Press release

UKEF supports new Angolan power infrastructure and development of sustainable food supply

UK government backs projects to improve living conditions and promote economic growth in Angola.

• From: UK Export Finance and The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss
• Published: 27 September 2019

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

• £83 million worth of government support announced for Glasgow-based IQA Group to install new electricity infrastructure in Northern Angola
• £60 million worth of support will enable an agricultural project delivered by Cambridge based Incatuk, contributing to reducing Angola’s $1.5 billion annual spend on food imports
• The projects are part of the Angolan government’s efforts to improve electricity supply and diversify economy

The UK government has provided £140 million to support development projects that will provide 7,000 homes with electricity and boost sustainable food supplies in Angola.

International Trade Secretary Rt Hon. Liz Truss MP said:

Secure power and sustainable food supplies will play an integral role in the future economic growth of Angola. I am delighted that UK expertise, supported by UK Export Finance, is playing such a direct and important role in accelerating this country’s development and ultimately improving the lives of its citizens.

Helping businesses seize trading opportunities that lie ahead is one of my key priorities. In its centenary year, UKEF continues to enable companies from across the UK like IQA and Incatuk expand their global reach by helping them succeed abroad. That’s why UKEF is at the heart of my plan to get businesses ready to trade as we leave the EU.

HM Ambassador to Angola, Jessica Hand, said:

Both of these projects will play a key role in Angola’s drive towards economic diversification. It is excellent to see UK exporter involvement in such important initiatives and particularly pleasing that they will enhance living conditions and stimulate the local economies of those living outside the capital, Luanda. I am delighted that, with support from UKEF and my team at the British Embassy Luanda, the UK is continuing to play a crucial role in Angola’s economic and social development.

Support from UKEF worth £82.6 million will connect around 7,000 homes to electricity through a project by the IQA Group. The company will upgrade sub-stations and build five new transmission lines in the Kwanza Norte Province of the country.

Antonio Henarejos, Managing Director, IQA Group, said:

This is second IQA contract in Angola supported by UKEF and their support is critical to our ambitious plans for international growth. We’re delighted to be delivering this project, which will improve power provision in Angola and support Scottish jobs.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) will also provide support worth £60 million for an agricultural project delivered by Incatuk, reducing Angola’s $1.5 billion annual spend on food imports. This project will include a range of activities including providing power distribution lines, training farmers, improving roads and rehabilitating farms neglected during the civil war.

José María Arribas, Director of INCATUK Ltd said

This project will not only contribute to the development of the cattle livestock sector and its value chain, but will also help to improve the rural development of the Camambatela Planalto region, by providing infrastructures that will benefit all the population. UKEF’s support has been crucial for turning this project into a reality.

Background

1. UK Export Finance is the UK’s export credit agency. It exists to ensure that no viable UK export should fail for want of finance or insurance from the private market. It provides finance and insurance to help exporters win, fulfil and ensure they get paid for export contracts.

2. Sectors in which UKEF has supported exports include: aerospace, construction, oil and gas, mining and metals, petrochemicals, telecommunications, and transport.

3. UKEF has a regional network of export finance managers supporting export businesses.

4. Find the latest information on UKEF’s country cover positions

5. UKEF supports exporters with a range of products that include:

   • Bond insurance policy
   • Bond support scheme
   • Buyer & supplier credit financing facility
   • Direct lending facility
   • Export insurance policy
   • Export refinancing facility
   • Export working capital scheme
   • Letter of credit guarantee scheme

Media enquiries: Andy Aston, Head of News and Corporate Communications

Email Andy.Aston@ukexportfinance.gov.uk

Mobile +44 (0)7458 047053

Published 27 September 2019