The Minister of State for Economic Coordination highlighted the importance of the new structure in enabling transactions, particularly with the Democratic Republic of Congo, to take place with greater security for economic operators and enhanced control capacity for the authorities of both countries, while also ensuring dignity for citizens involved in cross-border processes. The investment was presented as justified by these outcomes.
The Minister further described the infrastructure as a modern structure intended to be replicated at other border posts to support the continued development of trade between Angola and neighbouring countries within a framework of regulated coexistence and in alignment with continental free trade objectives.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Vera Daves de Sousa, underlined the economic and institutional significance of the project, stating that it represents a concrete step in how the State organises, protects and promotes its borders. The initiative was positioned as reinforcing national sovereignty while facilitating formal trade, viewed as complementary dimensions of economic development.
According to the Minister of Finance, the new infrastructure is intended to improve the organisation of border flows, strengthen security mechanisms, increase procedural transparency and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens and the private sector.
The Luvo Border Post has been structured as an integrated state service centre in response to high daily activity in the region. It reflects the post’s role in formal small- and large-scale trade, the movement of citizens, the flow of essential goods and national production, public revenue collection and cooperation with the Democratic Republic of Congo, factors cited as justifying its modernisation.
The Minister emphasised that the project’s value lies in its operational model based on Coordinated Border Management. This approach promotes joint institutional action, information and technology sharing, harmonised procedures, integrated staff training and the elimination of administrative redundancies. The model is expected to improve service speed and predictability for the private sector, strengthen efforts to combat smuggling and support more efficient use of public resources.
In the medium term, the Executive intends to progress towards more integrated solutions, including the development of One-Stop Border Posts in coordination with the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Governor of Zaire Province, Adriano Mendes de Carvalho, highlighted the anticipated impact of the infrastructure on local economic and social development, noting its role in supporting cross-border trade, improving revenue collection and creating new opportunities for communities.
The Governor stated that legally processed goods would contribute to increased state revenue and support employment capacity in sectors such as education, health, energy, water and transport infrastructure. For economic operators, the new structure is expected to provide greater predictability, reduced waiting times, simplified procedures and improved transparency, contributing to a more organised and secure environment that supports investment and institutional confidence.
Luvo is positioned as a strategic commercial link between Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforcing historical ties and supporting regional development.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ministers and members of the Executive, Ambassadors from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, members of the Congolese delegation, representatives of institutions forming part of the Coordinated Border Management Committee, and representatives of the private sector and civil society.
