Working in Angola

For the first decade of the 20th century, Angola’s rich oil and diamond resources made it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. As a largely oil-dependent economy, Angola faces some risks due to fluctuations in oil prices.

That said, most expats working in Angola are employed by multinational companies that often offer lucrative salaries and employment packages. Angola is considered a hardship destination, so if you find work in the country, your employers are likely to offer a slate of perks and benefits to ensure you have a comfortable stay in the country.

Job market in Angola

You’ll likely find that expats working in Angola are almost always employed by a multinational company connected to one of the country’s two lucrative natural resources: oil or diamonds. Outside these major sectors, the largest industries in Angola include agriculture, manufacturing, and services such as tourism and construction.

Although this is still a budding sector, telecommunications is another industry where you may find work in Angola. Some expats may be transferred to a diplomatic mission in the country, while others are employed by non-profit organisations.

Finding work in Angola

Most expats are brought over to Angola on a contract by one of many multinational companies with a presence in the country. If you move to the country without work already lined up, you’ll often find it extremely difficult to secure employment. Those who are fluent in Portuguese may have more opportunities, so we recommend learning a few key phrases before making the move.

For this reason, we advise you to examine your options thoroughly before committing to a move to Angola. It’s a good idea to get in touch with a recruitment agency for advice on breaking into the market. Online job portals are another excellent source for getting an idea of the availability of suitable positions and their salaries.

Useful links

• Careers in Africa
• Jobs in Angola

Work culture in Angola

The workplace in Angola is hierarchical, with seniors being of the utmost importance. Angolans frequently try to please everyone to avoid conflict, so their communication style can sometimes be indirect. Although formal agendas are rarely used, meetings may have a distinctly formal atmosphere.

As is typically the case in countries where a small, elite group holds strong political power, working in Angola is unfortunately often characterised by corruption and seemingly never-ending bureaucratic procedures. Obtaining a work permit, though necessary, can be a painful and drawn-out affair mired in red tape. Additionally, certain aspects of Angola can make daily life significantly uncomfortable, from the glaring inequality and poverty evident in Luanda, to the unstable electricity supply that can suddenly blink out without warning.

To offset the difficulties typically encountered in the country, expat salaries in Angola are often high because of the ‘hardship quotient’. Though the cost of living in Angola has dropped significantly in recent years, we recommend conducting extensive research to understand the cost of living and ensure that all expenses are covered.