Alberto Bengue: Steering the Port of Luanda into a Regional Hub of Growth and Innovation

Logistics Leader of the Year / 2026 / Angola

Alberto Bengue is a prominent leader in Angola’s maritime and logistics sector, best known for his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Luanda — the country’s largest and most strategically important seaport. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the port into a competitive gateway for trade across Southern Africa and a key node in the regional supply chain.

Bengue’s academic background is rooted in transport economics and maritime management. He holds a degree in Transport Economics from the Technical University of Road Construction and Transport in Kharkov, Ukraine, a Master’s degree in Maritime Business specializing in Port Management from the World Maritime University in Sweden, and a Diploma in Logistics Management from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy in the United Kingdom. He is also pursuing a doctorate in public policy, reflecting his commitment to both operational excellence and strategic governance in the sector.

Before ascending to the top leadership role at the Port of Luanda, Bengue held various senior positions within the organization and Angola’s Ministry of Transport, including leadership roles in investment planning, financial management, and operational oversight. These roles provided him with deep expertise in port economics, logistics, and institutional governance — capabilities that have shaped his approach to modernizing and promoting Angola’s principal maritime gateway.

Under Bengue’s leadership, the Port of Luanda has pursued a comprehensive strategy to adopt the landlord port management model widely used by leading global ports. This approach emphasizes concession partnerships with private operators to enhance operational efficiency and expand capacity. It has enabled major improvements in container handling, general cargo operations, and logistics support services, helping the port handle approximately 80% of Angola’s import and export cargo.

Recognition of his impact extends beyond national borders. Bengue was honored by the government of the Kingdom of Belgium in February 2025 for his contributions to developing the port sector, underscoring the international appreciation of his efforts to position Luanda as a primary maritime gateway for Southern Africa. He was also named one of the 50 most influential personalities in Africa’s blue economy, highlighting the strategic role of his leadership in regional maritime development.

Bengue has consistently championed investments in human capital and technology. In communications to staff and stakeholders, he has emphasized training, digitalization of port processes, and partnerships with international institutions such as the Port of Antwerp’s training center. These initiatives aim to strengthen workforce capabilities and improve operational efficiency as part of a long‑term modernization agenda.

His influence extends into the broader maritime community. In 2023, Bengue was elected as a consultant to the Association of Portuguese‑Speaking Ports (APLOP), a role that reflects peer recognition of his expertise and his potential to shape collaborative efforts across Lusophone port authorities.

Under Alberto Bengue’s stewardship, the Port of Luanda continues to evolve — embracing strategic partnerships, technology adoption, and workforce development to strengthen Angola’s role in global trade. His leadership exemplifies how visionary governance can elevate national infrastructure into a catalyst for regional economic growth.

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