Chairwoman of Carmon Global

1. Carmon Angola, which will celebrate its 18th anniversary in 2025, has been operating in the civil construction and public works sector since 2007. Could you share an overview of the company’s evolution over the years, highlighting key milestones and strategic decisions that have driven its growth and presence in the country?

Carmon Angola was founded in 2007. It is a 100% Angolan company, created at a historic moment when Angola was undergoing an intense post-civil war reconstruction process. The national context was marked by a significant lack of infrastructure across the country, which posed both a challenge and a unique opportunity for companies in the sector.

Headquartered in Luanda, Carmon took its first steps with an emblematic project: the construction of eight double bridges in the municipality of Soyo, Zaire Province. It was a demanding job, especially for a new company, but we managed to complete it successfully thanks to a determined and multidisciplinary team. This project not only marked our beginning but also set the standard of quality and commitment we have maintained ever since.

Since then, we have accumulated several landmark projects in Angola’s infrastructure history, including:

• 5 bridges in Namibe Province, completed in record time in 2013
• Kilamba overpass, delivered in 2017
• The underpass for the Luanda Railway in Cazenga, completed in 2020
• Corimba overpass, delivered in 2022
• The overpass at Luanda’s new international airport, completed under great pressure in 2023
• EN 230 road – Caculama to Serra da Cabatuquila section, also in 2023

These projects reflect our commitment to excellence and will leave a lasting impact on generations of Angolans.

A decisive moment in our journey came in 2014, when we strategically decided to expand operations to Luanda, the capital. This allowed us to diversify our services — from special engineering works and bridges to road rehabilitation and viaduct construction — activities Carmon had not previously undertaken. This expansion significantly increased our technical capacity and market relevance.

As we consolidated our position, we partnered with national and international institutions. One major partnership was with CR20 – China Railway 20 Group International, giving us access to China’s Line of Credit (LCC). This international recognition, especially from a global power like China, reinforced our standing in Angola’s construction sector.

Today, as Carmon Angola celebrates 18 years, we remain one of the most prominent companies in the industry, guided by a strong commitment to quality, innovation, social responsibility, and national development. We are proud to be a national reference growing alongside Angola.

2. Carmon Angola has a solid presence in the sector, with 36 major projects completed and a team of 400 employees. Could you share other financial indicators that reflect the company’s impact, such as revenue evolution, profits, investments, or relevant operational metrics?

Over the years, Carmon Angola has built a strong presence in civil construction and public works, having completed 36 major projects across multiple provinces. During peak periods of national infrastructure growth, we employed over 2,000 people simultaneously. Currently, due to fewer active projects, we maintain an average of 400 employees — a number that adjusts as needed.

Construction is naturally a highly cyclical industry, heavily influenced by external factors like economic conditions, public financing, and geopolitical events. Therefore, our workforce can fluctuate significantly, especially when we are awarded large-scale projects.

In financial terms, Carmon has seen higher revenues in the past, especially during more dynamic economic cycles. However, recent years have brought challenges, such as declining global oil prices and the long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have significantly affected public sector investments — our main client — and slowed project allocations nationwide. As a result, current financial results are lower than in previous years, although we have maintained stable and responsible operations.

Even under adverse conditions, our investment policy has always prioritized human capital and social responsibility. We continue to invest heavily in key development projects, particularly in education, youth vocational training, and the socio-economic integration of vulnerable communities. We believe the greatest return from our activities goes beyond profit: it lies in transforming local realities, creating decent jobs, and building a more just and resilient future for Angola.

This vision motivates us to maintain excellence even during challenging times, upholding our commitment to quality, ethics, and sustainable national development.

3. Carmon Angola operates in several areas, such as civil construction, special engineering works, and infrastructure. How does this diversification enhance the company’s competitiveness? What are Carmon’s main competitive advantages over other players in Angola’s construction sector?

Diversification has been one of Carmon Angola’s key strategic strengths. We operate in complementary and specialized areas — civil construction, special engineering works, and complex infrastructure — giving us high technical autonomy and adaptability.

This model brings many competitive advantages. First, it allows us to build technical expertise in multiple areas, improving our ability to deliver high-complexity projects with operational efficiency and execution precision. Second, it mitigates risks associated with operating in a single niche, making us more resilient to market or economic fluctuations.

Projects like the Zango Interchange, completed in just eight months, and the five bridges in Namibe Province, delivered in sixteen months, showcase our fast execution capabilities, even for technically demanding works. This is possible due to rigorous planning, continuous work shifts, committed teams, and solid financial management free from constraints, ensuring smooth execution without delays.

Another key differentiator is being a 100% Angolan company with deep knowledge of the local realities — cultural, regulatory, and logistical. This familiarity enables rapid adaptation to regulations, more efficient licensing, and trusted relationships with communities. Many projects face delays due to lack of understanding between contractors and local stakeholders — something we mitigate thanks to our cultural proximity.

Beyond technical aspects, we are firmly committed to developing local human capital. Carmon invests in training Angolan professionals, building experienced and integrated teams that reflect our vision of quality and national identity. This leads to a cohesive work environment with lower turnover and higher engagement.

Finally, we incorporate consistent social and environmental responsibility practices into our projects, adding value for clients and institutional partners who share sustainable and ethical principles. We promote engineering solutions that respect the environment, uplift communities, and leave a positive legacy beyond the physical project.

This combination of technical excellence, local insight, agility, social commitment, and strong reputation has helped us stand out among the leading players in Angola’s increasingly competitive construction sector.

4. The modernization of the construction sector is essential to increase efficiency and project quality. What technological innovations has Carmon Angola adopted to optimize its processes and ensure greater sustainability?

At Carmon Angola, we believe innovation and sustainability are inseparable from operational excellence. In recent years, we’ve adopted technologies and practices that have helped us modernize our processes and build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable business model aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One major investment has been in remote monitoring systems. We use drones and high-precision sensors to track project progress in real-time, predict risks, and optimize resource allocation. These tools help identify critical intervention areas, environmental risks, and even predict weather events like rain in hard-to-reach areas — reducing waste and improving safety.

We’ve also implemented advanced project management software to improve planning, coordination, and oversight. For workforce training, we’ve developed simulation platforms that provide safe, realistic learning environments before workers enter actual job sites.

Environmentally, we’ve prioritized waste management through reuse and recycling. In 2024, we recycled around 24,960 tons of scrap metal and reused old tires for signage and slope protection. We also repurposed lubricating and cooking oils in alternative production cycles.

For us, modernization isn’t just about new tools — it’s a mindset. It reflects our commitment to the future: delivering quality projects, respecting the environment, empowering people, and creating a positive impact on Angolan society.

5. The recent opening of offices in Portugal and Spain marks Carmon’s international expansion. How will this internationalization support the company’s growth? What strategic partnerships have been established to strengthen Carmon’s presence in the African and global markets?

Opening offices in Portugal, Spain, and a branch in São Tomé and Príncipe represents a historic shift in Carmon Angola’s journey. This internationalization is not just symbolic — it is strategic. It aims to access new markets, facilitate technology transfer, attract top-tier partners, and diversify revenue streams.

Our European presence is also an opportunity to learn, absorb know-how, and bring international best practices in engineering and sustainability back to Angola. We aim to turn this exchange into tangible value for our projects across Angola and other African countries.

In Portugal, we were pleasantly surprised by the recognition Carmon already enjoys. We were warmly welcomed by local companies and institutions, which gives us confidence to move forward in building solid technical and commercial partnerships. Though still in early stages, we’ve already established promising contacts with potential partners who view Carmon as a strategic ally for projects in Africa.

International expansion also allows us to apply higher quality standards to our projects and position Carmon as an Angolan engineering company with global capabilities. This is the beginning of a new cycle that will enable us to grow with greater strength and impact.

6. Carmon Angola joined the UN Global Compact, committing to sustainability, human rights, labor, and environmental principles. This is reflected in practices such as waste recycling and eco-friendly materials. The company also runs initiatives like the “Project Alphabetize” and partnerships with CENFOC and INEFOP for professional training. How do these initiatives align with the company’s long-term goals and what impact do they have on local communities?

Joining the UN Global Compact was a natural extension of initiatives Carmon had already been undertaking. Even before formalizing this institutional commitment, we were actively involved in women’s literacy, inclusive employment, and environmental sustainability.

The “Project Alphabetize,” launched in 2018 in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is a prime example. It aims to offer a second chance to those who missed formal education — mostly women, historically excluded from the education system, including vendors, farmers, mothers, and young girls. Today, in line with SDG 5 – Gender Equality, the project educates 111 women at the Kifica Market and another 112 women and 16 men near the Carmon Central Site in Vila Flor.

The results are transformative. These individuals can now sign their names, read documents, perform calculations, and participate more autonomously in economic and social life. Knowledge boosts self-esteem and has a profound impact on families and communities.

Additionally, we maintain partnerships with institutions like CENFOC and INEFOP, offering quality technical training to hundreds of youth and adults. We believe investing in people is investing in the future — not just of Carmon, but of Angola.

This vision is central to our long-term strategy: building resilient communities, reducing inequalities, and contributing to a fairer and more sustainable society. At Carmon, we believe true success goes beyond built structures — it lies in the lives transformed by every project.

7. Looking ahead, what are Carmon Angola’s main projects and milestones for the coming years? What expansion and innovation initiatives are planned to continue driving the construction and infrastructure sector in Angola and Africa?

Looking forward, Carmon Angola will continue focusing on projects that promote essential infrastructure development in Angola and other African regions. We aim to connect cities, integrate territories, improve mobility, and boost local economies.

Our strategy includes strengthening international expansion, especially in Central and West Africa, establishing Carmon as a regional leader in public infrastructure. Priority sectors include:

• Hydraulic works: dams, treatment stations, and potable water supply systems
• Renewable energy: solar and wind projects to support Africa’s energy transition
• Technological innovation: increasing use of drones, sensors, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools for greater accuracy and efficiency

Domestically, we will continue to promote sustainable practices, from waste management to low-impact construction methods. We will also enhance social inclusion initiatives, promoting diversity in construction and encouraging female and youth leadership.

One of our biggest dreams is to create an international-standard Engineering University in Angola — to train not just Angolans, but young people from across Africa. It will be a center of excellence, with both national and international professors, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on future-oriented engineering.

As we often say at Carmon: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This principle will continue to guide our every step.