Economic expansion and widespread social reforms have enabled Angola to rise to prominence amongst its African neighbours.
After emerging from conflict over a decade ago, Angola has used its rich oil reserves to drive its economy and is now increasingly looking to expand into new industries and provide more opportunities for its citizens.
President José Eduardo dos Santos is a driving force behind these modernisation plans, having won a new mandate to govern the country for a further five years in 2012.
He has been a key player in Angola’s improved position on the international stage and helped develop its relationship with European giant Germany, with whom it has signed a strategic agreement to increase political and economic relations.
The Angolan President visited Berlin in 2009, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel reciprocated with a visit of her own to the nation’s capital Luanda in 2011, saying the country “represents stability.”
Elsewhere Angola has cemented its ties with China and the US, furthering opportunities for international business investment across a wide range of industries.
Inviting such investments is a key pillar of the President’s National Development Plan, which began in 2013 and runs until 2017 and will enable the widespread reform of Angola’s health and education systems.
The country is already rapidly improving the quality of its transport infrastructure, helping to entice foreign businesses to work within its mining industries, while better water and electricity distribution are also key targets.
Angola’s continued development will rest on the strength of its economy. With a stable outlook, President dos Santos is now hoping that increased investment and a coherent development plan will enable the country to cement its position as one of Africa’s strongest and most influential nations.
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