LeBron James and Will Smith were welcomed by Angolan President João Lourenço at his presidential palace on Sunday. The two American celebrities were in Angola to attend a round of the E1 World Championship, an electric raceboat series in which both have invested.
According to local media, President Lourenço discussed promoting Angola abroad with James and Smith, highlighting his interest in tourism, cinema, and basketball. Angola is reportedly attempting to use its historical connection to the African diaspora to establish ties with African Americans through heritage-based tourism.
James visited the National Museum of Slavery during his trip, and Smith's visit in March 2026 coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Smith was filmed discussing support for the country's international tourism campaign during his earlier visit.
President Lourenço has enacted laws that grant the government powers to monitor civil society organisations and has signed legislation that criminalises participation in peaceful protests with severe punishments. He also signed a law granting security forces the power to supervise media outlets.