Luanda, Aug. 28, 2026 (Lusa) - Angola has earned $179.6 million (€154.9 million) from the export of a cumulative volume of 601,300 cubic metres of ornamental stone over the past four years, the government announced on Friday.
According to figures provided by the secretary of state for Oil and Gas, José Barroso, at the opening of the review of achievements in the production, marketing and export of ornamental stone, the main destinations for exports between 2021 and 2025 were China, Spain and Italy, which together accounted for 89.16% of the total value exported.
«These results demonstrate the sub-sector's capacity to generate foreign exchange, boost business activity and contribute to the State's tax revenue, whilst simultaneously reinforcing its role in the diversification of our exports,» he said.
Barroso emphasised that the same momentum continued in the first half of 2026, a period in which 139,480 cubic metres were exported, corresponding to approximately $21.26 million (€18.3 million).
He highlighted that the performance recorded in recent years demonstrates a consistent growth trajectory for the sub-sector, emphasising that the production levels achieved, particularly from 2023 onwards, show a trend that has significantly exceeded the projections initially set for 2027.
He emphasised that 438,790 cubic metres of ornamental stone were produced between 2023 and 2024, «results that reflect the dynamism of the sector and the effort and commitment of operators in expanding production and harnessing existing potential».
«In light of this development, the challenge now is to ensure that growth in production and exports is accompanied by gains in productivity, quality and added value,» he emphasised.
«To achieve this objective, it will be necessary to continue promoting local processing and value-adding, modernise production processes, raise quality and certification standards, enhance workforce skills, and expand the presence of Angolan companies in international value chains,» he added.
He noted that, with this in mind, the Ornamental Stone Development Hub is currently being implemented in Namibe province, a major initiative aimed at creating better conditions for the integrated development of this sub-sector.
NME/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
