From The Rio Times · Amina Diarra · · 2m
Who Runs Angola's Economy, the Key Players in 2026
Angola's economy in 2026 led by President Lourenço, central bank, and state firms like Sonangol and Endiama.
In brief
Angola's economy in 2026 led by President Lourenço, central bank, and state firms like Sonangol and Endiama. President João Lourenço's government, central bank, and state companies drive Angola's economy in 2026. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Angola Economy Overview
Angola's economy grew 5.3% in Q1 2026 with inflation falling to 8.43% after central bank cut rates to 14.75% on 15 September.
Key Economic Players
President João Lourenço, Finance Minister Vera Daves de Sousa, and central bank Governor Manuel Tiago Dias manage Angola's money.
State Companies
Sonangol (oil), Endiama (diamonds), and ANPG (oil regulator) sit at the center of Angola's economic control.
Non-Oil Growth
The President says the non-oil sector now drives growth with diamonds, a stock exchange, and the Lobito rail route expanding.
Public Debt
Public debt fell from 115.9% of GDP in 2020 to 51.2% of GDP in 2026, though figures were not independently audited.
Central Bank Actions
The central bank cut its policy rate to 14.75% on 15 September 2026, forecasting inflation at 8.6% for the end of 2026.
Oil Production
Sonangol produces 217,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day with Azule Energy producing over 220,000 barrels a day.
Diamonds and Mining
Endiama controls 15.2 million carats of diamonds sold for US$1.79 billion in 2024 with Catoca extracting 75% of Angola's diamonds.
Lobito Corridor
The Lobito rail corridor links Angola to Zambia and DR Congo with over US$750 million in investments.
Banking and Stock Exchange
BODIVA, Angola's stock exchange, saw Standard Bank Angola become the seventh company listed on it in October 2026.
Privatization
Sonangol's planned share sale of up to 30% will not happen within the 2026 privatisation programme ending in 2026.
Oil Projects
The Greater PAJ oil project targets first oil in the first half of 2029 with a 95,000 barrel per day capacity.
Currency and Inflation
The kwanza traded near Kz 939 per US$1 with inflation at 8.43% in September 2026.
Economic Challenges
Only 919 of 1,234 registered petrol stations were operating in Angola as of 30 June 2026.
What's Next
Angola's economy is expected to grow with non-oil sectors expanding and oil projects targeting production by 2029.
What matters most
President João Lourenço's government, central bank, and state companies drive Angola's economy in 2026.
