Dundo

Dundo, located in northeastern Angola near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emerged as a planned diamond mining community in the early 20th century. Founded in 1912 following the discovery of diamonds in the nearby Musalala River, the town expanded rapidly with the establishment of the Diamang company in 1917. It was originally under Portuguese colonial rule until Angola's independence in 1975, which was followed by a civil war impacting the region's mining operations. The city's prominence as a mining hub led to its designation as the provincial capital of Lunda Norte in 2000. Today, Dundo features significant infrastructure, including a hydroelectric dam, an airport, and cultural institutions such as the Dundo Museum. The construction of New Dundo represents ongoing urban development efforts, enhancing the city's architectural and economic stature.