Unlocking Potential: Kuehne+Nagel's Continuous Growth in Angola
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Africa, Angola, the seventh-largest country in Africa, is rich in mineral and petroleum reserves and has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
For over 32 years, since its inception in 1992, Kuehne+Nagel has been supporting Angola's development and significantly growing export industry from its headquarters in central Luanda and five other locations across the country.
Angola's treasure
It is estimated that over 60% of Angola's revenue comes from the export of diamonds and oil. The country also has large, often untapped reserves of minerals available in commercial quantities and sought after on international markets. With global experience in project logistics in energy sectors, Kuehne+Nagel has been quickly recognized for its quality, reliability, and expertise. The company provides sea, air, and road logistics solutions, warehousing, distribution, and customs-related services. But what sets Kuehne+Nagel apart is its wide range of value-added offerings. On average, the company performs 250 "port calls" per month for some of the largest oil and gas customers. Port calls include cargo and authorities-related activities, such as inward and outward customs clearance, immigration clearance, and police and port authority approvals. To ensure high security and safety, Angola requires customs clearance for vessels entering International Waters, off-shore rigs, and other ports located within Angola's waters. | Angola is best known for its crude oil, exported in vast quantities, mainly to China, which accounts for 95% of the country's export volumes. The number of barrels was subject to restrictive quotas between 2007 and early 2024 when Angola was a member of The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Without OPEC's limitations, crude oil production averages 1,1 million barrels per day, the number expected to maintain at least until 2027. |
"Our team of experts specialises in tailored services and a holistic approach to project logistics, which our customers require," explains Cyril Bourguignon, National Manager at Kuehne+Nagel Angola.
Tailored services often include unconventional approach, and so Kuehne+Nagel offers administrative support for the embarkation and disembarkation of vessel and rig personnel – a task that requires around the clock care and high-level organisation, as numbers reach around 6,000 personnel per month. But that's not all. Thousands of healthy lunches are supplied to the personnel during the port operations to avoid delays and disruptions and provide an efficient movement of people and goods.
Unlocked potential
A highly skilled team of professionals operates from six locations: Soyo, Lobito, Namibe, Cabinda, St. Clara, and headquarters in Luanda.
"Angola is the second largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in both total area and population and has a rich trade history. Our team works tirelessly to provide best-in-class services and contribute to the country's development," adds Cyril Bourguignon.
Ever since Kuehne+Nagel started its operations in the country, the company has been dedicated to handling healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, and humanitarian aid to those in need.
Recently, the company provided complex logistics solutions for transporting building materials and medical equipment to support the construction of two hospitals in Luanda, the Hospital Geral de Viana and the Hospital Geral de Cacuaco. Once fully operational, each hospital will have operating rooms, inpatient wards, diagnostics centers, emergency services, and specialised clinics with over 350 beds each.
Every year, the team participates in beach cleaning activity, often in partnership with the largest customers, to spread environmental protection awareness and save Angola's pristine coastline for future generations.
The future
Developing infrastructure and easing regulations and laws aligned with international business standards facilitate intra-Angola and global trade. Last year, Angola opened the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), which will, when completed, serve 15 million passengers and handle up to 440,000 tons of cargo annually. It also introduced visa-free entry for nationals from over 97 countries, opening its doors to mass tourism.
Agriculture could be the next go-to industry thanks to fertile soil, a mild climate with alternating rainy and dry seasons, and considerable water resources.
"The non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, are not just in our focus area; they are the future of Angola's economy. It is especially exciting when considering the global network and expertise of Kuehne+Nagel," concludes Cyril Bourguignon.
With over 81,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world's leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is listed in the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI. The Group is the global number one in air and sea logistics and has strong market positions in road and contract logistics.
Kuehne+Nagel is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers worldwide. Using its global network, logistics expertise and data-based insights, the Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries. As a member of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Kuehne+Nagel is committed to sustainable logistics by reducing its own environmental footprint and by supporting its customers with low-carbon logistics solutions.