The opening ceremony highlighted the collaborative efforts between the government of Angola and international partners, anchored by speeches delivered by the Secretary of State for Public Investment, Ivan Emanuel Marques dos Santos, and World Bank country manager for Angola and São Tomé e Príncipe, Juan Carlos Alvarez. Mr Marques dos Santos, representing the Minister of Planning, emphasised the significance of SOURCE and its alignment with Angola’s legislative framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs).
"The adoption of the SOURCE platform arises from the need to materialise Law No. 11/19, of 14 May, the law on public-private partnerships, conducive to more efficient management and structuring of the PPP project portfolio, as well as through it, guarantee the development of infrastructure necessary for the economic and social growth of Angola.”
Mr Augusto Dembo, National Director of PPPs who spearheaded the launch of the SOURCE platform, provided an overview of the platform’s implementation, funded by AFD.
Mr Christophe Dossarps, CEO of SIF, delivered the opening remarks. He expressed SIF’s gratitude for the support of the Angolan government and AFD, highlighting the importance of the systematic use of the SOURCE platform in ensuring its success in Angola. The platform will enable the government to have a high-level view of its infrastructure project pipeline, evaluate and prioritise projects, and monitor the progress and outcomes of implementation.
Mr Pedro Nicolau, Head of Integrations at SIF, presented the capabilities of the SOURCE platform to the attendees. He demonstrated the platform’s unique features, emphasising the common framework developed in collaboration with the private sector. Moreover, Mr Nicolau reassured the audience that SIF is committed to providing ongoing support to the Angolan government, ensuring the seamless use of the platform well beyond the completion of the integration process.
Ms Valérie Tehio, AFD Country Director for Angola, expressed the support of AFD and the French government in the implementation of SOURCE in her address. Highlighting the successful funding in South Africa and ongoing funding support in Tanzania, Egypt, Brazil, and Cameroon, Ms Tehio emphasised the importance of developing the infrastructure project pipeline in Angola to further the country’s development.
The SOURCE launch occurred jointly with the launch of Diversifica Mais (D+), a programme led by MINPLAN and financed by the World Bank, which seeks to promote economic diversification in Angola. Mr. Laércio Cândido, D+ Director, presented the programme’s objective to promote private investment and foster climate-resilient growth of micro-, small- and medium enterprises in non-oil value chains, with a particular focus on the Lobito Corridor.
Minister of Planning, Mr Victor Hugo Guilherme, made the closing remarks, highlighting the government's commitment to advancing social and economic development in Angola.
With regard to next steps, SIF and MINPLAN agreed to develop a work plan focussed on providing additional training for Angolan ministries, agencies, and local government. The plan will also include sectorial follow-up meetings to discuss solutions for the use of the platform, and steps to institutionalise the platform through a decree.