Carlos Alberto Gregório dos Santos, the Minister of Public Works, Urban Planning, and Housing of Angola, has said that urbanization in Angola must become a driving force for sustainable economic development and climate resilience.

The minister made these remarks during a ministerial meeting held at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), The Caspian Post reports via Azertac.

"Angola is experiencing a rapid urbanization process driven by demographic growth and large-scale internal migration. The country's population has already surpassed 36 million, with a significant portion residing in major cities and surrounding metropolitan areas. This rapid urban expansion places a severe strain on housing, transport infrastructure, sanitation systems, and other basic services," the minister said.

The minister noted that in response to these challenges, the government is shifting its approach to territorial development. In his view, urban planning must not merely serve the purpose of expanding human settlements, but must also contribute to mitigating climate risks, protecting the environment, fostering social inclusion, and enhancing urban resilience. Carlos Alberto Gregório dos Santos stated that state programs are currently being implemented across 12 key areas to address housing challenges in his country.

Calling upon international partners to expand multilateral cooperation, the Minister emphasized: "Sustainable urban development is impossible without robust infrastructure and adequate financing."

He added that well-planned urbanization could become a powerful driving force for economic growth and climate adaptation, both for Angola and the entire African continent.