The Port of Luanda established in 2024 its Sustainability Strategy, which is currently in the phase of identifying the material themes (Materiality Matrix) that will guide its 2030 commitments. The Sustainability Strategy was presented to all Port employees in awareness sessions and will be followed by the future involvement of concessionaires and the supply chain. The Port of Luanda is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, in addition to supporting the programs “Angola 2050” and “African Union 2063”.
Angola is a country with immense social challenges, and therefore the Sustainability Strategy has a strong social focus, primarily aiming on combating poverty and supporting communities in need. The Pró-Jovem Network (EKANDA) is an unprecedented program in the country, aimed at empowering carefully selected youth social organizations that, in addition to financial support, receive a robust mentoring and training program that aims to make them more efficient in their missions.
Following a comprehensive selection process, the Port of Luanda selected 14 organization to support, that altogether benefit around 32 thousand young people. The main objective of *Ekanda – Rede Pró-Jovem* is to strengthen social organizations in areas such as fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, human resources, and succession processes, as well as to facilitate the exchange of best practices among network members. Each selected social organization is receiving approximately USD 30,000, as long as it aligns with their mission of working with Angolan youth. A program of technical training and lectures has already begun and will continue throughout the year, covering these areas of organizational development.
In the second half of 2025, the participating social organizations will have completed all training stages and will be ready for the second phase, which will consist of coordinated networked efforts in favor of youth. For this phase, we plan to focus on creating social “joint ventures” among the organizations, allowing operational, methodological, and even financial resources to be shared. Although the financial support from the Port of Luanda is limited to the first year, the Port embraces the concept of “once *Ekanda – Rede Pró-Jovem*”, “always *Ekanda – Rede Pró-Jovem*”, meaning the social organization may benefit from training programs every year.
The design of *Ekanda – Rede Pró-Jovem* is unprecedented in the country due to its focus on selecting NGOs that address root causes, not just the consequences of urgent social issues, with a special focus on youth. It aims to create a network for exchange and learning among NGOs, facing similar challenges, creating synergies and combining efforts.