Angola Property Investment For Sale

"A thriving Oil industry will help this poor nation join the developed world."

Situated on the west coast of Africa, Angola is more famed for the bloody 27 year civil war of independence that left it one of the poorest countries in the world, than its 1,650km’s of white sand beaches and beautiful untouched wildlife parks.

However this is a country that is rebuilding itself thanks to the wealth it is able to earn from oil production, a commodity that contributes about 85% of GDP.  Diamond, gold and iron ore exports also add to their wealth but with most of the population living on subsistence agriculture a large percentage of food has to be imported.  This is expected to change over time as Angola’s climate, soil and topography should allow for large-scale agricultural production of a wide range of crops.  Furthermore, with significant hydropower, forest and fishery potential, Angola could soon regain its pre-war stance as the most productive agriculture industry on the African continent. 

Much of the countries public infrastructure was destroyed by the war, land mines still mar the countryside and there is a widespread housing problem.  With corruption still an issue and exact property regulations still hazy it could take some time for property investment here to become a clear journey but opportunities for capital appreciation should the real estate market mature will exist.
 

Geography

Situated on the west coast of Africa, Angola is the seventh largest state in Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia, Zambia and the Congo. The country has a very diverse landscape with hills in the southern part of the country and along the coastline, and flat land towards the north. The majority of the population have come to live in the northern areas of the country. The province of Cabinda is separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Government

The Republic of Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and now has a Republic government. The Angolan legal system is based on the Portuguese civil law system and customary law.

Language

The official language of Angola is Portuguese and African languages such as Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo and Chokwe are also widely spoken throughout the country.

Standard of Living

Since the civil war Angola has not had a very high standard of living especially as the country is still trying to rebuild itself. Locations such as Benguela that were less affected by the destruction of the conflict have since become flourishing cultural centres of the country with much development still to come. There is a growing interest from tourists each year and the government has set out new plans to develop the country to increase tourism and foreign investment. There is a clear link between the increase in development and the standard of living, both of which are continuing to rise although the country still has a long way to go.

Principal Commercial Centres and Towns

Luanda is the capital of Angola and the country’s largest city with the majority of the population living there.

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 rapid economic growth the country is well on its way to becoming an African Economic Powerhouse. The extractive sectorremains central to economic growth, 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.

Key Industries

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. Other industries include coffee, sisal, fish, fish products, timber and cotton.

Benguela

Founded by the Portuguese, Benguela is the second largest city in Angola and is connected to the portal town of Lobito via an authentic rail system. Situated along the western coast of the country the city missed the worst of the destruction caused by the civil war which left nearby cities in ruins. The city is full of life displaying a variety of cultural African traditions and religious festivities. There is plenty of architecture and fine beaches of which Blue Bay and Brunet beach are said to be some of the nicest in the country proving to be very popular with tourists.

Luanda

Luanda is the capital of Angola and the country's largest city. It is the administrative and cultural centre of the country. There are many stalls in and around the capital selling almost everything including local produce. Along the beach of Luanda there are several restaurants offering a variety of different cuisine and the city has a lively nightlife with many bars and restaurants open to the early hours in the morning. A few kilometres away from the city lies the unspoilt island of Mussulo, a favourable attraction with tourists, described by many as paradise. Viewed as one of the safest locations in the country, Luanda is flourishing under constant development.

Lobito

Along the western coast of Angola, Lobito has one of Africa's best natural harbours which is protected by a three mile sand pit. Beach huts are available to rent along the coast and there are beach bars to eat and drink at as well as restaurants and hotels in the city centre. A place to visit is a town just outside the city made only of mud and corrugated iron and many visitors also like to stop at the whiskey factory on the way into the city. The rail system that connects the city with that of Benguela also offers industrial links to the Congo and Zambia.

Namibe

With the third most important harbour in Angola, Namibe is set to be the most important shipping point in the country, although at present it only exports fresh fish and local produce to neighbouring countries. Namibe has a stunning landscape and is said to have the best climate all year round. The area is also home to the Iona National Park which is the largest of its kind in Angola focussing on wildfowl conservation. Just south of Namibe is the airport that offers connections to the city centre and the rest of the country.