Minister: Angola facing massive challenges from chaotic urbanization amid population boom

Angola is experiencing a period of intense and often uncontrolled urbanization, driven by rapid population growth and large-scale internal displacement, Angola's Minister of Public Works, Urban Planning, and Housing, Carlos Alberto Gregório Dos Santos, said at a ministerial roundtable during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) taking place in Baku, Report informs.

According to the minister, Angola's population currently stands at over 36 million, with the vast majority living in large urban agglomerations and suburban areas.

"Such growth rates have placed enormous strain on housing, transportation infrastructure, water drainage, sewerage systems, and basic social services. In response to these challenges, the government is fundamentally revising its territorial development strategy," he said.

As Santos noted, Angola's urban development policy goes beyond simply expanding the physical boundaries of populated areas. Urban planning now assumes a strategic role in minimizing climate threats, protecting the environment, ensuring social inclusion, and strengthening urban resilience.

"To overcome the housing shortage, Angola is implementing a set of government programs covering 12 priority areas. Sustainable cities are impossible without a strong infrastructure base and adequate financial support. I call on international partners to deepen multilateral cooperation, emphasizing that well-designed urbanization can become an effective tool for economic recovery and climate adaptation both for Angola and the entire African continent," the minister stated.