Located in south-central Africa, Angola’s culture is a blend of ancient African traditions and colonial Portuguese influences. Angola has experienced years of violent unrest and civil war but the rebuilding process which began at the end of the civil war in 2002 is progressing well.
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Angola Today
Angola is a forward looking nation with an economy that is growing at a constant rate due to the country’s vast supply of natural resources such as oil. Understanding Angola’s extremely diverse social and business culture can be challenging and doing business in Angola successfully requires a sound understanding of this complex country.
Angolan Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Religion – As a consequence of the 500-year Portuguese conlonial rule, the majority of Angolans are Roman Catholic but tend to practise a mixture of Catholic and tribal beliefs and traditions. The worship of ancestors is widespread and paramount in Angolan spiritual life. It is believed that ancestors can have significant influence on their descendants’ lives and are therefore highly respected.
Civil War – The 27-year-long civil war which ended in 2002 has left Angola and its citizens scarred in many aspects. The country’s infrastructure and economy were mostly destroyed but have been gradually rebuilt since the end of the war. Angolans are still today suffering from the social, economic and psychological consequences of the war but are slowly redeveloping their country and rebuilding their cultural traditions.
Portuguese Influence – Besides religion, the Portuguese left their impact on several other cultural aspects. Portuguese is the official language in Angola and spoken by most Angolans as first or second language.
Doing Business Angola
The long-lasting civil war has adversely affected the Angolan economy. However, since the end of the war in 2002, the government has started to rebuild the nation through significant economic, political and financial reforms. The country’s affluent natural resources have the potential of making Angola a very wealthy nation, with the production and export of petroleum continuing to set Angola on the path to sustained economic growth. Today, Angola’s efforts in reviving and maintaining political and economical stability are gaining interest from foreign investors and helping to open up the country to increasing international business opportunities.
Part 1 – Working in Angola: Working practices in Angola
Structure and hierarchy in Angolan companies
Working relationships in Angola
Part 2 – Doing Business in Angola: Business practices in Angola
Angolan Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO arrive on time to meetings, but as a general rule, do not expect your Angolan counterparts to do so. For Angolans, arriving ten to fifteen minutes after the scheduled time is common.
DO dress formal for business meetings to show respect for your (future) counterparts.
DO shake hands with your Angolan business colleagues in the beginning and the end of a meeting. This is an essential part of developing trust..
DON’T take pictures of government buildings as it may look suspicious and lead to interrogation and imprisonment.
DON’T rush through the greeting process as it is used to get to know the counterpart and to exchange courtesies.
DON’T be surprised if your Angolan business colleagues ask what may seem to be personal questions about your way of life after a relatively brief period of time. Characteristically, Angolans tend to be warm and friendly people.
Angolan Culture Quiz – True or False
1. When having a conversation, Angolans try to look straight in the eyes of their interlocutor.
2. Angolan funerals are very important events and are often associated with many rituals.
3. When invited to an Angolan’s home, it is good practice to take a gift of flowers, or chocolates for the host.
4. One of the most common ways to display one’s status in Angolan culture is to organise lavish parties for large groups of people.
5. One Angolan tradition involves throwing fruits and cooked dishes into water.
Angolan Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. In most cases, Angolans avoid direct eye contact as they believe this will make the other feel scrutinised and possible ruin the natural flow of conversation.
2. True. Many Angolans fear the restless spirit of the deceased.
3. True. A small token such as this is often appreciated.
4. True. Angolans appreciate parties and events where they can meet people. They also like the treats and entertainments provided.
5. True. Iseland festival is one of most admired holidays in Angola. People throw food into the water and offer prayers which they believe will protect the Isle of Luanda from sinking and prevent people from drowning.
Angola Today
Angola is a forward looking nation with an economy that is growing at a constant rate due to the country’s vast supply of natural resources such as oil. Understanding Angola’s extremely diverse social and business culture can be challenging and doing business in Angola successfully requires a sound understanding of this complex country.
Angolan Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Religion – As a consequence of the 500-year Portuguese conlonial rule, the majority of Angolans are Roman Catholic but tend to practise a mixture of Catholic and tribal beliefs and traditions. The worship of ancestors is widespread and paramount in Angolan spiritual life. It is believed that ancestors can have significant influence on their descendants’ lives and are therefore highly respected.
Civil War – The 27-year-long civil war which ended in 2002 has left Angola and its citizens scarred in many aspects. The country’s infrastructure and economy were mostly destroyed but have been gradually rebuilt since the end of the war. Angolans are still today suffering from the social, economic and psychological consequences of the war but are slowly redeveloping their country and rebuilding their cultural traditions.
Portuguese Influence – Besides religion, the Portuguese left their impact on several other cultural aspects. Portuguese is the official language in Angola and spoken by most Angolans as first or second language.
Doing Business Angola
The long-lasting civil war has adversely affected the Angolan economy. However, since the end of the war in 2002, the government has started to rebuild the nation through significant economic, political and financial reforms. The country’s affluent natural resources have the potential of making Angola a very wealthy nation, with the production and export of petroleum continuing to set Angola on the path to sustained economic growth. Today, Angola’s efforts in reviving and maintaining political and economical stability are gaining interest from foreign investors and helping to open up the country to increasing international business opportunities.
Part 1 – Working in Angola: Working practices in Angola
Structure and hierarchy in Angolan companies
Working relationships in Angola
Part 2 – Doing Business in Angola: Business practices in Angola
Angolan Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO arrive on time to meetings, but as a general rule, do not expect your Angolan counterparts to do so. For Angolans, arriving ten to fifteen minutes after the scheduled time is common.
DO dress formal for business meetings to show respect for your (future) counterparts.
DO shake hands with your Angolan business colleagues in the beginning and the end of a meeting. This is an essential part of developing trust..
DON’T take pictures of government buildings as it may look suspicious and lead to interrogation and imprisonment.
DON’T rush through the greeting process as it is used to get to know the counterpart and to exchange courtesies.
DON’T be surprised if your Angolan business colleagues ask what may seem to be personal questions about your way of life after a relatively brief period of time. Characteristically, Angolans tend to be warm and friendly people.
Angolan Culture Quiz – True or False
1. When having a conversation, Angolans try to look straight in the eyes of their interlocutor.
2. Angolan funerals are very important events and are often associated with many rituals.
3. When invited to an Angolan’s home, it is good practice to take a gift of flowers, or chocolates for the host.
4. One of the most common ways to display one’s status in Angolan culture is to organise lavish parties for large groups of people.
5. One Angolan tradition involves throwing fruits and cooked dishes into water.
Angolan Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. In most cases, Angolans avoid direct eye contact as they believe this will make the other feel scrutinised and possible ruin the natural flow of conversation.
2. True. Many Angolans fear the restless spirit of the deceased.
3. True. A small token such as this is often appreciated.
4. True. Angolans appreciate parties and events where they can meet people. They also like the treats and entertainments provided.
5. True. Iseland festival is one of most admired holidays in Angola. People throw food into the water and offer prayers which they believe will protect the Isle of Luanda from sinking and prevent people from drowning.
