Angola bets on farming and open borders to diversify economy
Angola is pushing to diversify its oil-dependent economy, with officials pointing to a historic shift in which agriculture now contributes a larger share of national output than crude.
The country's economic chief, José de Lima Massano, said agriculture now accounts for around a quarter of GDP, compared with about 15% for oil — a structural transformation for a nation long defined by its petroleum wealth. The change reflects both efforts to grow other sectors and the pressures facing global oil markets.
In a parallel move to boost tourism and trade, Angola has granted visa-free entry for 90 days to nationals of more than 90 countries, including many European states. The step mirrors a wider trend across Africa toward easing travel and deepening regional integration.
Angola has also strengthened ties with neighbours, signing agreements with Mozambique to deepen cooperation in space, communications, ICT and meteorology, as the two countries look to expand digital connectivity.
The diversification drive comes as Angola, one of Africa's largest oil producers, seeks to cushion its economy against volatile crude prices and build more sustainable sources of growth and jobs. During a recent visit, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the gap between the country's mineral wealth and persistent poverty, underscoring the challenge of translating resources into broad-based prosperity.
