Doing Business in Angola

Business etiquette, language & culture

Currency

The unit of currency is the Kwanza (Kz). Small amounts of Kwanzas may be taken out of the country, but it is not convertible on international exchange markets. The US dollar is still widely accepted although, as stated above, it is illegal to transact in US$. Credit cards, are becoming gradually more acceptable throughout the city. Major hotels and supermarkets will take international credit cards. Visa seems to be the preferred option. Cash machines will only dispense Kwanzas and up to a maximum 20,000 Kzs per transaction with a limit of 40,000 Kzs withdrawal in one day. You should advise your bank you are travelling to Angola prior to using the ATM system.

 

International time

Angola is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). There is no daylight saving.

Units of measurement

Angola uses the metric system.

Dress

Smart business dress is appreciated, although because of the climate men often dispense with jackets and often do not wear ties. Businesswomen typically dress modestly with longer jackets and tops together with longer skirts or trousers. The more formal the meeting, the more formal the attire.

 

Meeting etiquette

An appointment is expected to be made for a visit although it can be difficult to do this too far in advance. Appointments are often not confirmed until hours before the appointment time, the appointment can change at short notice and you may not be seen promptly. As a result, be prepared for this and build a degree of flexibility into your plans. Hierarchy is important and your comments should be addressed to the most senior manager present.

 

Negotiations and decision-making

The business environment in Angola is essentially western in nature, and in general Angolans are fairly open in their decisions and opinions. They prefer to take their time over decisions and solicit others’ opinions. Angolans often put their cards on the table at an early stage. In order to ensure contracts are secured it will be necessary to visit Angola on a constant basis, at least every three months.

 

Hours of business

Business hours are based on the western week although most government offices close a couple of hours earlier on Fridays.

 

Language

Portuguese is the official language, and penetration of English language is one of the lowest in the world. Some English is spoken in business circles, but nearly all senior managers in the oil & gas sector do speak some English. However, very few receptionists, secretaries, drivers or support staff speak English.

 

Angolan public holidays                     

Angolan Public Holidays	2015	2016
New Year's Day	1 Jan	1 Jan
Colonial Repression Martyrs' Day	4 Jan	4 Jan
Liberation War Start	4 Feb	4 Feb
Carnival	16 Feb - 17 Feb	8 Feb - 9 Feb
International Women's Day	8 Mar	8 Mar
Victory Day	27 Mar	27 Mar
Good Friday	3 Apr	25 Mar
Day of Peace and Reconciliation	4 Apr	4 Apr
Easter Monday	6 Apr	28 Mar
Labour Day	1 May	1 May
Africa Day	25 May	25 May
International Children's Day	1 Jun	1 Jun
National Heroes' Day	17 Sep	17 Sep
All Souls' Day	2 Nov	2 Nov
Independence Day	11 Nov	11 Nov
Christmas Day	25 Dec	25 Dec

 

Source – UKTI

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