SDG 9 || Industry, innovation and infrastructure - By Sofonie Dala, Angola

  Historic Groundbreaking Marks Major Step for Eastern Angola’s Development Last month, on January 27, 2026 , the city of Luena, in Angola’s Moxico Province, witnessed a historic and transformative moment in the country’s railway development. The occasion marked the official contract signing and groundbreaking ceremony for the Luena–Saurimo Railway Branch , an ambitious 260-kilometer extension of the renowned Benguela Railway. A Presidential Promise in Action The project fulfills a commitment made by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, who pledged that the train would one day reach Saurimo. With construction now underway, that promise is becoming a reality. The new railway branch is expected to: Create approximately 2,000 jobs Improve the mobility of people and goods Boost economic activity in Angola’s eastern region Unlock the development potential of Lunda Sul Province , particularly the city of Saurimo This infrastructure expansion is seen as a strategic investment aim...

The Ghost Jet of Angola On the evening of  May 25, 2003 , as the sun dipped below the horizon in Luanda, Angola, an aging  Boeing 727-223 quietly began to move. No clearance. No radio contact. No flight plan. Within minutes, the aircraft—registration  N844AA —rolled onto the runway at  Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport , shut off its transponder, and disappeared into the dark skies over the  Atlantic Ocean . More than two decades later, the question still lingers: Where did the plane go—and what really happened on board? An Aircraft Left in Limbo The Boeing 727 was no ordinary jet. Built in  1975  and once part of the  American Airlines  fleet, it had been sitting idle in Luanda for  14 months , grounded by more than  $4 million in unpaid airport fees . Its passenger seats had been removed, and the aircraft was being prepared for conversion into a  cargo plane . Owned at the time by  Aerospace Sales & Leasing ,...

A Tragédia no Final de Janeiro de 2026 No final de janeiro de 2026, em Alto Pundo, na província de Benguela, Angola, um trágico acidente rodoviário voltou a expor a dura realidade das estradas nacionais. Testemunhas relataram momentos de pânico, chamando imediatamente os bombeiros para socorrer as vítimas. Este episódio não é isolado: diariamente, vidas são ceifadas em acidentes provocados por más condições das vias, falta de sinalização, iluminação precária e veículos em mau estado de conservação. O Contexto dos Sinistros em Angola Infraestruturas degradadas : buracos, ausência de manutenção e estradas não asfaltadas aumentam o risco de acidentes. Falta de fiscalização : veículos circulam sem inspeção técnica adequada. Carência de serviços de emergência : demora no socorro agrava a gravidade dos acidentes. Impacto social : famílias destroçadas, perda de mão de obra ativa e sobrecarga nos hospitais. Aplicação dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) ODS 9 – Indústria, Inovaçã...

  I NEED HELP My techno phone was blocked today when I was repairing it in Congoleses market. Subject: Urgent Complaint – Request for Assistance Regarding Phone Blocking and Cyber Attacks Dear all, My name is  Sofonie Dala , and I am writing to request urgent assistance regarding a serious issue affecting my smartphones. I am currently in  Angola , where I am being targeted by highly dangerous individuals who falsely claim to be police officers. These criminals appear to use mobile network equipment to block phones, leaving the screen dark and inaccessible. Their actions are unauthorized, without consent, and entirely unlawful. The method they use is alarming: They track victims in public places. They sit nearby, intercept the mobile network, and block the device. This allows them to access and steal private information and content. I first experienced this type of attack in the  United Kingdom in 2025 , which leads me to believe that British criminals may also ...

  Angola Launches State-of-the-Art Electronic Passport to Strengthen Security and Digital Governance New biometric travel document aligns the country with international standards and advances SDG 9 on innovation and secure infrastructure The Angolan government has officially unveiled its new  electronic passport , marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation and public service modernisation. The 48-page biometric travel document, equipped with advanced security technologies, is designed to significantly reduce fraud, enhance identity protection and strengthen Angola’s migration management system. The launch ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Angolan Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) office on the Luanda waterfront and was presided over by the Minister of the Interior,  Manuel Homem . The electronic passport is already being issued at this location, with nationwide rollout planned in phases. Source:  https://youtu.be/yyzT3wuZql4 According ...

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.  The Sustainable Development Goal 9 seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. 1. Transport Infrastructure Development What’s happening in Angola: Rehabilitation of  roads and highways  connecting major cities like Luanda, Benguela, Huambo, and Lubango. Modernization of  railways , especially the  Lobito Corridor , which connects the Port of Lobito to inland regions and neighboring countries (DRC and Zambia). Real-life impact: Farmers and traders can transport goods faster and cheaper. Increased regional trade and job creation. Easier movement of people, goods, and services. 2. Port and Logistics Infrastructure What’s happening: Upgrading of the  Port of Lobito  and  Port of Luanda . Improved cargo handling and storage facilities. Real-life impact: Faster import and export of goods. Reduced...