The initiative, developed by Opaia, a diversified business group in Angola, marks a pivotal advance in the country’s efforts to build a competitive automotive industry and reduce reliance on imports.

The official unveiling took place on 20 January 2026 at the company’s newly completed facility in Luanda’s Zona Económica Especial (ZEE). The plant, equipped with cutting-edge technology, has the capacity to assemble 22 000 light vehicles and 1 000 buses annually, positioning Angola to become an emerging manufacturer within the African mobility landscape.

The ceremony drew the attendance of senior government leaders, including José de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination; Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, Minister of Transport; and Auzílio Jacob, Governor of Icolo e Bengo Province. Members of the National Assembly, foreign diplomats, and key international partners, among them Volvo, Chery, DONGYANG and Afreximbank, also took part, reflecting the strategic significance of the project at both national and international levels.

As the country’s only operational vehicle assembly plant, Opaia Motors represents a breakthrough for Angola’s industrial policy. The facility aims not only to supply domestic markets with affordable, fit‑for‑purpose vehicles but also to create new export potential within the region.

The company already employs over 1 500 young Angolans, with plans to more than double this figure to 3 500 direct jobs. Central to its approach is a strong emphasis on vocational training and workforce development, intended to equip employees with the technical and professional skills required for long-term industrial growth.

The project is expected to deepen local value chains by fostering a domestic ecosystem of automotive suppliers and reducing dependency on imported components. Technology transfer from international manufacturing partners forms a key pillar of the initiative, supporting Angola’s broader strategy of accelerating industrialisation through knowledge and capability building.

Sustainability has also been integrated into the company’s long-term vision. Opaia Motors is engineering its vehicles to meet the realities of Angola’s existing infrastructure, focusing on durability, lower maintenance requirements and reduced total cost of ownership. The company is additionally preparing for the future of green mobility, with aspirations to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) to both local and regional markets as they become increasingly viable.

Reflecting on the launch, Agostinho Kapaia, Chairman and CEO of Opaia Group, described the moment as a landmark achievement for the organisation and for Angola. He highlighted the Group’s commitment to providing accessible transport solutions for families and businesses, while contributing meaningfully to job creation, industrial competence and sustainable economic development.

Agostinho added that Opaia Motors strengthens the Group’s established presence across construction, fertiliser production, mining and finance, demonstrating its capacity to deliver complex and transformative industrial projects.