Mónica Quintela has been elected as the new president of the Association of Portuguese-speaking African Countries (APAR), marking a pivotal moment in the organisation’s efforts to strengthen economic and political ties across the Lusophone African continent. The decision, announced on 12 June 2024 in Luanda, Angola, comes as South Africa seeks to deepen its engagement with regional partners to achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals. Quintela, a seasoned diplomat with over 20 years of experience in multilateral relations, replaces Diogo Cabrita, who served as president for four years.
Quintela's Leadership and Regional Ambitions
Quintela’s appointment signals a shift in APAR’s strategic focus. With a background in trade and diplomacy, she has previously worked with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, where she played a key role in promoting regional integration. Her new role will involve coordinating efforts between Portuguese-speaking African nations, including Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, to enhance economic cooperation and infrastructure development.
The organisation, which has 12 member states, aims to boost intra-African trade by reducing bureaucratic barriers and improving cross-border transport. Quintela’s experience in SADC negotiations is expected to be critical in advancing these goals. “APAR’s strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse voices and create a unified platform for development,” she said in a recent interview with the Angolan newspaper Jornal de Angola.
Diogo Cabrita’s Legacy and Transition
Diogo Cabrita, the outgoing president, has been instrumental in expanding APAR’s influence. Under his leadership, the organisation secured a $250 million funding boost from the African Development Bank to support infrastructure projects in member states. Cabrita, a former minister in Portugal’s foreign affairs department, also spearheaded initiatives to improve digital connectivity and education across the Lusophone region.
Cabrita’s tenure saw a 15% increase in APAR’s membership outreach, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and education remains limited. His work on cross-border health initiatives, including a joint vaccination programme between Angola and Namibia, was highlighted as a key achievement during his final press briefing in April 2024.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Quintela faces a complex landscape as she takes the helm. Economic instability in several APAR member states, including inflation rates above 10% in Angola and high unemployment in Mozambique, poses significant challenges. At the same time, the continent’s growing demand for renewable energy and digital infrastructure presents opportunities for collaborative projects.
One of her first tasks will be to negotiate a new funding agreement with the African Development Bank, which is set to expire in 2025. The bank has already expressed interest in supporting APAR’s upcoming initiative to build a regional energy grid connecting Angola, Mozambique, and Malawi. This project, if approved, could power over 5 million households and create thousands of jobs.
Impact on South Africa’s Regional Strategy
South Africa, a key player in the SADC, has been closely following APAR’s developments. The country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has already expressed interest in collaborating with Quintela’s administration to boost trade and investment. South Africa’s trade deficit with Lusophone nations has widened in recent years, with exports to Angola and Mozambique dropping by 8% in 2023.
“APAR offers a unique platform for South Africa to expand its economic footprint in the region,” said Dr. Noma Dlamini, a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs. “Quintela’s background in multilateral diplomacy makes her an ideal partner for advancing regional integration.”
Looking Ahead: Key Milestones for APAR
Quintela’s first major test will come in August 2024, when APAR is set to host its annual summit in Maputo, Mozambique. The event will focus on energy, education, and digital transformation. She will also need to address concerns from member states about transparency and governance within the organisation.
As South Africa prepares for its 2024 elections, the country’s foreign policy will be closely watched. How Quintela’s leadership shapes APAR’s direction could have lasting implications for regional cooperation and the continent’s broader development goals.
