Nova Sotecma traces its origins to 1952 through Sociedade Técnica Cardoso de Matos and was later restructured in 1995 as a private industrial supplier. How has the company’s strategic vision evolved over the decades to become one of Angola’s leading distributors of industrial equipment? What key milestones have defined its expansion?
Tiago Morais: When we started, we were obviously not where we are today. The company has evolved alongside Angola’s economic development, and many of the changes we implemented were influenced by the country’s transformation and the needs of the market.
At the same time, a large part of this evolution came from a strategy that we defined ourselves. Our vision has always been to position Nova Sotecma as a reference brand in Angola for industrial equipment and professional solutions.
Our main objective is to support industrial and professional end users with the best technical solutions available on the market. Over the past three decades, we have progressively focused on representing leading international brands that offer highly advanced technologies and equipment for demanding professional environments.
Thirty years ago, our portfolio looked very different. At that time, the company was also involved in the manufacturing of industrial equipment, particularly for the agro-industry. That approach made sense within the economic context of Angola at the time. However, as the market evolved, we shifted our focus.
Today, Nova Sotecma is primarily a commercial and service-driven company. Our strategy is centered on distributing world-class equipment and ensuring that professional customers in Angola have access to the most reliable and technically advanced solutions available globally.
Nova Sotecma has introduced several modernization initiatives, including an e-commerce platform, digital catalog systems, and ISO-certified management practices. Could you share more about the company’s approach to innovation and operational excellence?
Tiago Morais: In recent years, we have made significant progress in strengthening our management systems and aligning our operations with international standards.
For example, Nova Sotecma has been ISO 9001 certified since 2011, which reflects our commitment to quality management. More recently, in 2025—when the company celebrated 30 years since its restructuring—we obtained two additional certifications: ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
These certifications represent an important milestone for us. They demonstrate our commitment to operating according to global best practices, not only within Angola but in line with international standards.
Beyond certifications, we are also constantly expanding the solutions we offer to the market. Last year, for example, we launched an equipment rental service. This initiative responds to evolving market dynamics, as many companies increasingly prefer renting equipment rather than purchasing it outright. This model is already widely adopted in more mature economies, and we believe it will continue to grow in Angola as well.
The company has developed strategic distribution partnerships, including exclusive representation of brands such as Grupel generators in Angola. Are there additional partnerships or collaborations Nova Sotecma is currently exploring? How does the company position itself differently from other industrial equipment suppliers in Angola?
Tiago Morais: We continuously update our portfolio of international partners. Recently, we began collaborating with major global brands such as Atlas Copco and ABB, both of which are recognized worldwide for their high-quality industrial technologies.
These partnerships allow us to remain focused on our core mission: bringing the best equipment available internationally to professional users in Angola.
With ISO 14001 environmental certification and increasing global emphasis on ESG standards, sustainability is becoming central to industrial operations. Can you elaborate on Nova Sotecma’s broader sustainability strategy? What measurable impact have your environmental and occupational safety initiatives had on operations, and are there plans to expand into greener product lines, energy-efficient systems, or renewable-powered industrial solutions to support Angola’s sustainable development goals?
As Nova Sotecma continues to grow, what are the company’s priorities in terms of infrastructure and service expansion?
Tiago Morais: One of our main priorities is to strengthen our after-sales service capabilities. We believe that providing reliable technical support is just as important as delivering high-quality equipment.
To support this objective, we are currently planning the development of a new facility dedicated specifically to after-sales services. The goal is to significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of the support we provide to our customers. Our ambition is to have this new infrastructure operational by 2027.
In parallel, we are continuously evaluating opportunities for geographical expansion. Currently, Nova Sotecma operates in Luanda, Viana, Lobito, Benguela, and Soyo. From Soyo, for instance, we are also able to serve the market in Cabinda relatively efficiently.
However, we are aware that there are other regions where our customers would benefit from a stronger local presence. Cities such as Lubango are particularly interesting in this regard, as we already work with several clients there. While we are not planning immediate expansion in the next year or two, these opportunities remain part of our long-term strategy.
Ultimately, expansion decisions will depend largely on the broader economic environment and market development within Angola.
As General Manager of Nova Sotecma for more than a decade, what kind of legacy would you like to leave for the company?
Tiago Morais: In many ways, I see myself as continuing the legacy established by my father, who acquired the company and played a key role in shaping what Nova Sotecma is today.
That legacy carries a strong sense of responsibility. My goal is to preserve and strengthen what has been built over the years.
Nova Sotecma is a family-owned business, and I hope it will remain so for many decades to come. Ideally, the company will continue growing, maintaining a positive impact on the Angolan market and contributing to the country’s economic development.
Today, we have a team of around 107 employees. This means that the company directly and indirectly supports hundreds of families, which is something we take very seriously.
In recent years, we have also increased our focus on social responsibility initiatives. These efforts are an important part of the company’s identity, and I believe they will continue to play an increasingly significant role in the future.
If I can ensure that Nova Sotecma keeps growing, remains a positive influence in the market, and continues supporting both our employees and our customers, then I will consider that a meaningful legacy.
