AGP Executive Report

Streaming & Pop Culture: Prime Video confirmed The Grand Tour returns on September 4 with a new trio—James Engelsman, Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois—promising six episodes that include a run across the Angolan desert, plus stops in Malaysia and California. Diplomacy & Food Security: President João Lourenço asked Uganda’s support for Josefa Sacko’s FAO candidacy, with Museveni stressing African solidarity and backing Angola’s bid. Arts & Culture Diplomacy: Lourenço also congratulated France’s Emmanuel Macron and the French public on National Day, highlighting France’s role in science, arts and culture and pledging deeper cooperation. Local Culture Spotlight: Cunene marked its 56th anniversary with the “Fest Show” in Ondjiva, featuring performances by Angolan artists including Gerilson Insrael and local acts. Music as Resistance: A new compilation project, “Kotelemela Bolingo” (“Resistance and Love”), spotlights revolutionary legacies through a free music release dedicated to Assata Shakur and Pauline Lumumba.

Kizomba in Luanda: Angola’s Kizomba festival drew artists and dancers to push the genre toward UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, with a spotlight on preserving and passing the dance and music to new generations. Cunene’s 56th anniversary show: “Fest Show” in Ondjiva celebrated Cunene province’s 1970 separation, filling the square with performances from Luanda and local acts, including Gerilson Insrael. Resistance through music: “Kotelemela Bolinga” frames culture as a weapon, offering a free pan-global soundtrack dedicated to Assata Shakur and Pauline Lumumba, blending established and emerging voices. Pan-African film history: A film festival at the Barbican uses documentary footage and features to revisit pan-Africanism’s complex legacy, from colonial violence to liberation memory. Humanitarian call: A Namibia-Angola children crisis op-ed urges both countries to treat street children as a child-protection and governance issue, not just immigration. Sports with Angola links: Angola’s presence shows up in regional football and broader African sport coverage, while sailing sustainability news highlights how Olympic gear is being assessed for environmental impact.

Cunene Culture: Cunene marked its 56th anniversary in Ondjiva with the “Fest Show,” filling the sovereigns’ square with performances by artists including Gerilson Insrael, Eudreezy, Delma Silva and local comedians, under the theme “living culture and continuous development.” Luanda Music & Heritage: Angola’s Kizomba festival in Luanda celebrated the dance and music style as part of its push for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, with artists and dancers spotlighting Kizomba’s role in Portuguese-speaking cultural ties. Angolan Music Scene: Oskido and Congolese-Angolan vocalist Salima Chica released “Tiki Tiki 2.0,” an Afro House reimagining aimed at clubs and festivals, blending Central and Southern African influences. Women, Peace & Rights: Angola urged stronger international action against sexual violence in conflict zones at a UN Security Council debate, while the AU’s Luanda Declaration called for faster ratification of protections for women and girls and stronger prevention and accountability. Sports Spotlight: Angola’s cultural and sporting energy also echoed in regional events, from Cunene’s celebrations to table tennis momentum across Southern Africa.

Kizomba Culture Push: Luanda hosted a Kizomba festival celebrating Angola’s musical identity and backing the genre’s UNESCO bid, with artists and dancers spotlighting how the dance keeps Portuguese-speaking ties strong. Public Media Upgrade: Angola’s National Radio launched a new digital transmission system in Luanda, aiming for wider coverage, stereo broadcasting, and better reception in Bengo and Icolo e Bengo. Electoral Participation Call: Telecommunications minister Mário Oliveira urged Angolans to complete electoral registration and proof-of-life ahead of the 2027 vote, stressing it’s a civic duty. UN Rights Advocacy: Angola appealed at the UN Security Council for stronger international action against sexual violence in conflict zones, calling for survivor-centered support, accountability, funding, and prevention in peace processes. Angolan Music Crossovers: Oskido teamed up with Congolese-Angolan vocalist Salima Chica on “Tiki Tiki 2.0,” an Afro House track built for clubs and festivals. Sports & Community: Angola’s Thomases closed out a Shrine Bowl run in Indiana, with a father-son coaching moment at the Murat Shrine Bowl all-star game.

Kizomba Spotlight: Luanda’s Kizomba Festival brought Angolan artists and dancers together to push the genre’s UNESCO bid, celebrating its role in cultural identity and ties across Portuguese-speaking communities. Music Crossover: Oskido teamed up with Congolese-Angolan vocalist Salima Chica on “Tiki Tiki 2.0,” an Afro House rework aimed at global dancefloors. Public Media Upgrade: Angola’s National Radio launched a new digital transmission system to boost Luanda coverage to about 99% and improve reception in Bengo areas, with stereo broadcasting. Women, Peace & Rights: Angola urged stronger action against sexual violence in conflict zones at the UN, while the Luanda Women’s Forum backed the Luanda Declaration calling for AU members to ratify the violence convention and speed up implementation. Sports & Sustainability: World Sailing is assessing the life cycle impact of Olympic sailing equipment for the first time, aiming to cut environmental harm. Civic Reminder: Angola’s telecom minister urged citizens to complete electoral registration and proof-of-life ahead of 2027 elections.

Afro House Spotlight: Oskido teams up with Congolese-Angolan vocalist Salima Chica for “Tiki Tiki 2.0,” a dancefloor-ready reimagining rooted in African rhythms and set for an upcoming EP. Women’s Rights & Peace: Angola urged stronger UN action against sexual violence in conflict zones, while the AU-backed Luanda process pushed for ratifying the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and accelerating “4 Ps” prevention, protection, prosecution and policy. Public Media Upgrade: Angola’s National Radio launched a new digital transmission system to boost coverage in Luanda and improve reception in Bengo areas, with plans to modernize other public media. Luanda Diplomacy: Angola’s foreign policy chief highlighted Angola’s growing regional and global projection, and the country also called citizens to register for electoral processes ahead of 2027. International Finance Watch: China is pressing African states to shift debt repayments from the US dollar to the yuan, using Kenya’s restructuring as a signal. Sports & Talent: Angola’s football ecosystem gets a boost as grassroots school competitions and national radio coverage underline growing attention to youth sport and local discovery.

Diplomacy & International Presence: Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António tells Fortune Angola is pushing peace, economic diplomacy, ESG priorities, climate action, and stronger institutional transparency to expand influence in key multilateral forums. Civic Participation: Telecommunications Minister Mário Oliveira urges Angolans to complete electoral registration and proof-of-life at BUAP centres—often in minutes—so they can vote in 2027. Women’s Rights Push: The AU’s Liberata Mulamula and Angola’s State Minister Maria do Rosário Bragança back faster implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, with the Luanda Declaration calling for AU member states to ratify the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Media Modernisation: Angola’s National Radio launches a new digital, stereo transmission system, boosting coverage in Luanda and improving reception in Bengo and Icolo e Bengo. Tourism & Safety: A new travel spotlight links Angola’s mine-clearing progress to unlocking safari-style destinations, especially in once-dangerous areas. Telecom Finance: Angola plans to raise $320m by selling 15% of Unitel shares by July 24 to replenish the budget and attract investors.

Radio Modernization in Luanda: Angola’s National Radio (RNA) has launched a new digital transmission system at the Luanda-South Transmission Center, boosting coverage to about 99% in Luanda province and improving reception in Bengo and Icolo e Bengo, with stereo broadcasting replacing the old analog setup. Arts & Media Industry: A Luanda lecture on “Luso-African Cinema” highlighted that Angola’s film growth is held back by limited funding and scarce technical teaching resources, while calling for more local screening rooms and stronger partnerships. Film Sector Push: The same discussion urged investment in technology and authentic storytelling to keep Angola’s cinema driving social change. Sports Development: Angola’s national men’s roller hockey team has been called up for a Catalonia tournament in Spain (Sept. 16–20) ahead of the World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay, and Youth and Sports Minister Rui Falcão pledged government support. Local Talent Spotlight: Angola’s presence in regional football culture also shows up through school sports coverage, with Government College, Eric Moore, winning the FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji secondary schools competition in Lagos and earning a spot in the next zonal phase. Telecom Deal: Angola plans to raise $320 million by selling a 15% stake in Unitel, aiming to replenish the budget and attract investors.

Angolan Film Industry: A Luanda lecture on “Luso-African Cinema” put funding and scarce technical teaching resources at the center of Angola’s film-growth challenges, with calls for more local screening spaces and stronger partnerships. Angolan Arts Win Abroad: Visual artist Márcia Dias won a Gold Medal and an International Career Tribute Trophy at “Arte Brasil 2026” in Japan, creating a fast painting inspired by Angola’s savanna and baobab symbolism. Sports—Roller Hockey: Angola’s senior men’s roller hockey team was called up for a Catalonia tournament in Spain ahead of the World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay, and the Youth and Sports minister pledged government support. Telecom Deal: Angola plans to raise $320m by selling a 15% stake in Unitel, aiming to replenish the budget and attract investors. Diplomacy & Rights: Angola’s vice-president met an AU delegation urging ratification of the African Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Local Culture: Angola by the Bay will host its 51st annual craft show July 18, bringing together about 130 artisans.

Angolan Arts & Culture: Luanda’s film educators say Angola’s cinema growth is held back by weak funding and a shortage of technical teaching resources, calling for more training, better tech, and wider film screening access beyond big cities. Arts Recognition: Visual artist Márcia Dias won a Gold Medal and an International Career Tribute Trophy at “Arte Brasil 2026” in Japan, creating a fast painting inspired by Angola’s savanna and baobab symbolism. Sports & Youth: Angola named its senior men’s roller hockey squad for a Spain tournament ahead of the World Skate Games 2026, while the Youth and Sports minister pledged support to help the team compete. Film Industry Policy: A lecture on “Luso-African Cinema” in Luanda also highlighted the need for stronger international partnerships and festivals to boost domestic production. Business & Media: The Angolan government plans to sell a 15% stake in telecom operator Unitel for $320 million, a move that could shape connectivity for creators and audiences.

Film & Media: Angola’s film industry faces a familiar bottleneck: limited funding and a shortage of technical teaching resources at production schools, even as educators push for more local screening rooms and stronger training to grow domestic cinema. Arts & Recognition: Luanda visual artist Márcia Dias wins gold at Japan’s “Arte Brasil 2026,” earning both a Gold Medal and an International Career Tribute Trophy for a fast, sun-and-savanna-inspired work rooted in Angolan cultural symbols. Sports (Roller Hockey): Angola’s senior men’s roller hockey team is called up for a Catalonia tournament in Spain ahead of the World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay, with the Youth and Sports minister pledging support for a strong showing. Youth & Community (Church Arts): Angola’s Catholic leadership urges parishes to use school holidays for youth formation through drama, music lessons, camps, reading, creative writing, and social service—turning faith spaces into creative hubs. Business (Telecom): The Angolan government plans to sell a 15% stake in Unitel for $320 million, a move aimed at boosting public finances and attracting investors.

Film Industry Push: Luanda’s film educators say Angola’s cinema growth is held back by weak funding and scarce technical resources, urging more local screening rooms and stronger tech, training, and festival partnerships. Sports & Youth: Angola’s national roller hockey team has been called up for a Catalonia tournament in Spain ahead of the World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay, with the Youth and Sports minister pledging support for logistics and competition readiness. Arts Spotlight: Angolan visual artist Márcia Dias won a Gold Medal and an International Career Tribute Trophy at “Arte Brasil 2026” in Japan, praised for a rapid painting inspired by Angola’s savanna and baobab symbolism. Government & Telecom: Angola plans to raise $320m by selling a 15% stake in Unitel, aiming to refresh public finances and draw investors. Catholic Youth Formation: Angola’s Catholic leadership urged parishes to use school holidays for drama, music lessons, camps, reading, creative writing, and social service to keep young people engaged.

Luanda Art Win: Visual artist Márcia Dias brought home a Gold Medal and an International Career Tribute Trophy at “Arte Brasil 2026” in Japan, creating a fast, sun-and-savanna-inspired painting featuring the baobab as the jury weighed creativity, technique, speed, and overall quality. Luanda Diplomacy: Angola and the Republic of the Congo met in Luanda to map fresh cooperation, with talks touching regional peace and security and a proposed Angola–Congo Economic Forum to boost trade and investment. Angolan Sports Hosting: The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation says Angola is ready to host the IMMAF World Championship “Dipanda 2026” in Luanda, citing progress on logistics, venues, and accommodation. Luanda Music & Culture: Lucapa’s “Caldo do Poeira” drew crowds for Angolan semba hits by Robertinho and Legalize, alongside local tributes and performances tied to Lunda-Norte’s 48th anniversary. Child Protection Through Arts: Luanda’s “Elefantito” used music and theatre to push child protection messages, encouraging children to recognize boundaries and speak up safely.

Angolan Art in Japan: Luanda visual artist Márcia Dias won a Gold Medal and the International Career Tribute Trophy at “Arte Brasil 2026” in Kariya City, Japan, for a fast 15-minute painting inspired by Angola’s savanna, African sun and the baobab. Luanda–Brazzaville Diplomacy: Angola and the Republic of the Congo met in Luanda to discuss deeper bilateral cooperation, including a proposed Angola–Congo Economic Forum and shared priorities on peace and security. Terror Trial in Luanda: Angolan prosecutors are seeking 18-year jail terms for two Russian nationals in a high-profile terrorism case, alongside other defendants including Angolan sports journalist Amor Carlos Tome and UNITA youth leader Francisco Oliveira. Angola Hosts MMA Worlds: IMMAF says Angola meets requirements to stage the “IMMAF World Cup – Dipanda 2026” in Luanda (Sept 27–Oct 2), with focus now on logistics and transport. Semba on Stage in Lunda-Norte: “Caldo do Poeira” in Lucapa put singers Robertinho and Legalize in the spotlight, driving crowds with semba performances during Lunda-Norte’s 48th anniversary celebrations. Child Protection Through Music: Luanda’s “Elefantito” at ZAP Cinema used music and theatre to push a child-rights message, urging kids to recognize their boundaries and speak up for safety. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Angola Balloons Aloft returns for a hot-air balloon festival in Angola, Indiana, with paid rides and a weekend lineup despite rain odds.

Luanda Sports Diplomacy: Angola is set to host the IMMAF World Championship (“IMMAF World Cup – Dipanda 2026”) from Sept 27 to Oct 2, after an IMMAF Africa mission found the country meets sports, hotel and logistics standards, with focus now shifting to moving delegations smoothly. Luanda Music & Youth Culture: “Elefantito” returned to ZAP Cinema in Luanda, blending music and theatre to push child-protection messages—encouraging kids to speak up, set boundaries, and see themselves as “superheroes” of their own safety. Lunda-Norte Semba Spotlight: In Lucapa, “Caldo do Poeira” turned up the volume for Lunda-Norte’s 48th anniversary, with Robertinho and Legalize driving the crowd into a semba frenzy alongside the Sagrada Esperança Band. Luanda Health & Skills: Angola plans training for about 38,000 health professionals by 2028, building on World Bank-supported capacity work, as the ministry rolls out a health-communication push to strengthen trust and service quality. Luanda International Relations: Angola’s Foreign Minister Téte António met UN chief António Guterres in Geneva to review cooperation ahead of the UN General Assembly, with AI, sustainable development, and peace-security priorities on the agenda.

Jail Security Upgrade: Steuben County Sheriff R.J. Robinson is pushing to buy a $159,900 full-body scanner to stop drugs and weapons from being smuggled into jail, after multiple contraband cases involving hidden items in body orifices. Hot Air Festival Buzz: Angola Balloons Aloft is set to lift off Friday–Sunday with 37 balloons, including six special shapes, plus a return of paid rides over the Angola area (weather permitting). Reparatory Justice Spotlight: A new global push for reparatory justice is putting gender-based violence at the center, following a Ghana-hosted conference tied to the UN’s transatlantic slave trade resolution. Film & Music Culture: “FOSTA,” a documentary on Langa musician Thulani ‘Fosta’ Headman’s rise from prison to electronic music, will premiere at DIFF on 24 July. Child Protection Through Arts: Luanda’s “Elefantito” musical event used music, theatre, and interaction to promote children’s rights and self-protection. Sports Diplomacy: IMMAF says Angola is ready to host the “IMMAF World Cup – Dipanda 2026” in Luanda (Sept 27–Oct 2).