In his speech, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, stated that the Cabinda Refinery is a strategic asset that strengthens the country's energy security, creates jobs, enhances the value of Cabinda province, and demonstrates that the Angolan State continues to guide the destiny of mineral resources in the service of all the Angolan people.
Diamantino Azevedo explained that Gemcorp does not control the oil itself, nor will it control the derivatives; it merely provides a refining service. The contract is based on a processing fee model, in which Sonangol supplies the crude oil, which remains its property; the refinery processes and returns the refined products to Sonangol, charging only a processing fee.
In turn, the Governor of Cabinda, Suzana de Abreu, considered the act as, “a unique and unparalleled moment, a dream come true that will ensure that natural resources are transformed locally, generating jobs, income, technology, and opportunities for growth for all.”
The Cabinda Refinery is the first refinery built from scratch after Angolan independence. It employs modern technology adapted to the national context, will create jobs, boost the local economy, and reduce dependence on imports.