Angola:

Country Economic Overview

An overview of the Angolan economy

Contents

An Overview of the Economy

Angola's economy suffered severely during the civil war but the implementation of economic reforms means the economy is gradually recovering. Sub-Saharan Africa is currently experiencing some of the highest economic growth on the globe, and Angola is a frontrunner on the continent. With economic growth of around 18% last year, figures are expected to reach 25% in 2008 which would mean the country is well on its way to becoming an African Economic Powerhouse. IMF predicts the economy will grow by more than 30% next year, mostly in the extractive sector, but with spin – offs in everything from construction to banking. There is also a construction boom underway in the capital Luanda, where ports, bridges, roads and rail are being rehabilitated. State spending is also to increase on schools and health services.

statistics  
GDP (PPP) (IMF) (US$Billions) 91.3
GDP (PPP) (CIA) (US$Billions) 91.3
GDP Growth (IMF) (%) 21.1
GDP Growth (CIA) (%) 21.1
GDP Per Capita (PPP) (IMF) (US$) 5,590
GDP Per Capita (PPP) (CIA) (US$) 5,600
GDP by Sector (%) Agriculture: 9.5%
Services: 24.6%
Industry: 65.8%
Inflation (%) 12.2%
Population Below the Poverty Line (%) 70%
Labour Force (Millions) 6.64
Labour Force by Occupation (%) Agriculture: 85%
Industries & Services: 15%
Unemployment (%) Extensive unemployment
affecting more than half the
population.
Main Industries Petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates,
feldspar, bauxite, uranium, gold, cement,
basic metal products, fish processing, food
processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar,
textiles, ship repair.
Source: CIA World Factbook, IMF

GDP

economic indicators 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
GDP (US$Billions) 13.9 19.8 30.6 45.2 61.4
GDP Growth (%) 3.3% 11.2% 20.6% 18.6% 21.1%
GDP Per Capita (US$) 45.3 51.7 60.1 73.4 91.3
GDP Per Capita (PPP) (US$) 3,116 3,455 3,893 4,626 5,590
Inflation (%) 98.3% 43.6% 22.7% 13.3% 12.2%
Unemployment (%) - - - - -
Mobile Phone Users 25,800 130,000 130,000 1,094,100 2,264,000
Internet Users 60,000 41,000 85,000 172,000 172,000
Source: IMF, CIA World Factbook

Major Exports & Imports

The country's main exports consist of oil, diamonds and gas, all of which are crucial to Angola's economic recovery. As the country is rich in natural resources, its main imports are machinery, equipment and vehicles. With FDI increasing, exports are expected to rise and with tourism also on the up, the country will have to import more goods to accommodate a western standard.

Major Exports 2007

Crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish, fish products, timber and cotton.

Major Imports 2007

Machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts, medicines, food, textiles, military goods.

Major exports 2007 % of total
US 38.1%
China 34.2%
Taiwan 5.8%
France 4.9%
Chile 4.1%
major imports 2007 % of total
US 15.3%
Portugal 15%
South Korea 10.1%
China 8.8%
Brazil 8.2%
South Africa 6.7%
France 6.2%
Source: CIA World Factbook Top

Angola Country Guide

Other Guides in this Section

More Country Guides

Other Guides in this Section

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for property updates and latest emerging market news

Contact Property Frontiers: +44 (0) 1865 202700 or email: