Being an Ambassador in Norway nowadays is challenging as the Arctic is at the mild of various points of interest and the world’s eyes have full attention in the region, particularly when it entails to the sensitive issue of Russia and Ukraine or Greenland.

The struggle for the self-determination of people and the independence of Nations continues to be one of the trick points that we have all to work on. Politics and diplomats should continue to reiterate their solidarity against all forms of political, economic, and social domination and oppression, always seeking to achieve peaceful, fair and lasting solutions that guarantee the fundamental principles of freedom and independence.

Angola, for instance, continues committed to the question of the impact of unilateral coercive measures on Cuba, the reform of the United Nations, the fundamental questions of sustainable development as well as the situation of human rights in the world. My authorities always believe these concerns deserve international attention and multilateral consensus.

It is against this backdrop that in November 2023, the Government of Angola decided to open its Embassy in Oslo appointing me as the first ever resident Ambassador in Norway.

As we have concluded all the paperwork and procedures to finally establish the Embassy in Oslo, the Embassy´s engagement to make the consular services functional once for all is my goal for the next weeks or so.

Around 950 Angolan citizens reside in Norway, many of them Luso Angolans and the opening of consular services to this community is an important mark of the diplomatic vision.

On the other hand, there is still having space for better cooperation between Angola and Norway, particularly in the domain of trade and business. Other than the bilateral legal instruments, it is time to come up with concrete actions and boost the commercial position in our respective balance of payment.

In October 2025, the Embassy carried out a business roundtable with participation of relevant politicians and business and financial managers from both sides with the aim of strengthening public and private investment amongst Angola and Norway, creating herewith a win-win partnership and empowering trade and commercial opportunities.
The materialization of these initiatives would refer to the organization of the main stakeholders in collaboration with the newly established Chamber of commerce and industry Angola-Norway and other reliable institutions aimed at boosting economic and financial cooperation.

I hope that many fields of discussion will be addressed such as food industry, tourism, renewable energy, oil and gas, transport, jewelry, and transport.

As off today, several Norwegian companies are already operating in Angola, but there is interest from other companies as well, which need clear political and legislative confirmation of investment opportunities. It has become obvious that we have a very high level of opportunities for economic cooperation, but a low level of utilization of those opportunities on the ground. Investors should be more audacious and go along with the decision of investing in a country that could increase profits and dividends in an exponential manner.

Angola is a hub for the southern region of Africa integrated by rich nations such as South Africa, DRC, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique and others. The region counts more than 500 million inhabitants with huge potential. Companies that invest in Angola have the benefit of the new foreign investment law that allows tax exemption in many sectors and regions and the possibility to repatriate dividends to origin countries since it respects the tax administration authority. On the other side, an immense public investment in infrastructure have been undertaken by the government to respond to the market needs on water, energy, roads and other facilities aimed at attracting foreign direct investment,

Having said that, I am convinced that the future of Angola remains bright and prosperous. 

By Ambassador Alcino Isata da Conceição.

Oslo, Norway, October 27th, 2025.