Johannesburg, South Africa – Angola’s path to recovery and international credibility has gained significant momentum, thanks to sweeping reforms aimed at improving governance, transparency, and economic diversification. These efforts have not only positioned Angola as a regional leader in Africa but have also captured the attention of the United States, which has intensified its engagement with the nation in recognition of its strategic importance.
Central to Angola’s resurgence is its commitment to tackling corruption, a cornerstone of its reform agenda. Since 2018, the government has recovered over $6 billion in misappropriated assets and launched 7,000 corruption-related cases, resulting in 1,200 convictions. These measures have sent a strong message about Angola’s dedication to upholding accountability and restoring trust in public institutions.
Economic diversification is another key area where Angola has made notable strides. While oil once accounted for 90% of exports, this dependency has dropped to 75%, reflecting growth in sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, and manufacturing. In 2024, Angola’s non-oil GDP grew by 4.1%, driven by a 15% increase in agricultural productionand over $500 million in agricultural exports. Inflation, which stood at 25.1% in 2017, has been brought down to 7.9%, demonstrating the efficacy of monetary policies designed to stabilize the economy.
Transparency has become a hallmark of Angola’s governance reforms. For the first time, the government has made the national budget publicly accessible, allocating 85% of resources to critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the privatization program has generated over $3.5 billion in revenue, enhancing the efficiency of state-owned enterprises and reducing the fiscal deficit by 20%.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed by the global financial community. Agencies such as Fitch and Moody’s have improved Angola’s credit ratings, shifting the country’s economic outlook to stable.
The United States’ growing interest in Angola stems from several strategic considerations, Angola’s reforms have created a more transparent and stable environment, reducing risks for investors and enhancing trust in the government’s ability to manage resources effectively.
Location along the Atlantic coast and the development of the Lobito Corridor—a critical trade route linking the region’s economies—have positioned the country as a strategic hub for global trade.
Beyond oil, Angola’s wealth in diamonds, rare earth minerals, and other natural resources makes it a key player in the global supply chain, particularly for industries reliant on high-tech materials, emerging renewable energy projects align with global priorities for sustainable development, attracting U.S. interest in supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Leadership role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) underscores its commitment to economic integration, an initiative that aligns with U.S. objectives of promoting trade and stability in Africa.
The partnership between the United States and Angola is poised to expand further through initiatives such as Prosper Africa and the Global Infrastructure and Investment Initiative. American investments are expected to flow into critical sectors like agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, reflecting confidence in Angola’s reform trajectory.
Angola’s progress demonstrates that bold reforms, when implemented with transparency and accountability, can transform a nation’s economic and political landscape. The growing partnership with the United States not only affirms Angola’s potential but also sets the stage for deeper collaboration that benefits both nations. As Angola continues its journey toward sustainable growth and development, it stands as a model of resilience and ambition in Africa’s dynamic landscape.
