Angolan "construction frenzy" as the country is rebuilt

24 December 2009

With Angola's airports preparing for the arrival of football players and fans for next month's African Cup of Nations (CAN), the country is focusing on infrastructure improvements.

Angola is starting to establish itself as an influential regional presence as it reconstructs its roads and buildings after the end of its decades-long civil war in 2002, reports AFP.

A "construction frenzy" is underway in Luanda as the capital not only continues to rebuild itself but also prepare for the CAN tournament which kicks off in January.

It is estimated around $1 billion (£0.63 billion) is being spent on infrastructure improvements ahead of the football event.

Speaking to the news provider, economic consultant Olivier de Quelen suggested the building efforts are not limited to the capital.

"The country is an immense construction site," he said. "Everything has to be rebuilt."

Earlier this week, Macauhub reported Jiangsu International has completed and handed over the 20,000-capacity Cabinda stadium which will be used in the CAN next month.