Cuanza River

The Cuanza River, also known as the Coanza,[1] the Quanza,[1] and the Kwanza,[citation needed] is one of the longest rivers in Angola. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean just south of the national capital Luanda.

The river is navigable for about 150 miles (240 km) from its mouth, located 60 kilometers (37 mi) south of Luanda. Its tributaries included the Cutato and Lucala.

The river’s navigable lower course was the original route of Portugal invasion into northern Angola.

The Capanda Dam in Malanje Province was finished in 2004, providing hydroelectric power to the region and assisting its irrigation. The Cambambe Hydroelectric Power Station also lies on the river, with the Lauca Dam under construction. The Barra do Kwanza, the mouth of the river, is gradually being developed for tourism, including a golf course.

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Victoria stands near the banks of the Cuanza River in Massanganu, Province of Kwanza-Norte, Angola.