The KUMA Project was recognized as Best Social Project at Expo Cabinda 2026, during the awards gala and closing ceremony of the event, held on Sunday, 30 August, in the province of Cabinda.
The distinction comes at a time when the program has surpassed the milestone of 5,000 young people trained since its launch, reinforcing its position as an initiative dedicated to vocational training, skills development, and the promotion of youth employability.
Promoted by the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas (MIREMPET) and Sonangol, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cabinda and the National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (INEFOP), the KUMA Project has Imbono as the entity responsible for the operational management of the initiative.
The program combines technical and vocational training, soft skills development, entrepreneurship, and bridging young people into the labor market, focusing on areas considered priorities to meet the needs of the business sector and increase the availability of qualified professionals.
For Faustino Pongue, Sonangol's representative in the KUMA Project, the distinction reflects the
relevance of an initiative that places human capital development at the center of its
mission.
“This award recognizes the work of a team that has put training and the creation of opportunities at the core of its actions. Surpassing 5,000 young people trained demonstrates the scale the project has achieved and the importance of continuing to invest in skills that meet the needs of the economy,” he stated.
During Expo Cabinda 2026, the KUMA Project presented the results achieved throughout its implementation, highlighting the journey of the trainees and the initiatives developed in the field of vocational training.
For Poty Malaquias, coordinator of the KUMA Project, the award also represents recognition of the work carried out by the teams and partners involved in bringing the initiative to life.
“This award also belongs to everyone who, every day, makes KUMA happen on the ground. It is the recognition of work built edition after edition, with the trainees, partner institutions, and all the teams involved in delivering this project,” he stated.
The closing ceremony of Expo Cabinda 2026 was attended by the provincial governor of Cabinda, Suzana Abreu, who attended the event's closing and congratulated the participants for their contribution to the province's development.
Editorial staff: ola@targeting.ao
