China-backed new electrolytic aluminium plant inaugurated in Angola

Angola President João Lourenço has inaugurated an electrolytic aluminium plant, marking a new development towards industrial diversification and job creation. Located in the Barra do Dande Free Trade Zone in Bengo province, Angola, the facility represents the first phase of a five-stage project requiring an initial investment of USD 250 million.

To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026”. 

The plant is part of the Huatong Aluminium Industrial Park, a large-scale industrial venture led by a consortium of two subsidiaries of China’s Hebei Huatong Wire and Cables Group. Once operational, the first phase will have an annual production capacity of 120,000 tonnes of electrolytic aluminium, a key industrial metal that can be further processed into alloys, sheets, rods and other value-added products. The phase is also expected to generate around 1,200 jobs, with the majority earmarked for young Angolans.

Speaking at a press conference, President Lourenço emphasised Angola’s need for private investment across all sectors of the economy. He said such initiatives are critical not only to ensure more jobs for young Angolans but also to expand the range of products and services that benefit the economy and the Angolan people. The project aligns with Angola’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on oil revenues and build a more resilient industrial base.

Read More: Vedanta Aluminium draws 30,000 visitors at Kalahandi Utsav 2026, showcases bauxite-to-aluminium journey

Zhang Wendong, Chief Executive Officer of Huatong Angola, said that the aluminium industrial park goes beyond just an investment, describing it as a commitment to the future and to Angola’s sustainable development. He highlighted ongoing professional training programmes, internships, technical training and knowledge transfer initiatives designed to equip local workers with industry-relevant skills.

Looking ahead, the second phase of the project will see investment double to USD 500 million, with production capacity rising to 240,000 tonnes annually. Over an estimated eight to ten years, total investment across all five phases is expected to reach USD 1.6 billion, helping to diversify Angola’s economy, improve its trade balance through value-added exports and position the country as a leading aluminium producer in sub-Saharan Africa.