Angola’s Economy in Transition: Tourism Drives Diversification and Sustainable Growth

Alongside agriculture, industry, and renewable energy, tourism is increasingly coming into focus as a significant growth driver. As the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026, Angola aims to promote sustainable growth, employment, and regional development.

Stable Economic Development and Structural Change

According to the latest estimates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2025), Angola ranks among the leading markets in the region and is frequently compared with Nigeria, South Africa, and other major Sub-Saharan African economies. In 2024, the country in southwest Africa recorded real GDP growth of 4.4 per cent, its strongest economic performance in five years. This growth was largely driven by the non-oil sector and signals a clear structural transformation.

While the oil industry continues to play a central role – contributing around 28.9 per cent to GDP and approximately 95 per cent to export revenues – production levels are declining in the long term. Against this backdrop, economic diversification is gaining importance. Sectors such as agriculture and fisheries have more than doubled their share of GDP since 2010, underlining Angola’s strategic realignment.

Reform Agenda and Investment Drive

Through its long-term development strategy, “Angola Vision 2050”, and the National Development Plan 2023–2027, the government has established a clear framework to foster economic transformation, increase productivity, and create employment. Central to this approach are reforms to improve the business climate, promote small and medium-sized enterprises, invest in infrastructure, and gradually privatise state-owned companies in cooperation with international partners such as the World Bank.

Tourism as Angola’s “Green Oil”

Tourism plays a key role in this strategy. Angola’s rich natural and cultural landscapes, long largely unexplored internationally, offer significant potential for employment and local value creation.

"Angola cannot base its economic future on oil alone. Tourism is our green oil, with enormous potential to create jobs, develop rural regions, and sustainably utilise our cultural and natural heritage," emphasises Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola.

Through the National Tourism Plan (PLANATUR), the Angolan government aims to double tourism revenues by 2027, create around 50,000 new jobs, and increase the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP to 1.9 per cent. To achieve this, a comprehensive support programme has been launched: a total of nearly 7 trillion Angolan Kwanza (approx. €8.23 billion) is being invested in development and infrastructure projects, as well as in supporting private sector investment in tourism. Additionally, around 20 billion Kwanza (approx. €23.5 million) are allocated annually to support private tourism providers, while licensing and administrative procedures are being continuously simplified.

This is complemented by extensive visa facilitation for nearly 100 countries, significantly easing access to the country and stimulating international demand.

Investments in Infrastructure and Hospitality

With the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, Luanda boasts a modern international hub with a capacity of up to 15 million passengers annually. The airport not only enhances international connectivity but also provides the foundation for the expansion of business and event tourism. International hotel chains such as Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Accor have in recent years implemented or announced projects in Angola, signalling growing confidence from international investors. At the same time, there remains a high demand for additional hotel and accommodation capacity, particularly outside the capital.

MICE, Connectivity, and Regional Development

The expansion of the MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) is also part of the diversification strategy. A modern convention centre is currently under construction in Luanda, supported by the establishment of an Angola Convention Bureau, designed to systematically engage the international events market.

Infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor open up new prospects for cross-border trade and tourism. The modernised railway connection from the Atlantic port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia is becoming a backbone for economic integration and sustainable tourism along the route. With a young population, strategic location, extensive reforms, and targeted investments in key sectors, Angola offers attractive opportunities for investors, businesses, and tourism partners. Tourism is emerging as a central pillar of economic diversification, with long-term potential for growth, employment, and international connectivity.

Further information on Angola, the official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026, is available at www.angolatourism.com.