The economic activities in Angola divide across agriculture at 22.1% of GDP, industry at 34.6%, and services at 41.1% as of 2024. What are the main economic activities in Angola? Petroleum and diamonds anchor a roughly $101 billion economy alongside farming of cassava and maize. This guide explains each sector and its role in the economy.
As of 2024, Angola has a population of 37,885,849, ranking 42nd globally. Located in Southern Africa, it covers a total area of 1,246,700 sq. km, ranking 22nd, just below Niger.
As of 2024, Angola had a GDP of approximately 101 billion USD (100,998,916,781 USD). In terms of GDP per capita, Angola stood at approximately 2,666 USD (2,665.87 USD).
Angola’s economy is striving to diversify beyond oil dependency, focusing on sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism to enhance economic stability and growth.
What are the economic activities of Angola?
- Primary activities (agriculture): 22.1% of GDP (2024).
- Secondary activities (industry): 34.6% of GDP (2024).
- Tertiary activities (services): 41.1% of GDP (2024).
Primary Sector of Angola
In Angola, the primary sector, particularly agriculture, plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing about 22.1% to the GDP as of 2024. With 36.81% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country’s main products include cassava, bananas, maize, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, pineapples, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and citrus fruits.
The diverse range of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s significance, providing food security and employment opportunities. The favorable climate and abundant natural resources support Angola’s agricultural activities, showcasing the sector’s importance even beyond its GDP contribution.
Angola’s diverse geology offers a rich array of natural resources, including petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, and uranium. These resources play a crucial role in the economy, with petroleum and diamonds being major contributors to revenue generation and foreign exchange earnings. Iron ore, copper, and gold also hold significant potential for economic growth and diversification. The presence of such abundant natural resources highlights the country’s potential for sustainable development and prosperity.
Angola’s gas production, totaling 773 million m³ in 2020, ranks 69th globally, contributing significantly to the country’s economic activity.
Secondary Sector of Angola
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?
In Angola, industrial products include petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, gold, cement, basic metal products, fish processing, food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar, textiles, and ship repair.
In 2023, Angola’s manufactures exports accounted for only 0.69815241% of the country’s total exports, indicating their minimal contribution to the economy.
Tertiary sector of Angola
What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?
The tertiary sector in Angola encompasses services that enhance productivity and meet needs through knowledge and time. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, transportation, and security services. These sectors play a vital role in supporting Angola’s economic growth and development.
Among these, Angola’s tourism sector contributes minimally to its economy, with only 218,000 annual arrivals, translating to a mere 0.006 arrivals per capita. This low figure highlights the insignificant role tourism plays in driving economic growth and highlights the country’s dependence on other sectors, such as oil and mining.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, which boasts nearly 24 million subscriptions, equating to about 67 per 100 inhabitants. This connectivity fosters technological growth, enhancing communication and innovation across various industries.
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Angola
In Angola, the primary sector provides resources needed for military use, while the secondary sector focuses on manufacturing military equipment. The tertiary sector includes services provided by the military, and the quaternary sector involves research and development.
As of 2024, Angola’s military expenditure was about 922 million US dollars, roughly 1.0% of the country’s GDP. The active military force consists of 107,000 personnel, resulting in 3.9 active military members for every 1,000 people in the population.
International Trade of Angola
Import Activities of Angola
Import activities in Angola are of high importance, accounting for 24.75% of GDP in 2023, totaling $2,642,571,892.50.
Angola’s main import partners are China, Portugal, Netherlands, UAE, and India. The country imports refined petroleum, wheat, cars, poultry, and palm oil. China is the largest importer, accounting for 24% of total imports.
Exports Activities of Angola
In 2023, Angola’s total exports reached $46.37 billion, accounting for 43.42% of its GDP. This high percentage signifies the crucial importance of export activities in driving the country’s economy.
Angola’s export activities are primarily focused on crude petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, ships, and refined petroleum. The country’s top export partners include China (40%), India (9%), Netherlands (7%), France (7%), and UAE (7%).
Angola economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Angola faces challenges with its oil-dependent economy, high poverty rates, inflation, and corruption. Seeking diversification through agriculture, the country grapples with currency depreciation. Despite infrastructure investments, Angola struggles to combat widespread poverty and corruption.
Sources
- World Bank Data: Angola
- IMF Data Mapper
- Heritage Foundation: All Country Scores
- CIA World Factbook: Angola
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
- SIPRI Military Expenditure Database
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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