Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo launched the KUMA Project in Cabinda this week. Spearheaded by the country’s national oil company Sonangol and emerging markets asset manager Gemcorp, the project will provide specialized training for over 5,000 people. The project aims to support operations at the Cabinda Oil Refinery – the country’s second refining facility, set to become operational in September 2025.
As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends the Angolan government for its commitment to skills development and workforce training across the country’s oil and gas sector. Representing a strategic infrastructure project, the Cabinda Refinery will play an instrumental role in enhancing Angola’s fuel security by increasing access to domestic petroleum products. As the refinery prepares to start production, initiatives such as KUMA will not only support operations but ensure that Angolan people are at the forefront of major developments in Angola.
The KUMA Project will offer certified training courses for a variety of disciplines, including mechanics, electrical engineering, welding, plumbing, information technology and more. Courses will take place across several fixed and mobile training centers, enabling flexibility according to the demands of the market. These centers will benefit from full logistical support and will prioritize the participation of youth, women and people with disabilities. This way, the program seeks to reduce unemployment across the country while advancing skills development. Each trainee will receive a monthly allowance of Kz 100,000 during the training period. They will also be granted priority for jobs and services related to the Cabinda Refinery.
Aligned with the demands of the Cabinda Refinery, these courses will equip the next generation of Angolan workers with the tools they need to drive successful operations at the refinery – as well as other strategic projects across the Angolan oil and gas sector. While the first phase of the Cabinda Refinery will feature a capacity of 30,000 barrels per day (bpd), a planned second phase will double output to 60,000 bpd, highlighting a fundamental opportunity for workers, innovators and technicians alike. With the KUMA Project, the Angolan government strives to enhance human capital development while enabling greater participation by Angolans in the evolving oil and gas sector.
The project comes at a pivotal time for the country, as it makes significant strides towards increasing oil and gas production. Major projects in 2025 are expected to boost Angolan oil production, enabling upcoming developments such as the Cabinda Refinery to reduce refined imports and increase security of supply. This year alone, Angola witnessed several major projects come online. These include the Begonia field development in Block 17/06, producing 30,000 bpd; the CLOV Phase 3 Development in Block 17, producing 30,000 bpd; and the Agogo FPSO in Block 15/06, with a capacity of 120,000 bpd. These developments coincide with an accelerated push to prioritize local consumption, with the government committing to stimulating industrialization and broader economic development.
The KUMA Project ensures that the Angolan workforce is prepared to drive this growth. According to Minister Azevedo, the project is a firm step towards a more inclusive Angola, preparing the workforce for the opportunity and challenges that lie ahead. The chamber supports this notion and believe that the KUMA Project is a fundamental step towards empowering local entrepreneurs, youth and women.
“Angola’s KUMA Project is a strong example of how forward-thinking and planning will drive successful oil and gas projects in the country. The Cabinda Refinery – as the second refining facility in the country – is a strategic investment, poised to bring significant benefits for the local population, Through the KUMA Project, Angola is positioning its workforce at the center of its project portfolio. This is a model that should be replicated continent-wide,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
