Haim Taib Receives Angola’s Peace and Development Medal

In a historic tribute marking 50 years of independence, the Republic of Angola has honored Israeli entrepreneur and philanthropist Haim Taib with the prestigious Peace and Development Medal. The award, presented by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, recognizes Taib’s enduring impact on Angola’s development and his unwavering commitment to economic and social progress throughout Africa.

Taib, the founder and president of the Menomadin Foundation and the Mitrelli Group, began his journey in Angola in 1991 during the height of civil war. At a time of turmoil and uncertainty, he saw potential, not peril. His mission was clear: to turn hardship into opportunity and invest in the long-term growth of a struggling nation.

Over more than three decades, Taib led over 100 national-scale projects across Angola, spanning sectors as diverse as water access, food security, energy, housing, healthcare, education, and technology. From building self-sustaining agricultural communities to launching state-of-the-art hospitals and entrepreneur centers, his work has directly improved the lives of millions.

Following the civil war, Taib played a unifying role by bringing different sides of the conflict together around shared goals. His efforts laid the groundwork for a new era of development driven by Israeli expertise and long-term partnerships.

In 2025, this vision entered a bold new phase with the launch of the Lobito Corridor Impact Development (LCID) Platform. Co-founded with Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, this $1 billion private-sector-led initiative of which $100 million is already committed aims to unlock regional growth across Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. LCID represents a modern approach to development: blending public interest with private capital to drive trade, infrastructure, agriculture, and education.

Taib’s approach goes beyond economics. His projects are designed with purpose, empowering youth, creating employment, and building entire ecosystems of growth. Tens of thousands of jobs have been created, essential services delivered, and opportunities sparked across multiple generations.

“This recognition belongs as much to the people of Angola as it does to me,” Taib said. “It is a tribute to our shared belief that when people can dream, they can create. They can change. They can build their future with their own hands.”

Haim Taib’s story is not just one of business success it’s one of deep-rooted friendship, vision, and shared purpose between nations. It’s a powerful reminder of what Israeli innovation and commitment can achieve far beyond its borders.

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