Developing Angola’s Next Generation of Infrastructure Talent

Investing in local talent is central to building sustainable infrastructure and long-term economic growth. To support this goal, Imbono has launched NextGem - a new graduate development programme designed to attract, develop and retain young Angolan professionals, creating a pipeline of future leaders and specialists across its operations in the country.

The programme focuses on identifying talented final-year students and recent graduates with strong academic performance and an innovative mindset. Selected participants will gain early career experience within the organisation, working alongside experienced teams and contributing to projects that support Angola’s development.

A key component of the initiative is strengthening the company’s relationship with the academic community. The programme will establish formal partnerships with universities and technical institutes in Luanda, Benguela and Cabinda through Memoranda of Understanding, creating closer collaboration between academic institutions and industry.

From more than 6,000 applicants, 42 trainees were selected to participate in the programme and begin working on projects managed by Imbono. These projects span several key areas, including Water and Sanitation, Infrastructure, Energy, Sourcing Solutions, and Business Support. The programme will provide participants with the opportunity to learn by doing, allowing them to apply and further develop the knowledge gained during their university studies.

Through direct engagement with universities, the company will collaborate with professors and department heads to identify high-achieving students and connect them with real industry projects. By participating in multidisciplinary teams and receiving mentorship from experienced professionals, trainees will gain practical exposure, strengthen their problem-solving capabilities, and develop the professional skills required to succeed in complex project environments.

Lenilton Jordão, Chief People & Culture Officer at Imbono said, “NextGem is more than a trainee program; it's a strategic decision for the future. It intentionally builds the talent pipeline that will sustain business execution in the coming years.” He continued, “more than just attracting promising young people, NextGem trains, prepares, and accelerates succession, strengthening the culture and increasing Imbono's impact through mentorship and real-impact projects.”

Imbono will also participate in career fairs and professional events, including those organised in partnership with Jobartis, to connect with emerging talent and introduce students to potential career paths in infrastructure and operations.

Beyond recruitment, NextGem aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace by reaching students from a wide range of backgrounds. Participants will benefit from mentorship, professional development and exposure to real-world operational environments.

By investing in young professionals at the beginning of their careers, the programme seeks to strengthen local capabilities while contributing to Angola’s long-term socio-economic development.