On Sunday, September 14, 2026, President João Lourenço of Angola hosted a meeting with American basketball star LeBron James and actor, producer, and musician Will Smith in Luanda. The two international personalities arrived in Angola to attend the debut of Luanda in the UIM E1 World Championship, an international electric boat competition. During the meeting, President Lourenço discussed various issues related to promoting Angola's tourism, film, and basketball sectors.
The meeting, which took place in the late morning, provided an opportunity for President Lourenço to highlight Angola's achievements in African basketball. Angola has won the African championship title 12 times, showcasing its rich basketball tradition. As a symbolic gesture, LeBron James and Will Smith were presented with jerseys of the National Basketball Team, further emphasizing the country's passion for the sport.
LeBron James and Will Smith's presence in Angola aims to strengthen the country's profile as a destination for major international events. Their visit is expected to promote Angola's potential in tourism, sport, culture, and entertainment. The two international stars are set to attend the UIM E1 World Championship, which brings together leading figures in global sport and entertainment.
The UIM E1 World Championship marks a significant milestone for Luanda, as it debuts on the international electric boat competition calendar. This event is expected to attract a global audience and provide a platform for Angola to showcase its capabilities in hosting large-scale international events.
President Lourenço's meeting with LeBron James and Will Smith underscores Angola's efforts to diversify its economy and promote its cultural and sporting attractions. By engaging with international personalities, the Angolan government aims to increase its global visibility and attract investment in various sectors.
The visit by LeBron James and Will Smith also highlights the growing importance of sports and entertainment in Angola's cultural landscape. The country's basketball team has a strong following, and the presence of international stars like LeBron James is expected to further boost the sport's popularity.
The meeting between President Lourenço, LeBron James, and Will Smith concluded with a positive note, as both parties expressed their enthusiasm for future collaborations. The presence of LeBron James and Will Smith in Angola is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's sports, tourism, and entertainment sectors.
Key points
- President João Lourenço met with LeBron James and Will Smith to discuss promoting Angola's tourism, film, and basketball sectors.
- LeBron James and Will Smith attended the UIM E1 World Championship in Luanda to promote Angola's profile as a destination for major international events.
- The meeting highlighted Angola's achievements in African basketball, with 12 championship titles won by the national team.
