54 qualification time for Seoul 88. After that talented athletes just run for a few years back home to Angola. Marathon 2:11:40 back to Lisbon, London, Hong Kong and Colombia – but Do you think that if you had been born and then disappear. Holds Angolan record in: finally Seoul. My back was heavier with in a country with a less troubled recent Do you think you could carry on being a 800m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, 10,000m, dreams than it was with my belongings. I being born in history, you would have been able to What have been your career high top-level athlete? half-marathon, marathon didn’t sleep for a week. I was always the become a world record holder? points? I don’t live in the future, I live in the pres- first to get up. I thank God for everything Angola was the Ufff! If anything, I think the opposite! I’m In 2001, it was 6am and the phone went ent. Ever since 1998, I always thought the – I have always had lots of faith in Him. a Nganguela! I was born in a small vil- in my hotel. It was a journalist who said: 2008 Olympics would be my last. I still best thing lage, my roots are very deep and it would “Congratulations – you are the Angolan feel the desire to be a winner now, just as You started off with the 800m, then be a betrayal of them to think “what if?” I sportsman of the year.” I didn’t believe it strongly as I did all those years ago, but moved to the 1500m and then the that could have am very proud of being Angolan. People – that year there were lots of good people now it’s the time to give the young ones a marathon. Why? call me a globetrotter because I have from basketball, handball, chess and chance. I want to teach the ones who Few people manage to do this. I managed happened to me.” lived in Portugal, Germany, Japan, the football. But it was me, and being chosen have the desire to learn – God willing – in to do it with luck and persistence. I João Ntyamba USA, Cuba and Colombia – but being was amazing for me. Angola. 

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BASKETBALL & HANDBALL For Barros and Love Games Tavares 2008 will be a momentous Angola’s two favourite sports are linked by a celebrity couple year. This is not – but only one of them is off to just for sporting China reasons. Tavares is ilton Barros and Elzira Tavares pregnant with their are sitting in their Luanda flat having an omelette for break- M first child. Breakfast club: fast. The fridge is full of eggs – a stockpile Throw me the toast of protein that is a clue to their profes- André Vieira sion. Without too much exaggeration, handball, but I thought that if I could ness and dedication. And here most of us flict. The Angolan Basketball Federation you could call Barros and Tavares the have a child before the Games I would. make a living from it.” has a project to go there to find new play- First Couple of Angolan sport. So, the child is coming and it’s very wel- Angolans are the best basketballers ers who will grow to at least 6ft 7ins. Angola are the dominant force in come by everyone. As far as the Olympics in Africa and hardly any of them play Barros was born in Cabinda but Africa in two disciplines: men’s basketball are concerned – my husband will be abroad. None play in the National came to Luanda as a young child. Tavares and women’s handball. And within each going to represent the family.” She Basketball Association (NBA). Barros was is from Benguela. She is almost an inch sport, Barros and Tavares are dominant laughs. Barros adds: “I am happy and she spotted by a US scout when playing in taller than her husband – with heels she forces themselves. is happy,” and he smiles. the African Junior Championship in 2004 is taller still. Aged 24, Barros is one of the coun- Barros and Tavares have been and went for a trial at Kansas State Women in Angola are encouraged to try’s rising sports stars. He is captain of together for four years. He used to play University. He stayed for two months, but play handball and, even though the sport Petro Atlético, one of Angola’s top two for Oliveirense in Porto, and they met had to come home because the NCAA does not have the money that men’s bas- basketball clubs. He was also a member when he came to Luanda on leave to league would not let him play as he had ketball does, it is keenly followed by the of the squad that went to the 2006 World train with the national junior squad. It already turned professional. “I was good nation. Tavares moved from Benguela to Championships in Japan, where Angola was only when he moved back to Luanda enough but I had to come back.” Luanda in 2002. She had many offers to were tenth out of 24 teams – their best to play for Petro that they started seeing Africa’s best player of recent years, play for clubs in Europe, but preferred to international result. each other regularly. the Angolan Miguel Lutonda, never stay in Angola. She works at the BIC bank Likewise, Tavares plays handball for He returned home because Petro played abroad even though he had many and is also studying a university course in Petro. Now aged 27, she got her first made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. The offers. Now aged 36, Beijing will probably international relations. international call-up when she was a sport is rich enough in Angola to pay bet- be his final Olympics. One striking fea- Angolan handball is currently on a teenager and last year was in the team ter wages than in Portugal. When Barros ture, apart from their nationality, that high. The team that was seventh at the that finished seventh in the World was in Porto, he had to work in a links Barros, the newcomer, and World Championships last year beat the Championships, Angola’s highest-ever chemist’s shop to make ends meet. In Lutonda, the veteran, is their height – highly-fancied French and Croatian position. Luanda he gets a good salary and he is both are 6ft 1in. This is a tiny size for a teams to get there. And in January, This year, it is felt that Angola is well also able to attend university, where he basketball player. The average height in Angola won its ninth African title. equipped to go further in both basketball studies Human Resources Management. the NBA, for example, is 6ft 7ins. Even Yet as well as having to do without and handball. (The men finished in 12th (In Angola basketballers are the highest- within Africa, Angolans are a particularly Tavares, the squad in Beijing will also be and last place in Athens, while the paid sportsmen – earning even more short team. “We know we are not very without Marcelina Kiala – the third-high- women won one game and finished 9th than footballers). tall,” says Barros. “We train tactics a lot. est goal scorer in the World or second last). A point guard or “the ball han- We are very quick and we defend very Championships – who is also pregnant. For both Barros and Tavares 2008 dler”, Barros is the energetic force aggressively. Even so, Tavares believes the team could will be a momentous year. This is not just behind Petro (which, like the Angolans are aware that if they give everyone a surprise. “I think we have for sporting reasons. Tavares is pregnant football team of the same want to do better on the global what it takes for a podium finish.” with their first child. While this is a rea- name, is also sponsored by stage they need to develop taller And what about the men? Barros son for celebration, it also means that she Sonangol). Why does he players. And now that the war is quips: “When we go to a championship, will miss taking part in the Olympic think that the Angolans over this might happen. The we are first of all going to compete. And Games. Is she sad about this? are so good at basketball? inhabitants of the provinces of then we go to do as well as we can. Who “I was thinking about ending my “We have a natural skill, I Kuando Kubango and Cunene in knows what we can get? Maybe we can career after the Olympics anyway think,” he replies. “For a the south are generally taller than get a good position this year. Our big tar- because I want to finish my university start, we begin playing from those in the north – yet these get will be to do better than last time. It

course,” she replies. She has also been to Barros and Tavares: when we are very young. And areas were largely cut off from the will be very important for us to make  the Olympics before. “I love playing André Vieira basketball meets handball on the sofa we approach it with serious- rest of the country during the con- progress.”

16 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 17 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:35 Page 18

ATHLETICS

Blind He may be more than a decade older than his main challengers, but Angola’s most successful athlete faith believes he can bring home three gold medals in the ast year, blind athlete José Sayovo last year, his guide fell and they were dis- Paralympics was leading the pack in the 100m qualified). It is also a matter of Lfinal of the World Championships experience. “You need time to get used to when, with halfway to go, his guide could the guide; you need to know how to com- not keep up the pace. Runners who are municate with each other and when to visually impaired must run in official dive at the finish line,” says Sayovo. contests next to a “guide” – a fully-sighted With only a few months left to the colleague with whom they are linked by Paralympic Games in Beijing, the focus of holding a small tether. Sayovo was held the Angolan Paralympic Committee has back and the race won by a Brazilian, been to solve the guide problem. With a Andy Lyons/Getty images Lucas Prado. good one, Sayovo believes he can bring 2003Athletics World Championships Prado’s time was 11.26 seconds – a home gold in the three distances – even central Luanda. His regime is organised new world record. Sayovo was second, at though, at 35, he is more than a decade until the day of the race. The Paralympic 11.30 seconds – the second fastest time older than his main challengers. team are due to go to Lisbon, then Cuba, ever. Sayovo believes that if he had not “If I get a guide and we work and finally Macau, for preparation before had problems with his guide he would together, I think that by then I should be the competition begins in China on have won the race, and regained the title bringing gold medals back. I believe this September 6. of world record holder. It is a cruel reali- because of the capacity that I have and Sayovo, from Kuito, was a soldier in sation that in addition to all the other because of what I feel in my veins,” he the FAPLA (People’s Armed Forces for the challenges there are to being a disabled says confidently. “In the World Liberation of Angola) when the truck he athlete, your fortunes are ultimately Championships last year, I only lost was travelling in through Zaire province reliant on someone else. because of the problem with the guide, went over a landmine. When he woke up, Sayovo is Angola’s most successful and even so I still ran a good time.” he was in a hospital and it was dark. He athlete. In the 2004 Paralympic Games in The committee’s Plan A is to try to asked the nurse to switch on the lights. Athens, he won gold in the 100m, 200m get Manuel Marques back into shape He realised he was blind and started to and 400m. (He also broke the world since it believes that with Marques in cry. He was 26 years old. records, although his 400m time of 50.89 form the gold is almost assured. The He had always been a good sports- seconds is the only one still standing). In guide has been taken from his home in man, although he preferred football, and that tournament his guide was Manuel south Luanda – both he and Sayovo were started to take up athletics. Within a year Marques. However, since then, Marques’ given homes in the Nova Vida housing he was winning races. At first, he ran form has dropped. Without Marques, complex – and installed in a residential middle-distance but then realised his Savoyo has not won any more medals. centre in Viana where he trains every day future was in sprinting. In every race he One of the setbacks in finding him a without distraction from family and has entered, he has made the final. new guide is that Sayovo is so fast it is friends. His triple victory in Athens made Triumph through tragedy: difficult to find a sighted person in Meanwhile, Sayovo is training every him one of Angola’s best-known stars and Sayovo lost his sight but Angola who is fast enough. (In the 400m afternoon in the Coqueiros Stadium in he was given a champion’s welcome  became a champion at the Paralympic Games Pictures by André Vieira SUMMER 2008 19 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:35 Page 20

ATHLETICS Angola and the Olympics:

Angola became a nation in 1975 but did not send its first athletes to the Olympics until 1980. They have been to every event since then, apart from 1984 when they joined the A fan’s guide Soviet-led boycott. The country has never won any medals, apart from in the Paralympics, but hopes are high that this may change in the not-too-distant future…

Ntyamba this time takes part in the 1500m. For the first time Angola sends field athletes, in the long and triple jump, and this year also marks the debut of the men’s basketball team. They beat Spain and China and are As well as José Sayovo, Angola has tenth out of 12. other excellent paralympians who have chances of medals in Beijing. In fact, David Davies/PA Archive/PA Photos Angola has many athletes who are good S&G/PA Photos enough to compete but only five places – so some will be left out. MOSCOW 1980 ATHENS 2004 First ever team comprised of a swimmer The basketballers and the handballers Miguel Francisco, currently fifth in and three boxers. repeat the same positions of the previ- the 100m world rankings for the ous Games. Angola is also represented visually impaired and seventh in in swimming and judo. the 200m, has a good chance of a podium place – he even beat

Sayovo at the 2006 World Matthew Ashton/EMPICS Championships in Holland. BEIJING 2008 when he returned, with crowds at the air- ATLANTA 1996 Confirmed for this summer are João port and lining the roads as he travelled Octávio Santos, aged 26, pictured Not a great year: Basketball slips one Ntyamba in the marathon, through Luanda. above, is also visually impaired and place to 11th overall. Fortunato Pacavira in the flatwater It is important to The experience has humbled him, holds the African long jump record canoe (500m and 1000m), the men's and in person Sayovo is very eloquent (5m 11cm). He is currently 15th in the basketball team and the women's and calm. “My life is different now, it has world rankings for 100m and 13th in show to other istockphoto.com/Todd Bingham handball team. changed a lot. I have lots of fans,” he the 200m and 400m. people with says. “Kids always say things to me in the SEOUL 1988 Angola’s team could also include some At middle distance, upper body street, it’s great. If I hadn’t lost my sight, The swimming contingent expands to last minute additions because of wild limb amputee Cândido Cândido disabilities, who maybe I wouldn’t have had this luck.” four men and four women. João cards – the system that lets under-rep- from Malanje is African champion Sayovo is married with four children resented nations enter athletes who do feel embarrassed at 800m. Ntyamba makes his debut in the 800m “ and uses his celebrity as a goodwill and João Carvalho is 74th out of 118 in not meet the official qualifying stan- dards. In previous years, Angolan doing sport, that ambassador for disabled sport. “It is In the same category, Domingos the marathon. swimmers have been invited by the important to show other people with dis- Sebastião is African champion in the sxc.hu International Olympic Committee. At they can be here abilities, who feel embarrassed doing 100m and 200m. the time of going to press there were sport, that they can be here with us com- SYDNEY 2000 still chances for martial artists Antonia with us competing peting because sport is good for you. It’s Beatriz Nolundo, from Bié, won Ntyamba debuts in the marathon, get- de Fátima and Denis Silva, both judo gold in the 1500m for the visu- not just for the happiness that we bring fighters, and Valentino Pascoal in taek- because sport is ally impaired in the World ting 17th place – his best ever. The to society when we win medals; it is good wondo. In shooting, João Paulo Silva, Championships in Brazil last year, basketballers slump to last place. For for your health. We don’t want there to be champion at the Pan-African games in good for you.” and bronze in the 800m. the first time, Angola sends a team for this division between able-bodied and the women’s handball competition – Algeria, was hoping for qualification José Sayovo disabled people since, at the end of the as was Erica Andrade. Morais and Evalina Alexandre, who is partially- they win just one game, coming ninth day, disability isn’t contagious.”  , Angola’s top beach volley- sighted, has won international medals in Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport/PA Photos out of ten countries. ball men’s pairing, were also in with a the 200m and 400m. BARCELONA 1992 fight based on world rankings. Again the squad has swimmers and

20 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:35 Page 22

Ballot branding: The The election’s future official logo at their fingertips

n September, Angolans will go to the tence – and very wealthy, because of its million Angolans are under 18, which When Angolans go to the polls in September, polls for only the second time in the natural resources. The road system was puts the current population at about 17 every voter will have a high-tech registration card Icountry’s history. It will be the defin- decimated by the conflict and is only now million. which includes their picture and fingerprint, but ing event of the year and an important being rebuilt. Many Angolans in rural The last elections were legislative step in the process of reconciliation and areas do not have access to basic serv- and presidential. In the legislative vote, getting them and the electoral machinery to the democratisation. ices. Yet, thanks to its oil money, the the results gave the MPLA 54 per cent, an polling stations is almost like a military operation. The international community will be government can afford sophisticated, absolute majority, which allowed them By Alex Bellos watching the election closely, especially high-tech solutions to basic problems. 129 of the 220 seats in the National after the recent problems in Kenya and Elections need to be handled very Assembly – a number that has been Zimbabwe, hoping that it is carried out carefully. For Onofre dos Santos, who was maintained until now. peacefully and the results accepted by a consultant to the registration process, it In the presidential dispute, the the population. is important to spend as much money as MPLA candidate José Eduardo dos Santos Putting on an election is a difficult is required. “In Africa there is a great fear won 49.57 per cent against Jonas Savimbi business, especially in a country like about electoral fraud. That is always a of Unita, who trailed with 40.07 per cent. Angola where civil war destroyed much of given. Angola has the resources to be able Since this was just short of an absolute the transport infrastructure and where to pay for a system that will eliminate majority, the rules required a second almost half of the electors have never this possibility as much as possible,” he round. But Unita disputed the results. A voted before. “The logistical problems are says. As each card has a fingerprint, and second round was never held, and war very complex. It is an extensive opera- all the details are contained on a central resumed for another decade. tion,” says Caetano de Sousa, president of computer, it will be impossible for a per- The election earmarked for the National Electoral Commission son to vote more than once. A fingerprint September 5 and 6 this year is only leg- (NEC). has another advantage over a signature – islative. This time, the votes will be cast Yet, so far, the signs are that the it does not discriminate against illiterate for an expanded 223-seat National country is rising to the challenge. The people. Assembly. (The extra three seats are to first phase was to create an electoral roll. The registration campaign was itself represent Angolans living abroad). In the This has been done. More than eight mil- an impressive logistical operation. system that has been adopted, voters will lion Angolans were registered. Angola Between November 2006 and June 2007, vote for parties, rather than individual has, in fact, leapfrogged the rest of Africa five hundred voter-registration teams candidates. and has an electoral roll that is the most travelled the country, each armed with a Based on proportional representa- modern in the continent – and quite pos- Zebra printer that issued cards on the tion, five deputies will be elected to sibly the most modern in the world. spot. No expense was spared. In some represent each of the 18 provinces. Every Angolan over the age of 18 has areas of Moxico, for example, where com- Allocation of the remaining 130 seats will been issued with a personalised voter- munities are not connected by road to be based on the national count taken as a registration card the size of a credit card, anywhere else, the registration teams whole. It is up to each party to choose its which includes a picture, a fingerprint arrived by helicopter. elected deputies from its list of registered and four separate holograms, making it The result was an electoral roll of candidates. almost impossible to forge. more than eight million – almost double Currently, there are 12 parties repre- Angola’s situation is unique and con- the 4.8 million who were registered for sented in parliament. The choice on the tradictory. It is both impoverished – since the only other election held in Angola, in ballot is likely to be a lot more than that – it was at war for 27 of its 33 years of exis- 1992. It is estimated that around nine the NEC lists 138 registered parties,  A political banner in Luanda showing President José Eduardo dos Santos 22 SONANGOL UNIVERSO André Vieira SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:36 Page 24

A VOTE FOR THE FUTURE ELECTION 2008 André Vieira The National Assembly will be filled The law states with deputies. that the election 223 will take place on not decide who wins,” he says. “It is the people who decide. We This is made up of 5 elected for each state one day. We will at the NEC just organise the count. The parties will need to based on state totals, which gives seats. learn to accept this result and to continue the process of 90 “try to follow law. democracy.” Registration consultant Dos Santos agrees that it is up to We will aim for the political parties to make sure that the electoral process 130 will be allocated based on total continues peacefully. He says there is an inevitable tension national vote. everyone to vote between the confrontational aspect of an election and the rec- onciliation process underway in Angola, and these conflicting on the first day.” messages need to be handled sensitively. “The political parties Caetano de Sousa need to realise that they are adversaries but are also part of the reconciliation,” he says. “They need to think like partners and 3 are voted on by Angolans living abroad. not campaign aggressively.” In a cartoon booklet, published by the CNE, Another of the NEC is to educate the Angolan people Victor and Uncle Damian discuss the election: about the elections and the role of the National Assembly. It has published and distributed material that gives a basic intro- 8,091,103 voters have duction to the electoral process. In addition, civil society is registered. being mobilised to spread the message. The US-run National Democratic Institute (NDI) is assisting a national network of Onofre dos Santos and about 200 groups – including churches, local associations, his voting card: the most pressure groups and health-awareness forums – which is dis- modern in Africa 138 parties have registered so far. tributing information about voters’ rights. although there are probably one or two maintain public order. Many of these Kiara Neto, an Angolan at the NDI, says: “We try to dozen more. The election, however, will workers will be doing it for the first time. encourage citizens to take part in the political process. People Current breakdown of Parliament: almost certainly end up as a rerun of As well as the problem of educating all are not used to discussing these issues. People ask us why they What is this about executive and legisative 1992 with MPLA and Unita still the two the staff, there is the logistical issue of should vote. We explain the concept of why you have political powers, Victor? Smaller parties largest sides. distributing all the electoral equipment. parties; that they are there to represent your interests. The with one seat: 7 Legislative power is the power that deputies Unita: 70 have to make, discuss and pass Even though there are two dates set “One of our major problems is getting the greatest challenge is with young people because many of them the laws of our country. are disenchanted with the political process. They do not think aside for the election, Caetano de Sousa stuff from Luanda to the provinces,” says PRS: 6 says it is his hope that only one day will De Sousa. elections will bring any real change.” be needed: “The law states that the elec- On election day, each polling station She adds: “Sometimes it is hard to talk to people about tion will take place on one day. We will try will have two ballot boxes. There are two participating. They may be afraid to go into the office of a to follow the law. We will aim for every- procedures – one for electors who arrive political party because they think they will be associated with one to vote on the first day. But if there is with their registration cards, and one for that party. Rural communities are afraid. They think – ‘Why a reason why we have to have voting on those who don’t. If they do not have their should I vote? It only brings war.’ Young people are different. the following day – and we have many card, they can still vote, but the ballot is They think – ‘What benefit will it bring me?’” problems in this country – we have the put in an envelope which then goes to The smooth conclusion of September’s elections will be option of keeping some ballots open for the capital of the province where it is important for the government in deciding when to have presi- the extra day.” confirmed whether or not the elector is dential elections – although it is assumed that they will be September 5 is a Friday, which will registered. The law states that each organised for next year or the year after. Who can be a candidate in the elections? be a national holiday. Voting is not oblig- province has four days to complete the The business community, at least, seems to be confident In a free and democratic society, all citizens are free to be candidates. atory. De Sousa sits at the helm of an count. After that, the NEC has ten days to that the elections will pass off peacefully. Ari Carvalho of ANIP, enormous operation. The NEC has confirm a national result. the national agency for private investment, says investors’ divided the country into about 12,000 De Sousa understands the serious- interest in Angola has not waned: “We expected to see a slow- polling stations. Each polling station has ness of his responsibilities, but argues down in investment because of the election, but we have not MPLA: 129 FNLA: 5 a staff of five. This means that on the day that it is not just up to the NEC to organ- seen a downturn at all.” there will be almost 60,000 people work- ise a successful election. It is also up to The rest of Angola will also be hoping that such optimism PLD: 3 ing – not including the police needed to society and the political parties. “We do is vindicated come September.  Source: www.cne.ao

24 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 25 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:36 Page 26

Money talks

Universo: How would you describe Angola’s situation today? hand, although we have more resources today to finance our Aguinaldo Jaime: We are consolidating the democratic and national reconstruction programme, the truth of the matter is national reconciliation process, preparing ourselves for the sec- that resources are never enough to match all economic and ond legislative and presidential elections. At the same time, we social needs. Thus, the process of preparing the projects, mobil- Angolans are learning how to settle our differences through ising resources, both human and financial, and putting in place peaceful means. In this process we are becoming increasingly adequate supervision mechanisms to assure the best value for aware that what brings us together, as one nation, is more money is complex and time consuming. One could also add important than the tribal, racial, religious or political differ- that there are human-capacity constraints and limits imposed ences. Regarding the economic situation, we are consolidating by the capacity of the economy to absorb new resources, which our stabilisation programme, doing away with the inflationary prevent us from moving at a much faster speed. tax, and rehabilitating and modernising our social and eco- nomic infrastructure, thus creating an environment conducive You have been described as a reformer. What does this mean to the robust growth of the economy, especially the non-mineral in the Angolan context? What needs reforming? sectors. Because Angola is a post-conflict country, the social sit- Since the Eighties, when our first programme of economic uation is still difficult as the needs of the population are huge in reforms was launched, the Angolans have embarked upon terms of schools, hospitals, basic sanitation, water, electricity, major political and economic reforms, aimed at creating a housing and employment. In order to tackle these daunting multi-party system and a free-market economy. I, together with challenges, the Government is allocating more money to the many others, became deeply involved in these economic social sectors in the national budget and is promoting job cre- reforms, especially when I became Governor of the Angolan ation via the increase of public and private investment in the Central Bank. I still remember the setting up of a two-tier bank- economy. ing system, the introduction of the “dirty” floating exchange rate, the liberalisation of interest rates, the abolishing of admin- What changes have been happening? istrative criteria in credit allocation and of credit ceilings, the Angola is today a stable country, both in political and economic introduction of Central Bank Bonds as an indirect way of man- terms, and is seriously engaged in an ambitious reconstruction aging liquidity, and the creation of the money and programme. Also, the financial system is becoming more mod- exchange-rate markets. I also remember the reforms in our pay- ern and diversified. Indeed, not only are more banks expressing ment system, with the creation of electronic payments. Political interest in operating in the Angolan market, but also the non- and economic reforms were rendered necessary by the failure of banking financial institutions such as real estate funds, discount the socialist model, which was incapable of bringing about the houses, insurance, leasing and risk-capital companies. This year, wealth, progress and social justice we all dreamt of when we we expect our capital market to be set up and this will represent became independent from colonial rule. But let me stress that Aguinaldo Jaime is Deputy an additional opportunity for companies to mobilise funds for there cannot be reforms without political support. Therefore, Prime Minister and the architect their investments. since the Eighties, the first reformer has been President Eduardo of Angola’s economic policy. In this dos Santos, who has been supporting and guiding all political exclusive interview, he tells Universo How do you see the next five years, and the next 50 years? and economic reforms. In the next five years, I see Angola making continuous progress what the country is doing with its in the process of building a rule-of-law and democratic society, What are the main obstacles to the oil money filtering down to immense oil wealth and why things are with increasing progress, prosperity and well being for the the people of Angola? getting better, slowly. By Alex Bellos Angolan population. By then, the basic infrastructure will have Oil is our main source of revenue and is used to finance public been rebuilt and the Government will have achieved more spending; that is to say the construction of schools, hospitals, impressive results in the fight against poverty, famine, illiteracy roads, railways, basic sanitation, energy and water systems, all and illness. In 50 years, I see Angola out of the Least Developed of which have a direct impact on the living conditions of our Countries list, having become a regional power and playing a population. Social spending in the 2008 National Budget decisive role in regional and international affairs. accounts for 31.8 per cent of the total spending, whereas spend- ing on the Administration accounts for 15.7 per cent, and Is reconstruction happening faster or slower than expected? Defence and National Security 14.6 per cent. Furthermore, 5 per Reality is always more complex than theory. There are always cent of oil proceeds are used to fund the newly-created Angolan

unexpected situations, such as drought and floods. On the other Development Bank which was set up to finance the  All pictures by José Silva Pinto

SUMMER 2008 27 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:36 Page 28

INTERVIEW

non-mineral economy. One must not forget that oil used to be, Central Bank in these Government transactions. In addition to and is still used to a lesser extent, as collateral to raise funds, that, Sonangol provides fuel to various state-owned entities, at a which allows the Government to finance its ambitious recon- subsidised price, and as a result accumulated credits over the struction programme. Treasury, amounting to the difference between the market price and the selling price. Thus, set-off mechanisms have been cre- You told the New York Times that you are “following our own ated to settle the financial relations between the Treasury and model”. Could you explain? Sonangol. These are the reasons why there is the impression, Our stabilisation programme was conceived by Angolans and which is not accurate, that Sonangol acts as a parallel Treasury. I am confident has, as its centrepiece, what we call the ex-ante sterilisation of One can also say that Sonangol, thanks to its policy of investing the oil revenues, which means that the oil revenues, which are heavily in human resources at all levels, has well-qualified high- denominated in US dollars, are sold to the market prior to level Angolan experts capable of protecting the interests of the that Angola will being used to finance public expenditure. Some would call it country and Sonangol in the negotiations with its counterparts. an exchange-rate-based stabilisation model. The other compo- This is why there is some overlapping in the role of the become, in the not- nents are the usual ones: fiscal responsibility, non-inflationary Government and that of Sonangol, which is state owned, in means to finance the budget deficit, prudent revenue policy negotiating and shaping the contractual relations between and massive investment, public and private, to finance basic Sonangol and its foreign counterparts. too-distant future, a infrastructure which has a multiplying effect on the whole economy. Which functions do you believe that Sonangol should lose to place worth living in”

the Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Finance? Aguinaldo Jaime Can you explain the importance of Sonangol to the future of When we were applying the principles of the socialist model, Angola? one could not differentiate between government and state- Although there is an on-going strategy to diversify the Angolan owned companies. These times are over. In the new economy, oil is still the main source of our revenues. It is, there- market-orientated model it is natural that the regulatory func- fore, imperative that this resource is well managed and that we tions relating to oil activities be transferred to Government develop indigenous human capacity that can have a say in the entities and Sonangol be confined to its role as an oil company, way this resource is exploited. Let us not forget that oil is a non- although state-owned. The transition, however, should be grad- “ renewable resource. Being the national concessionaire for oil ual in order not to create any vacuum. This is an on-going resources, and therefore the partner of all foreign oil companies, process which requires, inter alia, a comprehensive and intense Sonangol has a strategic importance for the future of Angola. human-training programme for the experts of the Ministry of interests of current and future generations, to the implementa- Finance and Ministry of Oil. tion of interim measures to protect the so-called infant Can you explain the role Sonangol shares with the Finance industries, in accordance with our condition as a least devel- and Oil ministries? What are the immediate challenges that Luanda faces? oped country. Another solution is to bring inflation further In the past, when the Angolan economy showed so many imbal- The immediate challenges Luanda faces are, in my view, the fol- down as a way to increase competitiveness which, in the short ances and foreign reserves were very low, oil was used as lowing: a) encourage the population, who sought security in run, is difficult to implement, bearing in mind our condition as collateral in foreign loans, and this explains the involvement of Luanda during the past war, to regain their land of origin by cre- a post-conflict country with huge economic and social needs. Sonangol alongside the Ministry of Finance and the Angolan ating, outside Luanda, the necessary socio-economic living conditions; b) pursue the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure, How confident are you that the elections in September will such as principal and secondary roads in Luanda, the Luanda pass peacefully and successfully? AGUINALDO JAIME railway, water and electricity systems, schools and hospitals, Having lived for many years at war, the Angolans are in a privi- and treatment of liquid and solid waste; c) build the highways leged position to assess the value of peace. This is why and the circular roads, linking the centre to the periphery and Angolans do not want to resort to war as a way of settling politi- Born in Luanda, 15 January 1954. Luanda to other cities; d) create the so-called “Citizen shops” future, a place worth living in, to use the words of President cal disputes. On the other hand, the culture of tolerance has outside the centre of Luanda, where the citizens can deal, in a Eduardo dos Santos. taken root in our country, the democratic institutions have Education: Lisbon University and UCL, London one-stop shop, with different bodies of the public administra- been strengthened, such as a unified army, and the electoral 1990-92 Minister of Finance tion; e) continue to develop the industrial zone, in the outskirts How do you solve the so-called Dutch Disease, in which oil rev- package relating to matters such as the election process and of Luanda, in order to boost the economic output outside the enues lead to a strong exchange rate, making agriculture less independent supervision (domestic and foreign) has been 1992-97 Special Advisor to the President, African mineral economy, thus increasing job-creating activities; f) pur- competitive? widely discussed. Last, but not least, the Angolans have been Development Bank sue the resettlement of the population from areas where there is We are pleased to notice that both the mineral and non-mineral able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a modern no basic sanitation or sewage disposal to new areas with mod- economies are growing at a high speed. We are, however, fully and vibrant financial system in our economic-reconstruction 1997-98 President and CEO, African Investment Bank ern infrastructure. aware that there are still constraints in the supply side of the process, to develop their entrepreneurial spirit and create Clearly, Luanda has become a new mecca for investors, and economy that have to be addressed. Regarding the inflow of for- wealth and jobs. The stakes are higher than when our first elec- 1998-2003 Governor, Angolan Central Bank the supply side of the economy cannot respond at the same eign exchange, and the appreciation of our currency resulting tions were held. Since then, we have grown in our civic and pace. But I am confident that the strategy of diversification of from it, we have studied the experiences of other oil-producing political maturity. These are the main reasons why I am confi- 2003-now Minister Assistant to the Prime Minister, Head of the economy which is being implemented by the Government countries. Solutions vary from the setting up of oil funds, which dent that the Angolans will show, in the forthcoming elections, Economic Team will bear fruit, and Angola will become, in the not-too-distant can be used as a stabilisation tool or as a way to harmonise the their sense of responsibility and maturity. 

28 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 29 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:36 Page 30

On the trail of hidden treasure

Once part of a medieval gold rush, Mauritania believed that discovering oil would bring new riches. But gloom, not bloom, has struck this poor desert country. Now Asian, American and French explorers are coming to the rescue. By Daniel Wood

umping along the sandy streets of west of the Sahara, live below the poverty ture of Chinguetti’s underground oil Mauritania’s capital in line. reservoirs, making it more difficult to Ba rusting old Mercedes, deputy This was all supposed to change. drain the hydrocarbons. The company mayor Ahmed Ould Albderhane surveys Back in February 2006, when Mauritania drilled new development wells aimed at the challenges facing his desert nation, produced its first oil, there was hope that raising production, but output stayed Africa’s newest oil producer. it would herald a fresh start for the for- stubbornly low. It fell even further to an Women in flowing brightly-coloured mer French colony. Output at the average of just 15,000 bpd in 2007. robes squat by the roadside in the blazing offshore Chinguetti field swiftly peaked at This slammed the brakes on sun selling everything from batteries to 75,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the first Mauritania’s tiny $3 billion economy. Oil underwear and dried fish, some clutching million-barrel cargo was shipped to had been seen as an economic lifeline to babies to their breasts. The poorly-built China within three weeks. the country which, with most of its terri- houses lack reliable electricity, running The government even felt confident tory carpeted in sand or rocky soils, relies water and decent sanitation. Skeletal enough to successfully challenge the on iron mining and fishing for foreign horses drag wooden carts bearing oil terms of its contract with the consortium currency. With oil underperforming, the drums, but the battered barrels contain of oil companies and toughen legislation whole country was brought down too. not fuel but water for the thirsty city. governing the sector. But it was a false The oil experience coincided with “People are discontented because beginning. The field quickly ran into big political change. Early last year, there were high expectations, and they technical difficulties and by the end of President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh have been shocked by reality,” says the year, production had tailed off to an Abdallahi took office after the country’s Albderhane, deputy mayor of Wadnaye, a average 22,000 bpd, less than a third of first multi-party democratic elections in town in the outskirts of Nouakchott. what was expected. nearly four decades. “There is an economic crisis.” Embarrassed officials at Woodside Allegations of corruption regarding Around half the three million inhabi- Petroleum, the Australian energy firm the oil contracts emerged, even though Oil bandwagon: Mauritania is tants of this isolated country, which that operated the field, said the problem no evidence was produced. Even so, by hoping that new discoveries  will lead it out of poverty straddles Black and Arab Africa at the lay in the unexpectedly complex struc- the second half of 2007, Woodside RENAULT Philippe/Photolibrary

SUMMER 2008 31 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:36 Page 32

MAURITANIA

wanted out. In September, it announced first Asian state oil companies in Africa 2012 on Petronas’ acreage, and French volatility. Less talked about than its niches that Western competitors find dif- unfortunate confluence of events. When that it would sell its Mauritanian assets and you can expect to see the Asians major Total aims to start exploratory Chinese and Indian counterparts, ficult because they operate under fewer Chinguetti came on stream, there was a for $418 million to Malaysian state oil doing a lot more as the sector opens up.” drilling in the vast inland Taoudenit basin Petronas is typical of the changing face of constraints and they are less squeamish lot of excitement. Mauritania has since company Petronas, which already had a Petronas has already started trying to along the border with Mali next year. state oil companies. Overseas expansion about certain conditions,” says Nicholas established itself as an oil producer, but stake in a local exploration block. improve results. With output at The depression of 500,000 km has so in the 1990s turned the national cham- Shaxson, author of Poisoned Wells: The Chinguetti has been disappointing and Woodside, which is one-third owned Chinguetti languishing at around 11,500 far had only seismic testing on 6,268 sq pion into a multinational, at a time when Dirty Politics of African Oil. “Private com- there are questions over whether the by Royal Dutch Shell, took a hefty loss on bpd earlier this year, it began drilling km and two test wells drilled, although Western oil majors were slowly losing panies are going to have a tougher battle country’s gas reserves are as big as was the Chinguetti sale, which forced the additional development wells in Block 4 the other side of the border has been their hegemony. on their hands in Africa as these state thought,” says Jon Marks of Africa Energy. Australian company to slash its 2008 pro- in an effort to boost production. Minority more widely explored, with disappointing A third of Petronas’ revenue and champions look overseas for new assets, “There is just not the momentum that duction growth estimates but did little to results. hydrocarbons production of 1.6 million partly to diversify risk from their home there was five years ago.”  shake investors’ faith in its long-term Even so, Oil Minister Mohamed El bpd now comes from overseas. It has market and partly because of the profit strategy. “We are a little more conserva- Moctar Ould Mohamed El Hacen is more than 60 upstream ventures, prima- incentive.” tive now. Previously, we have been too upbeat. “We are very enthusiastic rily located in Asia, Africa and the Middle Mauritania, having experienced the optimistic about start-ups and their pro- Petronas was because this basin has hardly been East: part of a trend by state oil compa- unpredictability of oil exploration, has duction capabilities,” says chief executive explored on the Mauritanian side,” he nies to diversify outside their home learnt that it is important to diversify to Don Voelte. among the first says. countries and take on the oil majors. improve its economic prospects. It is now The acquisition by Petronas raised Other companies, including Petronas posted record profits of $12.9 courting new investment in mining. The some eyebrows. While the arrival of Asian state oil Petronas, US oil giant ExxonMobil and billion in the year to March – roughly as state-run iron-mining sector accounted Chinese and Indian oil companies has companies in the China National Petroleum much as No. 3 US oil company for almost 40 per cent of Mauritania’s

made headlines in Africa – notably the “ Corporation, are conducting geological ConocoPhillips – from operations in $1.3 billion exports last year, way ahead Images&Stories/Alamy $2.3 billion acquisition by the China Africa and you can studies, according to Mauritanian offi- more than 33 countries. of oil with just $300 million. Chinguetti National Offshore Oil Company of a stake cials. The results of the Taoudenit tests Petronas is active in more than a With mining giants such as Qatar Chinguetti – which gives its name to in Nigeria’s giant Akpo field in 2006 – expect to see the will be keenly watched across the Sahara, dozen African countries. It holds a stake Steel and Arcelor Mittal ploughing in Mauritania’s debut oil field – was once Petronas had a lower profile. where many predict that hydrocarbon in offshore Block 24 in Angola operated investment, non-oil growth is expected to the most venerated town in the country. But the Malaysian company, in fact, Asians doing a lot deposits must exist and hopes are still by ExxonMobil and is also investing in reach 4.5 per cent this year, according to A major centre of Islamic learning, has a long history in Africa. For 20 years it high that oil could be a blessing for some Mozambique, winning the rights to an the International Monetary Fund, but a with 11 mosques and several notable has quietly acted as the vanguard of Asia’s more as the sector of the world’s poorest countries such as offshore exploration block in 2002. It is recovery in the fortunes of the oil sector libraries of Quranic texts dating back push into the African upstream-oil sector. opens up.” Mali and Niger. part of the ExxonMobil-led consortium would give President Abdallahi’s govern- to the 11th century, it was a staging On the downstream side, it also acquired “So far, we only have Asian compa- pumping 160,000 bpd through the $3.7 ment a welcome boost. post for caravans crossing the Sahara in medieval times, seeking the gold of ’s state oil refiner and retailer Patrick Smith, editor nies and some small independents billion Cameroon pipeline from Chad’s He needs some good news. Since the Malian empire and trading in salt Engen in 1996. of Africa Confidential exploring in Taoudenit. It’s a classic southern oilfields to the Gulf of Guinea. taking office in early 2007, Abdallahi has and dates. Its chief executive, Mohd Hassan exploration strategy: the minnows are It has also become one of Sudan’s been beset by misfortune. The killing of These days, the town’s main source Marican, appointed head of the company partner Roc Oil, which holds a stake of hoping to find something and sell out to biggest oil producers, brushing aside four French tourists, claimed by al- of income is tourism. It is the most pop- in February 1995, is an old African hand, around 5 per cent, has estimated the the majors,” says Jon Marks, editorial concerns over rights abuses in the Darfur Qaeda’s North African branch, prompted ular destination in Mauritania and has having supervised the South African deal. field’s reserves at a healthy 300 million director of Africa Energy. “On the offshore region of western Sudan. It has interests the cancellation of the prestigious Dakar a number of pensions and hotels. An He has trailed his sights on overseas barrels. acreage, the big players looked but they in nine oil fields and produces around Rally, the world’s most gruelling off-road old French Foreign Legion fort, used in expansion, from Thailand to Argentina. The experience of Chinguetti has didn’t like it once the laws started chang- 80,000 bpd – roughly a seventh of its race and a major foreign-currency earner the film Fort Saganne starring Gérard “In many ways, the Malaysians led cooled the industry’s outlook on ing, especially the Anglo-Saxon overseas oil and gas production. Together for Mauritania. The race organisers sub- Depardieu, dominates the new town. the way for the Chinese investment strat- Mauritania but new projects are under- companies. The big oil companies don’t with state oil companies from China and sequently announced that they were Across a dry riverbed to the south and egy in Africa,” says Patrick Smith, the way, albeit with a more cautious mood. like legal uncertainty. It worried people.” India, Petronas dominates oil production moving the event to South America amid encircled on three sides by the desert, old Chinguetti was declared a Unesco editor of London-based newsletter Africa Two new fields, Thiof and Tevet, are due Used to operating in Africa, Petronas from the Horn of Africa. concerns over insecurity in the Sahara. World Heritage Site in 1996. Confidential. “Petronas was among the to start production between 2010 and appeared unconcerned by the political “State companies can often occupy “Mauritania has suffered from an

Garry Cook/Alamy Paul Kingsley/Alamy Richard Human/Alamy istockphoto/ben mcleish AWPhoto/Alamy REUTERS/Ho New

32 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 33 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:36 Page 34

Turning the tide for turtles Marine turtles hatch during darkness on the beach. But their battle to make it to the sea before daybreak is set with danger. Predators are waiting and only one in a thousand baby turtles reaches adulthood. Now Angola’s conservationists are fighting to save this endangered reptile. By Ramona Siddoway

Ben Osborne/naturepl.com

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WILDLIFE

Angolan laws forbidding the hunting TURTLES of all turtles (except for traditional subsis- tence) have been in place since colonial There are five recorded turtle species times. However, growing concern about found in Angolan coastal waters: The biggest threats the survival of the marine turtle recently prompted Angola to sign a special memo- The Leatherback is to the hatchlings randum that allows for stricter protection. the most critically- But despite even the restricted areas endangered turtle in are crabs, birds devoted to conservation, this protection the world. This is sporadic at best. species does not have and jackals” “It is very difficult to enforce the a carapace of shell but rather a covering of thick black Chenny Lombard law,” says Vladimir Russo, coordinator for the National Biodiversity Unit at the leather with seven long ridges. It is the world’s fourth largest reptile, weighing Ministry of Urban Affairs and when adult from 350 to 700kg. Environment. “There are no protection “Turtles are easy-pickings for preda- units along the coast.” The Olive Ridley tory animals – including humans. “The Awareness campaigns that involve has a rusty-coloured biggest threats to the hatchlings are local communities seem to be the best shell and weighs crabs, birds and jackals,” says Chenny solution at the moment. In Soyo, for around 45kg. For Lombard, one of the caretakers of Praia example, environmental education centuries these turtles da Onça. Although the crabs are no big- includes mounting awareness campaigns, were slaughtered in ger than the baby turtles, they can easily promoting sustainable alternatives for their hundreds of thousands. They con- tinue to struggle to recover from this Head above water: an drag a hatchling into their holes in the local fishermen, designing and distribut- adult Olive Ridley turtle sand. “But fishermen’s nets are the ing educational materials, and massive over-exploitation. Ingo Arndt/naturepl.com biggest threat to adult turtles. They get conducting seminars and various out- The Loggerhead t is 3am on a beach south of Luanda. Two little , their waters, although only three – Leatherback, Green and Olive caught in the netting either coming in or reach activities. travels the greatest hair wild from just waking up, kneel in the sand by a small Ridley – have been confirmed as nesting on Angola’s beaches. leaving the beach,” she says. “We are even developing a pro- distances of all marine Icluster of turtle eggs. A beam of light from a lantern captures The eggs on the Praia da Onça are Olive Ridleys. All three Typically, a fishing boat will drop its gramme to convert turtle poachers and turtles. Researchers the six-year-old as she sings, encouraging a hatchling as it species are considered endangered. nets just off the coastline in shallow fishermen into turtle patrollers and moni- believe they navigate struggles from its shell. One can see the excitement in the eyes Depending on the region, the nesting season in Angola waters. The turtles, unable to swim under tors,” Ferreira says. Known as in the ocean by an of both children as they witness one of Angola’s most endan- begins anywhere from October to April with the eggs usually the meshing, often become entangled tartarugueiros, these reformed turtle ability to detect wave direction and the gered creatures enter the world. hatching two months later. Only the females come ashore, haul- and die. Some nets are even intentionally hunters and egg poachers are contracted Earth’s magnetic field. It weighs around The private beach of Praia da Onça is 55km south of the ing their heavy bodies over the sand, leaving any sense of grace set to catch the turtles. specifically for their skills in finding turtle 55kg. capital. During the day, visitors can see empty water bottles and poise in the ocean behind them. “Turtles can fetch up to $100 dollars nests. It’s a win-win situation in protect- perched on long metal poles dotting the beach in a seemingly After finding a suitable nesting spot, the turtle begins to each,” Lombard says. “Poachers use ing the turtles and educating the villagers. While the Green turtle is black-brown random sequence, all just a few feet from the reach of the throw out sand with her flippers until she makes a hole in which everything, from the meat to the shell.” Currently, the turtles that come or greenish-yellow in incoming tide. Each pole marks a slight mound of sand that to lay her eggs. The depth of this chamber is exactly the length Villagers in some parts of Angola rely ashore to nest are tagged only with a colour, it is named conceals a nest of turtle eggs. The nests are monitored daily by of her back flipper, and the excavation is so precise that the last on the turtles for food. Part of the ongo- metal ring or marker that has a number after the colour of the beach caretakers and by hired villagers. few scoops taken out may be only a few grains of sand. ing conservation projects in areas such as and the project’s address. With better cartilage around its During the breeding season, Michel Morais, professor and She then begins laying soft-shelled eggs three or four at a Cabinda, Palmeirinhas and Rio Longa funding, Morais hopes to attach tiny internal organs. It is big – between 130 researcher in the Faculty of Science department at Agostinho time. A turtle lays from 100 to 130 eggs per nest. A single turtle, involves working with the locals. global positioning systems to the turtles to 250kg. It is caught for its meat, eggs, Neto University, makes a weekly pilgrimage to check on the depending on the species, will lay eggs two to three times each “One of our main objectives is the so that they can be tracked by satellite. He and calipee – the green body fat and progress of the nests, work with the caretakers and gather statis- season, often with a two week waiting period between nesting. integration and training of local people in is confident that with new methods, more main ingredient in turtle soup. tical information. He is often accompanied by his daughters – After the last egg is dropped, the turtle fills in the nest and dis- research and conservation,” says Betânia data will be collected and the knowledge Yanewsa, 11, and Tatiana, aged six, who are as drawn to the tur- guises it by flipping sand in all directions. By the time she is Ferreira, one of the researchers on the they have be better understood. When The Hawksbill has tles as their father. finished, it is impossible to detect except by the trained eye. Sea Turtle Conservation and Research referred to as an expert on marine turtles two claws on each flipper and is named Hatching occurs only in the middle of the night, when the The turtle then crawls back to the water, pauses for Project in Soyo, also known as Projecto in Angola, Morais smiles. “There are no after its beak-like sand is cooler than during the day. Once the baby turtles have a moment, and then heaves her exhausted body back into the Sereia. experts in the marine turtle field,” he mouth. In addition to pulled themselves free, they crawl towards the sea. They must ocean, disappearing into the darkness for another two years. “The overall aim of the project is to says. “We are all only curious.” the usual threats, this survive attacks by predators as they cross the short distance to “We know that these turtles are a migratory species,” create a monitoring and protection net- Singing may not be the most scien- species is hunted for its attractive shell. It the water. Yet the odds are stacked against them – only one in Morais says. “But it is unclear where they go or if the same turtle work for nesting and feeding sites in the tific approach to helping the marine weighs around 55kg. every thousand hatchlings makes it to adulthood. Morais tries to will nest on other beaches. We don’t even know what happens to area by promoting the development of turtles. But as little Tatiana encourages be present during hatching to monitor the turtles’ progress and, the hatchlings once they reach the sea. By the time the turtles the local communities and creating eco- yet another baby turtle to crawl to the if needed, to protect their path from danger. are spotted again, they are juveniles. We would really like to logically-sustainable economic sea, she is convinced she made a differ- Five species of marine turtles are found in Angola’s coastal know where those baby turtles go.” alternatives,” she says. ence to at least one. 

36 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 37 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:37 Page 38

Sonangol news briefing SONANGOL NEWS

onangol has continued to Spill quiz build on its strong per- formances and this year is Total announced that 20,000 barrels of crude were spilled from S its FPSO vessel at the Dalia field in Block 17 in February. Total on track to reach 2 million bar- received the help of Sonangol, Chevron, BP and Esso to clear rels per day. The company is in up. Sonangol chief executive Manuel Vicente said that there rude health, as CEO Manuel was a malfunction in the buoy when petrol was being loaded Vicente explains in his annual from the FPSO to a tanker. “We are investigating what went talk to the media which we pub- wrong,” he said. lish in the following pages. It is internationalizing and also con- More time solidating its activities at home by building a liquefied natural The deadline for the submission of bids for the blocks 9, 19, 20, 21, Flying high 46, 47, 48 and Kon 11 and Kon 12 has been extended to a date that gas plant in Soyo and a refinery will be announced by the Oil Minister. in Lobito. Sonair has decided for strategic reasons to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global Lobito is a crucial location for body for airlines. Currently, Taag is the only Angolan car- College gift Angola in logistical terms and rier that is a member of IATA. Sonair – which is owned by we report on how the company’s Sonangol – had a sales volume of $250 million last year Total has given $800,000 to the National Oil Institute in Kwanza Oceanic Terminal is being and recently bought six new planes, bringing its fleet to 52. Sul, on behalf of the oil companies operating in Block 17. The Big in Nigeria Since last year, Sonair has been working with Lufthansa money will go towards the construction of student housing and expanded to improve the distri- Consulting to prepare the company to join IATA. to pay for equipment for the institute’s laboratory. bution of fuel in the central and Sonangol was present at the Nigeria “They were all very curious as to southern parts of the country. Oil & Gas 2008 conference in Abuja, whether we were about to enter the Lobito is already an important Nigeria. For the first time, the com- Nigerian market through our branded pany had a stand representing the services. All in all, the conference was hub and its importance will only whole group (pictured above). “More a great success and shows how grow. than 500 people visited the stand every Sonangol is increasingly recognised As well as quantity, there is day,” said a Sonangol spokesman. on a regional and international level.” also quality. In our final story in this section we report on a mas- ter of laws course that is now available at Agostinho Neto Local bounty University in Luanda, which will Deals worth $4.4million have been Sweet fifteen produce the most highly quali- signed between oil companies and fied oil and gas lawyers in approximately 40 small and BP has discovered a new Angola. The industry is becom- medium-sized Angolan compa- oil field, Portia-1, in ultra- nies, over the last three years. The deep waters in Block 31. ing increasingly sophisticated contracts cover services such as The results of a deposit and – in terms of specialist supplying office material, furni- test show an anticipated lawyers – more self-sufficient. ture and security and have been capacity of more than made with both Angolan and for- 5,000 bpd. This is the 15th eign oil companies. The contracts discovery made by BP in also include the cleaning of oil the block, which is located rigs, offices and residences, and nearly 7km to the north of health management facilities. A the Titania discovery and number of other agreements are 10.5km to the southwest of near closing. the Plutão field. istockphoto.com/Robert Ellis istockphoto.com

38 SONANGOL UNIVERSO SUMMER 2008 39 SU_18:Layout 1 2/6/08 16:37 Page 40

If we identify projects that are viable“ and profitable...of “ course we will take them on.

Every year to mark Sonangol’s birthday, chairman and chief executive Manuel Vicente addresses the media to report on the company’s progress and announce future plans. Here is an edited version of his February speech

Overall figures the liquefied natural gas plant in Soyo. At this moment, In 2007, Sonangol reached an average production of 1.7 we are preparing the construction work. Sonangol also million barrels per day (bpd). Now production is about signed contracts last year for developing the production 1.9 million bpd. If there are no unforeseen pressures, we and sale of lubricants in all segments of distribution until will reach 2 million bpd by the end of the year. 2010. Together with this increase in production, there has Last year, we also showed how we value our staff by also been an increase in our workforce. Today, Sonangol launching human-resources projects. has a staff of 8,240. Last year, our turnover was about $11 billion [the fig- Internationalization ure is un-audited] but we estimate that the volume of our Another objective that we pursued and will continue this business will be somewhere around $17 billion. In terms year is the internationalization of the company. Taking of taxes, they are calculated to be about $1.3 billion. We into account the current climate of good prices, the are also predicting a small increase in liquid profit of company will continue to focus its attention to diversify between $1.2 and $1.3 billion. and internationalize whenever it is possible and viable to do so. Projects In Portugal, the financial sector is very attractive to Last year, we attained our objective of controlling the us. The energy sector is also an attractive sector. If there Luanda refinery, even though it is not our intention to are opportunities that are lucrative, then we will take own 100 per cent of the shares. We now have a control- them. We are internationalizing the company against a ling stake in the refinery and we hope to manage it more political background of opposing participations. For as rationally. We are working to modernise and expand the long as Portuguese companies have the chance of invest- refinery so that we can increase capacity and efficiency. ing in Angola, we will do the same in Portugal. If we The idea is to expand until it reaches 100,000 bpd. identify projects that are viable and profitable in We are also expecting to start building the Lobito Portugal, or anywhere else for that matter, then of course refinery. We are already on site and construction work we will take them on. will begin this year. We aim to have a capacity at Lobito In Portugal so far, we have invested in Galp and in of 200,000 bpd. Millennium BCP. All the other rumours are just newspa- There is a government initiative to promote a new per gossip. These subjects are delicate. If we confirm a refinery in the industrial pole of Soyo, with a capacity of piece of business, we will announce it publicly. 200,000 bpd. This refinery will be a project that is more Sonangol is currently in talks with the BPI Group to privately-run than state-run. Whoever has financial buy 49.9 per cent of the shares of BFA. A team is now in resources or savings is invited to invest. Portugal doing this negotiation. We are also in negotia- On December 10, we signed the agreement to build tions with Santander and the Caixa Geral de Depósitos  Manuel Vicente: “We expect 2 million bpd by the end of the year.” 40 SONANGOL UNIVERSO Pictures by André Vieira

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INTERVIEW Selling gas to Spain, France or Portugal is“ also a possibility in the future. If we find more gas, let us try to mark out positions in other countries.

Manuel Vicente

with the idea of acquiring 25 per cent of the Banco Totta We will also prioritise the increasing exploration of de Angola. oil and gas that takes place under our responsibility. A Selling“ gas to Spain, France or Portugal is also a pos- good part of the exploration work in Angola is made by sibility in the future. If we find more gas, let us try to foreign firms. We will try to revert this bit by bit so that mark out positions in other countries. This could be a we can also have this opportunity and maybe, in the valuable opportunity because of the known problems future, we can change the way the company works. The between Europe and Russia. idea would be to do exploration work where we don’t see Also, we have acquired 20 per cent of the Abidjan that much risk. Instead of giving the opportunity to the Refinery in Ivory Coast. market, we will develop it ourselves, just as almost all the One of the reasons why we have plans to interna- other national oil companies do. tionalize is because it is part of government policy. I read Finally, it is also our intention to improve the work- in the newspaper talk about a sovereign fund. I think ing conditions, security and quality control of a large there should be a sovereign fund. Singapore has one, part of our installations, buildings and workplaces. Malaysia has one. We don’t have one. When we do, we will have more financial vehicles for investment. This Stock exchange will help our plans on an interbank level. It is still our objective to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The timescale is two years. Our plans con- The current year tinue. There are some mechanisms that have to go This year, we will continue to prioritise the problem of through certification by international auditors. After that, local petrol supplies so that we can guarantee the prod- we will be making progress in this direction. uct and its derivatives in quality and quantity all over the country. This is an area that presents some problems. We Corporate responsibility are investing at least $300 million precisely to sort out We are continuing to invest in the education of staff. At the failures and do what we can to confront the chal- this moment, we have about 1,500 Angolans studying at lenges of the country’s development. universities abroad, in countries such as Brazil, the We aim to make improvements to the current sys- United States, England and Portugal. We are in talks to tem of gas pumps. There will also be a significant open a technical college here, which we hope to do this increase in production and storage capacities. We are year. The college will have 5,000 students and focus on working with the government so that we can also help technology and science. with plans to deregulate the market. It terms of social responsibility, we continue to We will also prioritise the control and implementa- invest in culture and sport. We sponsor practically all the tion of environmentally-friendly policies throughout the federations in almost all the different sports, and we company. This year, we will rethink Sonangol’s overall sponsor the Girabola [the top division of Angolan foot- vision, taking into account the possible opportunities ball]. We also invest in hospitals and health clinics. This that the energy industry worldwide can offer us, in par- year, we hope to open the Girassol Clinic, a medical cen- ticular renewable sources such as biofuels. tre that will be of benefit to the entire community. 

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OIL LAW

Layingdown the LAW Angola is now unique in the developing world in offering a The first students began the ten- masters degree in oil and gas month course last year. They were a law. By Catherine Hamlin high-achieving group of 40 people made up of lawyers including a former Minister of Commerce and employees from dail Jasmin, clean-shaven and in a Sonangol, the oil supermajors, the light-brown suit, looked at the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of A panel of judges and said dramati- Petroleum, Customs and private legal cally: “This constitutes an authentic firms. abuse of power.” “Usually, the law practised by local He continued, gathering a steadier lawyers in developing countries is in pace: “This is the first case of litigation labour law or minor contracts, things like that this company has experienced – we that,” says Nadorff. “We are trying to give have never been treated in this manner.” the knowledge and experience that  Adail Jasmin The white-haired judge from Brazil looked through his glasses, thanked him times both sides chuckled as the Nahary Cardoso and called the opposing side to make its exchanges became heated. Yet the dis- argument. pute was very serious. A mock Smartly dressed in a custom-fit black arbitration, it constituted the end-of- suit, Nahary Cardoso carried her team’s term finale of the first Master of Laws laptop to the podium. She started a polite degree ever available in Angola specialis- and pointed tirade: “The respondent ing in oil and gas law. appears to have no knowledge of the This type of degree, known by the characteristics of the gas that would be initials LL.M, is open only to graduates produced.” She paused. “It frightens us who already have a law degree. The LL.M that an alleged expert in the oil and gas in Oil and Gas Law is now the highest industry would suggest that an analysis legal qualification it is possible to get in of the intended market and commercial the country according to Norman viability would not be considered a nec- Nadorff, senior attorney in the legal essary part of the company’s department of BP Angola, which helped development plan. If the respondent fund the project does not know this viability, then who “This is the first time a country like does?” Angola has had a specialised master’s This legal clash, taking place in the programme in oil and gas law,” he says. auditorium of Agostinho Neto University “Only a handful of institutions in the in Luanda, scored well on theatricals. At Carlos Frões world offer this course.” All pictures by André Vieira

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take part in a mock arbitration. Twelve of the 40 opted for the arbitration, in which the facts are invented but the event is real. Students have to learn to think on their feet and work as a team. The chief arbiter of the mock trial was Carlos Frões, a professional arbiter and a former vice-president of the International Chamber of Commerce, who flew in from Brazil. He was sup- ported by two local co-arbiters, including Sonangol lawyer Silvana Silva. One of the reasons why the mock arbitration was exciting to those involved was that it is a method hardly used in Angola. Even though arbitration has been allowed as a way to settle disputes in the country since 2003, it is not totally accepted as a way to settle arguments. Internationally, it is rare for disputes between oil companies and governments to go to trial. In fact, most countries pre- fer arbitration. This allows for an

Luanda law: Cardoso in impartial, non-governmental space for front of the arbitration panel resolution. As Angola begins to cultivate a nucleus of local arbitration expertise, traditionally would have been achieved “For me, one of the great advantages companies will in the future be more only by sending in overseas lawyers. The of the programme was the opportunity to inclined to use these local arbiters as idea is to develop a cadre of legal profes- discuss perspectives about the law with recourse in the event of a dispute. sionals here who have a greater in-depth different people in the industry,” says Silva says: “I studied law in Angola 25 knowledge of oil and gas.” LL.M student Armindo Gregório Victor, years ago and we did not study arbitra- BP has given $2.3 million to the proj- who in his day job is a lawyer for tion, but it is really needed. Trials are not ect, which will pay for three intakes. The Chevron. always fair, and the court system is so donation means that student fees can be “There are many universities with slow. Arbitration really is the solution kept to just $5,000 each. The second law programmes in Angola, but they are here in Angola. We lawyers are trying to group is expected to start at the end of all undergraduate. I never had any train- get it started.” I studied law in this year. ing specifically in oil law. It also has been Sofia Vale agrees about the relevance Sofia Vale, law professor at Agostinho a great programme in terms of linking of arbitration: “It is an important part of Angola 25 years Neto University and one of the overseers practice with theory.” this programme because in the oil indus- of the LL.M, says: “This programme is a Student Claudia Pires is a lawyer at try contracts don’t leave companies ago and we did not first for Angola. We hope that this is just Rui Ferreira Advogados who advises her subject to regular court systems.” the first of many years to come. We would clients mostly on issues related to civil On the final day of the mock arbitra- study arbitration, also like to have more students, but the and labour law. She says that the need for tion, the students anxiously awaited to criteria for those eligible are very strict. more specialised lawyers will grow as the hear the decisions of the chief and co- but it is really All those currently involved are already in economy expands. “Training and educa- arbiters. When Frões began his statement the job market and will be able to apply tion are among the few things with the defending the side that included needed. Trials are what they have learnt immediately.” power to change a person, to help widen Armindo Gregório Victor, that side not always fair, and Each student has to pass 12 modules his or her range of possibilities,” she says. cheered in victory. “ to complete the course. In the inaugural “Today’s students of law may tomorrow But to everyone’s surprise, the two the court system is year, about ten visiting lecturers came be specialists in oil and gas. What today is co-arbiters disagreed with him and rec- from countries including the United a country that imports technical expert- ommended the parties to renegotiate the so slow. States, Brazil and Colombia. There were ise may tomorrow be a self-sufficient contract. “I still don’t agree with these Silvana Silva also several lecturers from the local oil country of reference.” decisions entirely,” says Victor, “but the

industry, including Sonangol and the At the end of the course, the students majority must decide, so our team lost. Norman Nadorff: Ministry of Oil. either have to submit a term paper or can That’s how it works!”  “a first for Angola”

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Termina ve ocity The port city Lobito is of crucial strategic importance to Angolan industry and commerce. Now its Oceanic Terminal is expanding as the country’s own fuel needs increase. Story and photos by André Vieira

Clear blue water: The view from Lobito

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ost foreign visitors to Angola when it is ready Lobito will become an was of great importance. Its main func- only see Luanda, a city of entrepot not just for petrol but for all tion was to supply fuel for the jet fighters Mcranes and construction proj- types of goods. operating out of the air base ects. Yet work on rebuilding the national Another change to Lobito will be the nearby. Supplies were also loaded into infrastructure is forging ahead in the construction of an oil refinery. At the cargo planes for troops on the frontlines. provinces too. One of the key places in moment, most of the fuel delivered is Those were stressful times, remembers this process is Lobito, the logistical hub imported, arriving in vessels of up to 50 Freitas. “This was a very strategic place, of the southern half of the country. million tonnes. “The last one we had was very well defended. Our jet fuel lines are Lobito is the second largest city in from India,” says Freitas. With a refinery, still not marked with the correct colour , after the capital however, Angola aims to become an because of the war.” Benguela, and its deep-water port used to exporter. “Then we will load ships to send Lobito is at present a very pleasant be the busiest in the country. The impact fuel to other countries,” he adds. city – much calmer than Luanda. In fact, of the war meant that the port’s activity With the expansion, Lobito’s Oceanic together with neighbouring Benguela, it dwindled, but in the coming years it is set Terminal will be large enough for present is a favourite destination of Luandans to regain its pre-eminent position. One of the crucial infrastructure projects in Lobito is Sonangol’s Oceanic Terminal which stores the refined petrol With a refinery, Angola aims to that is used for the industrial, commer- cial and private needs of central and southern Angola. The terminal has a become an exporter “Then we will capacity of 55 million cubic metres, and work building two new tanks to increase send fuel to other countries.” capacity to 79 million cubic metres is Manuel Freitas, right almost complete. For the terminal’s boss, Manuel Salvador Freitas, the extra size is a prior- ity. “We are operating at 100 per cent of our capacity,” he says. “We load on aver- age 100 tanker trucks a day.” The terminal is constantly busy. About two tanker ships arrive each week to deliver the petrol, and every day fuel trucks form a long queue to fill up. needs. However, there is sufficient spare coming to escape the bustle of the capi- Almost all the petrol reaches its destina- land next door to allow the terminal to tal. Few cars cruise through its shaded tion – including gas stations, power double in size. streets. The city’s architecture has plants and five other Sonangol storage Freitas, aged 50, has worked in the changed little since colonial times. depots – by road. oil sector for 33 years and been involved At night, the silence is broken only In the future, petrol will leave here by with the Oceanic Terminal from its con- on its northern tip, where a few laid-back rail link. Lobito is the sea terminus of the ception to its construction and operation. bars and restaurants offer good food. But trans-African Benguela Railway which He has managed the terminal since it with a working railway, a refinery and a runs to Zambia and the Congo. The rail opened in 1987. large fuel terminal one thing is for sure, link is still under reconstruction, but During the civil war, the terminal life in Lobito is set to change. 

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