Garcia Neves Quitari

This study examines the evolution of Chinese investments in Angola's real estate sector over the past two decades, focusing on the impact of policy changes introduced by the Angolan government elected in 2017. How have these measures changed the nature of Chinese investments in Angola? The recent shift in Angola's strategy, prioritizing private and especially foreign investments over public financing in the housing sector, marks a significant departure from the post-civil war period. In 2004, Chinese investments were predominantly channeled through direct agreements with the Angolan government, aimed at national reconstruction and economic recovery, with a focus on public investments and bolstering the national business community. These funds addressed housing needs through urban infrastructure reconstruction, the construction of new cities, and social housing projects, aligning with the Luanda Urban Growth Plan initiated in 2000 and subsequent plans until 2016. The new paradigm adopted by the 2017 government has led to two major developments analyzed in this study: (1) the shift of large Chinese construction companies to other sectors such as mining and agriculture, and (2) the rise of medium and small Chinese construction and materials trading companies, which are now central to Luanda's urban expansion. This study includes a case analysis of two residential complexes (“Orlando” and “Mundo da China”) and two shopping centers (“Shopping Kilamba” and “Cidade da China”) to illustrate the impact of recent economic policy changes on social dynamics and commercial relationships within these developments.

“Perspectives on the Changing Profile of Chinese Investments in Angola”

This work reflects on how diplomatic relations between China and Angola can be reconfigured based on two important factors: the paradigm shifts of the Angolan government, increasingly focused on economic diplomacy based on the diversification of cooperation (more focused on the West and in the private investment, in addition to increasing competition between Chinese companies and companies from Western and emerging countries, such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates); and the diversification of China’s economic interests, resulting in a greater presence of Chinese private companies in Angola.