The Angola Sustainable Freight Transport Assessment by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) comprehensively analyses Angola’s freight transport sector, focusing on its economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The assessment aims to evaluate the sustainability of Angola’s freight transport sector, identifying areas for improvement and providing policy recommendations. The report combines quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys and interviews with public institutions, companies, and business associations.

• Overview: Angola’s economy is primarily oil-driven, but the agribusiness sector is growing. Challenges in transporting agriproducts hinder sector development.
• Agribusiness Sector: The sector faces issues with food demand, food security, and the transportation of agricultural products. Improving these aspects is crucial for sustainable freight transport.

Transport Sector Profile

• Angola’s transport infrastructure includes maritime, road, rail, and air transport. Key transport corridors like Lobito, Malanje, and Namibe play significant roles.
• The report highlights Angola’s transport-related national policies, climate change strategies, and trade facilitation and digitalization efforts.

Policy Recommendations

• Recommendations include investments in road rehabilitation, rail infrastructure, and port facilities.
• Emphasis on digitalization, automation, and green technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
• Suggestions for improving market openness, competition, and regulation.
• Training programs for truck drivers, women, the informal sector, farmers, and government agencies to enhance sustainability awareness.

Key Findings and Recommendations

1. Transport Infrastructure Development:
   • Improve road conditions to reduce transport costs and times.
   • Enhance rail networks to increase efficiency and reduce reliance on road transport.
   • Upgrade port infrastructure to improve cargo handling and reduce congestion.
2. Digitalization and Technology:
   • Implement automation technologies to streamline customs procedures and reduce transit times.
   • Promote digital platforms for logistics management and tracking.
   • Encourage the use of green technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Market Openness and Competition:
   • Align regulations with regional and international standards to enhance market openness.
   • Encourage informal operators to formalize their activities to improve market efficiency.
4. Capacity Building and Awareness:
   • Develop training programs for various stakeholders to enhance skills and awareness about sustainable freight transport practices.
   • Promote gender equality in the transport sector by increasing female participation.
5. Data and Monitoring:
   • Improve data collection systems to monitor transport performance and sustainability indicators.
   • Enhance information sharing among stakeholders to facilitate better decision-making.

Conclusion

The report concludes by emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to implement these recommendations, ensuring that Angola’s freight transport sector contributes to sustainable economic growth while addressing social and environmental challenges.

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