Former European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso expressed his optimism about Angola's future, citing the country's extraordinary resources, including its energy sector, as a key factor in overcoming current global economic trends. Speaking at the first "Fora da Caixa" meeting in Angola, organized by the Caixa Geral Angola bank, Barroso emphasized that stability and peace are essential prerequisites for investment in all sectors of the economy. He highlighted Angola's potential to overcome its challenges, including structural ones, with the right approach.
Barroso stressed the importance of investing in Angola's human resources, in addition to its natural resources. He expressed his confidence in the African continent's capacity, energy, and resilience, noting that it is one of the youngest continents in the world. He also highlighted the benefits of embracing new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, when used effectively. According to Barroso, Angola has the conditions to overcome its difficulties and achieve economic growth.
The former European Commission President also emphasized the significance of collaboration between countries in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). In a world experiencing great fragmentation, Barroso sees the CPLP as an example of positive collaboration, with countries like Portugal and Angola working together despite their differences. He noted that this collaboration can be a model for other regions, demonstrating that countries with different ideologies and interests can work together.
Barroso discussed the current global challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty and the energy transition. He highlighted the risks associated with the competition between major powers and the impact on the economy. The former Prime Minister of Portugal also noted that the current situation has led to increased anxiety among populations worldwide and greater concerns about the economy.
Barroso touched on the topic of defense and security, noting that Europe is investing in defense in response to the new global context. He believes that this investment can also contribute to industrial development and technological innovation. However, he expressed a preference for these funds to be allocated to other priorities, such as education, housing, and healthcare.
Reflecting on his previous statements about Angola, Barroso recalled that in 2019, he considered the reforms underway in the country to be positive, but noted that the economy remained a challenge. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by Angola, including a rapidly growing population and the need to create jobs for young people entering the labor market.
Barroso expressed his confidence in Angola's democratic system, noting that the country has made progress in transitioning to a multiparty democracy. He emphasized that the MPLA, which has been in power for 50 years, has a dominant position in the political system, but that this does not preclude the possibility of free and fair elections. Barroso also recalled his role in Portugal's diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Angola and the country's contribution to regional stability.
Key points
- Durão Barroso emphasizes the importance of stability and investment for Angola's economic growth.
- He highlights the need for Angola to invest in its human resources and natural resources.
- Barroso sees the CPLP as an example of positive collaboration between countries with different ideologies and interests.
