Angola generated $179.6 million from the export of a cumulative 601,300 cubic metres of ornamental rock over the past four years, the Angolan government announced on Friday, according to state news agency Lusa.
The figures were presented by Secretary of State for Oil and Gas José Barroso at the opening of a sector review on the production, commercialisation and export of ornamental rock. Between 2021 and 2025, the main export destinations were China, Spain and Italy, which together accounted for 89.16% of the total export value.
"These results demonstrate the subsector's capacity to generate foreign exchange, stimulate business activity and contribute to state tax revenues, while simultaneously reinforcing its role in the diversification of national exports," Barroso said.
The Secretary of State noted that the same momentum continued into the first half of 2026, during which 139,480 cubic metres of ornamental rock were exported, corresponding to approximately $21.26 million.
Barroso highlighted that the performance recorded in recent years reflects a consistent growth trajectory for the subsector, adding that production levels achieved — particularly from 2023 onwards — have significantly exceeded projections originally set for the period through to 2027.
Between 2023 and 2024 alone, 438,790 cubic metres of ornamental rock were produced, results which, in the official's words, "reflect the dynamism of the activity and the effort and commitment of operators in expanding production and harnessing existing potential."
"Given this evolution, the challenge is to ensure that the growth in production and exports is accompanied by gains in productivity, quality and added value," Barroso said.
"To achieve that objective, it will be necessary to continue promoting local processing and transformation, modernise production processes, raise quality and certification standards, strengthen workforce skills and expand the presence of Angolan companies in international value chains," he added.
In that context, the government confirmed that implementation of the Ornamental Rock Development Pole in Namibe province is under way, representing a strategic investment in creating improved conditions for the integrated development of the subsector.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=535039
