The 39th edition of the Luanda International Fair (FILDA) (www.FILDA-Angola.co.ao), held from July 23 to 28 in the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone, concluded yesterday with remarkable success, highlighting the participation of 1,771 companies and a significant focus on “Food Security and International Partnerships.”

Angola’s largest business fair was attended by the Vice-President of the Republic, Esperança da Costa, the Minister of State for the Social Area, Maria do Rosário Bragança, the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Transport, Ricardo D’Abreu, the Minister of Planning, Victor Hugo Guilherme, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Minguês, the Minister of Finance, Vera Daves de Sousa, João Baptista Borges, Minister of Energy and Water, the Governor of Luanda, Manuel Homem, among various international delegations, ambassadors, and diplomats, reinforcing international partnerships and Angola’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development.

During the opening ceremony, the Minister of State for the Social Area, Maria do Rosário Bragança, representing the President of the Republic, emphasized the importance of FILDA for strengthening local value chains and promoting economic diversification through international partnerships.

According to the event organizer, Bruno Albernaz, CEO of Grupo Arena, this edition of FILDA decided to honor the Lunda-Cokwe culture, recognizing its crucial role in the development of the artisanal industry and the generation of family incomes. The event recorded over 80,000 visitors and attracted more than 1,771 companies from various sectors and countries, consolidating Angola’s position as an attractive center for international business.

International Participation

Italy: With direct support from the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Italy marked its presence with thirteen companies from sectors such as food, agriculture, oil and gas, industry, equipment, construction, and restoration, standing out for the robustness of their participation. Trade exchanges between the two countries exceeded 840 million euros in the first half of 2024, reflecting Italian investors’ confidence in the Angolan market.
Brazil: Brazil confirmed its position as a strategic partner with the presence of 16 companies in various sectors such as beverages, health, logistics, livestock, civil construction, and security, strengthening the solid relations between Angola and Brazil. With direct support from the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Brazilian companies continue to seek opportunities to establish and expand business contacts and market positioning.
Canada: Canada communicated its intention to expand its presence in Angola through substantial investments, specifically US$6 billion in the mining sector, demonstrating its commitment to the growth and stability of the Angolan market and seeking new strategic partnerships.
Portugal: The visit of the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, was a significant moment. With 22 participating companies, Montenegro participated in the Angola-Portugal/2024 Economic Forum, addressing topics such as the agro-industrial sector in Angola, challenges and opportunities, and the importance of logistics chains and certification. Portuguese companies were represented with direct support from the Portuguese Business Association (AEP).
United States: The 2nd Business Forum between the United States of America and Angola highlighted the expansion of bilateral relations, especially after the recent meeting between Presidents João Lourenço and Joe Biden. The American ambassador to Angola, Tulinabo Mushingi, graced FILDA with his presence and emphasized the growing importance of bilateral trade and investments as drivers for Angola’s economic development.
China: The China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum, held on the third day, was a key moment, with China reiterating its commitment to the sustainable development of Lusophone countries. Trade relations between Angola and China reached a significant level, with a business volume of US$30 billion last year, underscoring the importance and dimension of this strategic partnership.
Germany: Germany marked its presence with 12 companies from the energy, renewable energy, and industry sectors.
Belarus: Belarus was represented by 6 companies related to the machinery and agriculture sectors.
Indonesia: Indonesia was represented in its first participation with 6 companies from the trade, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industry sectors.
South Korea: Making its debut at FILDA, South Korea was represented by 4 companies from the pharmaceutical industry and machinery sectors.

FILDA 2024 served as a platform for critical discussions on logistics, certification, and financial instruments, fundamental for strengthening food security and promoting the quality of Angolan products. Held in the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone, FILDA reflects Angola’s efforts to improve the business environment through significant political, economic, and social reforms. This year, the fair confirmed itself as a crucial event for establishing Angola on the global trade and investment map, attracting international attention and promoting the country’s economic diversification. The Luanda International Fair (FILDA) is one of the most important business events in Angola, functioning as a platform for national and international companies to showcase their innovations, strengthen their business networks, and promote sustainable economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Luanda International Fair (FILDA).

KONE (www.KONE.eg), a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Loay Dajani as the Managing Director for KONE Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (KMTA). With over 25 years of extensive experience and a proven track record of success, Dajani joins KONE from ABB, a pioneering technology leader in electrification and automation, where he spent 18 years in various leadership roles.

Dajani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to KONE, having held numerous senior positions throughout his career. His leadership is expected to further elevate KONE’s operations and enhance its market presence in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa region.

“We are delighted to welcome Loay Dajani as the new Managing Director for KONE Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Loay is a highly esteemed addition to KONE, and his appointment signals our continued commitment to being the premier partner for our customers in the region,” said Samer Halabi Executive Vice President, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa -KONE Corporation.  “The Middle East, Turkey, and Africa are critically important regions for KONE, and we are confident that under Loay’s leadership, we will continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our customers in these dynamic markets.”

“I am honored to join KONE and lead our efforts in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa,” said Loay Dajani. “Under my leadership, safety remains our utmost priority for our employees, partners, and users. Our aim is clear: we strive to be the number one partner for our customers in every market we operate. This commitment reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional value and service, ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients while upholding the highest safety standards. Moreover, we are committed to advancing sustainability and driving modernization efforts across our solutions, aiming to enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of urban infrastructure.”

Dajani expressed his enthusiasm for his new role stating, “I am energized by the values that define KONE: dedication to exceptional service, collaboration, and a positive mindset. Our focus remains steadfast on serving our customers better, building on our successes, and effectively communicating every step of the way. Together, we’re ready to take experiences to new heights.”

Under Dajani’s leadership, KONE is well-positioned to guide its operations in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa towards continued growth and success. One of Dajani’s primary strategic objectives is to make KONE a great place to work, focusing on attracting top talent and promoting diversity and inclusion within the company.

KONE is confident that Dajani’s appointment will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the company in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. With his strong leadership skills and commitment to excellence, KONE is poised to continue delivering exceptional solutions and services to its customers across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KONE.

About KONE:
At KONE, our mission is to improve the flow of urban life. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization to add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Through more effective People Flow®, we make people’s journeys safe, convenient and reliable, in taller, smarter buildings. In 2022, KONE had annual sales of EUR 10.9 billion, and at the end of the year over 63,000 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. in Finland.