Angolan businessman Agostinho Kapaia has officially opened Opaia Motors, Angola’s only operating vehicle assembly plant, located in Luanda’s special economic zone.
This marks a significant milestone in Angola’s efforts to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported vehicles.
The plant, which has an installed capacity of 22,000 light vehicles and 1,000 buses per year, will assemble commercial and private vehicles, as well as buses, targeting buyers seeking affordable options.
Opaia Motors has partnered with international companies like Volvo, Chery, and Dongyang, and is working with Afreximbank to support production and financing.
The launch event was attended by government officials, including Minister of State for Economic Coordination Jose de Lima Massano and Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, as well as diplomats and members of the National Assembly.
Kapaia emphasized that the plant will create jobs and stimulate local supply chains, with Opaia Motors currently employing over 1,500 young Angolans and expecting to grow to 3,500 direct jobs as production ramps up.
The company also plans to provide technical and vocational training to build skills in welding, electronics, and quality control.
The Angolan government has been promoting industrial zones and incentives to attract investors and reduce dependence on oil exports.
Local assembly is expected to shorten delivery times and make servicing easier, though much will depend on component availability and steady demand.
Opaia Motors aims to move into electric vehicles as infrastructure improves, describing them as a potential alternative for Angola and neighboring markets.
