Speaking to Lusa, Ceia highlighted this growth as a “clear sign” of strengthening economic relations between the two countries. The AEP added that Angola is an important market for Portugal not only because of its size, but also due to mutual trust.

He made his remarks from the 40th edition of the Angola International Fair (Filda), which began on Tuesday and runs until Sunday in the province of Icolo e Bengo, where Portugal is represented by 15 companies from sectors such as metalworking, food products, and construction.

“At the moment, we still have rough figures, but there is a trend towards growth and even investment by Angola in Portugal, which is significant, even during economically challenging periods”, Ceia stated.

This year marks the 13th consecutive participation by the AEP at Filda, reinforcing Portugal’s long-term commitment to the Angolan market. “We’ve been supporting Portuguese companies in Angola for many years, across a wide range of sectors and from north to south of the country”, he continued.

The main objective for these businesses at the fair is to expand their network of suppliers and clients, ultimately resulting in more investment and wealth creation for both countries. While the number of Portuguese companies that attended this year is similar to the previous edition, Ceia acknowledged that overall participation has decreased compared to earlier years, which he sees as a natural evolution, with many firms establishing their own presence independently in Angola.

“Many of the companies that once came under the Portuguese pavilion, sharing the space we created, are now strong enough to exhibit on their own with other products”, he explained. “That’s the kind of development we aim to foster, hoping that those who are with us will be able to attend individually in future years.”

Paulo de Oliveira, executive director of the Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), also spoke at the event which marks the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence, thanking the participating Portuguese companies for their continued engagement.

He emphasised that Tuesday was Portugal Day at Filda, intending to convey the support that AICEP and Angolan authorities provide to Portuguese companies operating in the country. “We are aware that there are major challenges and high operational costs”, he said. “Angola is not for amateurs; it is for resilient people, committed entrepreneurs.”

Despite those factors, Oliveira believes that Angola remains a promising destination for Portuguese companies. “Portugal has always been, and will continue to be, a reliable partner of Angola, including the sectors of health, insurance, agri-food, industry and services”, he further clarified.

Among the participating companies is Ventisec, an agro-industrial firm with a presence in Angola since 2018. According to its manager, José Botelho, the goal is to identify new customers by presenting its products, such as grain dryers, cleaners, rice huskers, among others. “We’re in the market, ready for the challenges and invitations to participate”, he stated. “We believe in this business and in this country, where there’s still so much potential.”

Lacto Serra, which has been exporting to Angola for four years, is participating in Filda to consolidate business with current customers and seek new ones, said Miguel Espírito Santo, commercial director. “We’re growing, and our investment in the Angolan market has definitely played a role in that”, he added. “Every year, we aim to improve, and 2025 is no exception.”

Susana da Silva, administrator of Portugal’s leading arms manufacturer Cacicambra, confirmed the company’s return to Filda after a brief hiatus, noting that exports to Angola remain modest, but there have been consistent partnerships for over two decades.

She concluded, pointing to a significant shift in Angola’s private security sector, as companies move away from military grade weapons in favour of defence-oriented arms, which represents an opportunity for Cacicambra.