Third season of Project KUMA comes to a close

Project KUMA proudly marked the closing of its third season on 14 March 2025, concluding a training cycle that certified 962 young participants, reinforcing the programme’s role as one of the most impactful youth capacity-building initiatives in the province of Cabinda, Angola.

With the completion of this stage, Project KUMA has now certified a total of 2,744 trainees, across a range of professional fields.

Project KUMA is a flagship initiative of Sonangol and the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (MIREMPET). It is implemented with the support and strategic partnership of the Provincial Government of Cabinda and INEFOP, with Imbono serving as the programme’s operational arm.

The programme focuses on hands-on vocational training in areas such as mechanical maintenance, electrical systems and industrial operations. By combining classroom learning with practical experience, participants gain the technical capabilities required to enter the workforce and contribute effectively from day one.

The project also reflects Angola’s broader commitment to local content and workforce development. By building a pipeline of skilled professionals, it reduces reliance on imported expertise while strengthening national capacity in key sectors. This approach supports inclusive economic growth and ensures that the benefits of infrastructure investment are shared more widely.

The closing ceremony to mark the end of the third phase brought together several distinguished guests, including Boa Ventura Macaia, Provincial Secretary for Education, representing Her Excellency Suzana de Abreu, Governor of Cabinda Province; Paulo Graça, Consul-General of Portugal in Luanda; Nelson Matos, Honorary Consul of Portugal in Cabinda; Faustino Conde Pongue, Member of the Executive Commission of Sonangol Refining and Petrochemicals (SONAREF); and Joana Barros, Director of AICEP, among other institutional representatives.

As Angola continues to invest in strategic infrastructure, initiatives like the Kuma Project demonstrate how targeted skills development can deliver lasting impact - supporting both project execution and the development of a resilient, locally rooted workforce.