The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has invested around 255 million US dollars over the last five years, and plans to allocate another 235 million for the implementation of development projects, its administrator, Samantha Power said in Luanda.
Samantha Power, who was accompanied by the US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, made the statement at the end of an audience with the Angolan president, João Lourenço.
The USAID administrator said the investments are the result of understandings between Presidents Joe Biden (US) and João Lourenço, underlining that the fight against corruption has created possibilities for investment and inclusive growth for the country and that the projects underway, such as the Lobito Corridor, please the US authorities.
Power added that the USAID will focus on improving the quality of life of the populations living along Lobito corridor with infrastructure and support for small producers for the transport of their crops by train.
Samantha Power emphasized that, in the field of health, there are plans to distribute mosquito nets to the populations living along the Lobito Corridor, which will benefit all Angolans.
Richard Verma on his turn stressed that the US is keen to cooperate with Angola in the areas of infrastructure, health and education, among others.
The official assured that the relationship between Angola and the United States “is growing stronger and stronger” and that work is being done to encourage more private investment.
A note from the US Embassy in Angola indicates that the 235 million dollars to be invested over the next five years is aimed at facilitating a transformational partnership, in line with the National Development Plan (PND), approved by the Angolan government.
Samantha Power is the 19th administrator of USAID, the world’s largest bilateral development agency, with a global team of more than 11,000 people in more than 100 countries.