Besides seeking cooperation with other countries, Joao Lourenco's first year as Angola's president has been very productive in many areas. He has been praised for an anti-graft push and improved economy. He's also vowed to make the country a destination for investors. CGTN's Julie Scheier reports from Johannesburg on Lourenco's year in office.

Angolan president Joao Lourenco was voted in as leader of the ruling MPLA party last September, as former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos stepped down after dominating the country's politics for nearly four decades. One year in, and Lourenco has quickly asserted his authority and has dismantled his predecessor's empire. He has ousted relatives of the dos Santos Clan from leadership positions at state institutions and public companies. Popularly known as 'Lo', Lourenco has pledged to fight corruption and rebuild the economy. Angola is the second-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, but has since slipped into recession after the slump in crude prices in 2014. Angola's biggest investors haven't pulled out yet, and JLo has convinced international oil companies to recommit to Angola. Angola is China's second biggest trading partner in Africa, and in its relations with China, Angola seeks strategic cooperation for its development. To help, China has opened a new $11-billion credit facility for Angola in 2018.

JULIE SCHEIER JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA "With a firm grip on the party and trying to stabilise the economy, Lourenco's real test will come in 2020, with Angola's first ever municipal elections. The ruling party fears it could lose control of some parts of the country. J Lo's administration needs to improve the economy and ensure millions of unemployed Angolans can find jobs and health care, currently Angola has one of the highest child mortality rates. Julie Scheier CGTN, JHB SA."