…as Rosehill Group boss hail ‘Receptive’ Luanda
By Gloria Ikibah
At the golden jubilee celebration of Angola’s independence in Abuja, business magnate CEO/Founder of Rosehill Group, Suleman Yahyah, unveiled a sweeping new investment plan that cements Nigeria’s growing economic partnership with Angola, describing the southern African nation as “the most receptive location for Nigerian businesses.” 
Speaking exclusively at the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration of Angola, held under the auspices of the Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria. His Excellency José Bamóquina Zau, Yahyah revealed that Rosehill Group had committed over $200 million to Angola’s agricultural sector, in collaboration with the country’s sovereign wealth fund.
He revealed that the project spans 100,000 hectares of land, nearly one billion square metres — across Huambo, Bié Province, Wila, Mekiko, and potentially Melange. Yahyah added that the venture, was part of broader diversification efforts driven by the Africa Energy Bank, a $5 billion institution promoted by Rosehill and headquartered in Nigeria, with Angola as a founding investor.
“Investments in Angola were by direct invitation of President João Lourenço of Angola. We are now investing over $200 million in Angola’s agriculture in partnership with their sovereign wealth fund.
“We have been the promoters of the Africa Energy Bank… Angola is a major investor, actually a founding investor, for which Nigeria is the headquarters,” Yahyah explained.
Reflecting on the historic ties between both nations, he paid tribute to “the founding fathers of Angola-Nigeria relationships,” including General Mohammed, General Obasanjo, General Ike Nwachukwu, and President António Agostinho Neto.
“We are benefiting from that foundation. As of today, we have three Nigerian banks operating in Angola — Access Bank, UBA, and Standard Chartered Bank”, he said.
The Rosehill boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for deepening economic diplomacy, suggesting that regional infrastructure could further transform both economies.
“We hope that the Lagos-Calabar road will be extended to Luanda, because these are two giant economies in the sub-region.
“Nigeria has skilled manpower, human capital, and investable funds, while Angola has significant land, resources, and law and order — very, very good for business”, he noted.
On cultural ties, Yahyah stressed the growing people-to-people connection between the two countries, dismissing language barriers as a major issue.
“Surprisingly, most of the young people in Angola are speaking English,.
“They are enamoured by Nigerian arts, food, clothing, movies, and music. It’s a very receptive country”, he said.
Yahyah’s affection for Angola was palpable as he recalled visible tributes to Nigeria’s legacy across Luanda.
“The biggest road in Angola is Avenue Murtala Mohammed. The biggest market in Angola is Murtala Mohammed. The biggest shopping malls are named after General Obasanjo,” he said with a smile.
“Everywhere you go, they recognise the role Nigeria played.”
“There’s a significant element of law and order in Angola, which is very, very good for business. The government is progressive. I must tell you, Luanda stands out as the most receptive location for Nigerian people”, he added.
As both nations celebrate half a century of Angola’s sovereignty, Yahyah’s remarks underscore a rejuvenated Nigeria-Angola partnership, one driven by shared history, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a prosperous Africa.
