Published on
March 2, 2026

Image generated with Ai

In the southwest part of Africa, Angola is a country undergoing an economic transformation, with tourism being an essential contributor to its economic diversification drive. The economy of Angola, which has mainly relied on the export of oil, is undergoing diversification, and tourism is at the heart of the new economy. With the growing need for the development of the environment, Angola is positioning itself as one of the main players in the tourism sector in Africa, especially with its new status as the Official Host Country for ITB Berlin 2026.

Angola’s Economic Landscape: Growth Beyond Oil

Angola’s economy has seen notable growth in recent years, with a 4.4% increase in real GDP in 2024, marking its strongest performance in five years. While the oil industry remains a central pillar, contributing 28.9% to GDP and nearly 95% of export revenues, its long-term production levels are on the decline. This shift has led to a push for economic diversification, with sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and industry expanding rapidly. Agriculture and fisheries alone have more than doubled their contribution to the GDP since 2010, showcasing Angola’s strategic effort to realign its economy.

National Development Plan: Laying the Groundwork for Growth

Angola’s National Development Plan for 2023-2027 and the “Angola Vision 2050” initiative set the groundwork for the country’s long-term economic growth and structural transformation. The plan emphasizes increased productivity, employment generation, and infrastructural development while focusing on business climate reforms, boosting small and medium-sized enterprises, and the gradual privatization of state-owned enterprises. The government’s strategy aims to enhance Angola’s economic stability and make it a more attractive destination for global investment, particularly in sectors like tourism.

Tourism: Angola’s ‘Green Oil’ for Economic Diversification

Advertisement

Advertisement

Tourism is seen as a key component of Angola’s diversification strategy. The country is blessed with rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage, much of which remains largely unexplored internationally. This presents a wealth of untapped potential for tourism development, with the government seeking to harness its diverse resources for economic growth and employment creation.

In this context, tourism is referred to as Angola‘s “green oil,” signaling its importance in the country’s sustainable development plan. The National Tourism Plan (PLANATUR) aims to significantly boost tourism revenues by 2027, creating approximately 50,000 new jobs and increasing tourism’s contribution to the GDP to 1.9%. To achieve these goals, Angola is investing heavily in infrastructure, including an estimated €8.23 billion (7 trillion Kwanza) allocated for development projects, supporting private sector tourism investments, and simplifying administrative procedures.

Boosting Infrastructure and Connectivity for Tourism Growth

Infrastructure development is central to Angola’s tourism strategy. A key highlight is the modern Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda, which serves as a major international hub with a capacity to handle 15 million passengers annually. This infrastructure improvement not only facilitates international travel but also lays the foundation for the expansion of business, conference, and event tourism in the country.

Additionally, Angola’s efforts to attract international hotel chains, such as Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Accor, reflect growing confidence in the nation’s tourism potential. With a burgeoning hospitality sector, there remains a high demand for hotel accommodations, especially in areas outside the capital. Angola’s commitment to enhancing its hotel infrastructure aligns with its goal of accommodating the growing number of international tourists.

MICE Tourism: Expanding Angola’s Events Market

In recent years, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment has been identified as a key area for tourism growth. To support this, a new convention center is under construction in Luanda, aimed at strengthening Angola’s position as a prime destination for international conferences and events. This is further supported by the establishment of the Angola Convention Bureau, which is designed to attract international events and create business opportunities within the tourism sector.

The government’s emphasis on expanding MICE tourism is part of a broader strategy to enhance Angola’s global connectivity, attract international businesses, and develop regional tourism markets. Angola’s growing appeal as a MICE destination is not only a boon for the tourism industry but also supports the broader goal of economic diversification through international exposure and business engagements.

Regional Integration and Cross-Border Tourism Opportunities

Beyond its national tourism strategy, Angola is working to strengthen its position within the regional tourism market. The Lobito Corridor, a critical infrastructure project that connects Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, is seen as a major catalyst for cross-border trade and tourism. This modernized railway line not only promotes economic integration but also opens up new prospects for sustainable tourism development along the route. It also provides new opportunities for travelers to explore Angola and its neighboring countries, thereby expanding the regional tourism market.

Visa Facilitation: Simplifying Access for Global Tourists

As part of its strategy to increase tourism, Angola has introduced extensive visa facilitation for citizens of nearly 100 countries. These reforms significantly ease the process of visiting Angola, stimulating demand from international tourists and enhancing Angola’s appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travel. Simplified visa procedures are an important step toward positioning Angola as an accessible and attractive tourism destination.

Sustainable Tourism: Harnessing Cultural and Natural Heritage

Angola’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes provide a solid foundation for sustainable tourism development. From its pristine beaches to the vibrant wildlife and unique cultural heritage, Angola has much to offer tourists seeking an authentic African experience. By focusing on sustainable tourism, the government aims to protect the country’s natural assets while simultaneously using them as key drivers for economic growth.

The government’s long-term investment in tourism infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to preserving the country’s cultural and natural resources, will help ensure that Angola’s tourism sector grows in a way that benefits both local communities and the broader economy. With these investments, Angola is poised to become a leading tourism destination in Africa.

Tourism as a Catalyst for Angola’s Economic Future

With the continued diversification of the Angolan economy, the role of tourism in the development of Angola is of critical importance. With immense investment in the development of infrastructure, hospitality, and global connectivity, Angola is emerging as an attractive destination for tourists and investors. By harnessing its cultural and natural wealth, expanding its tourism industry, and encouraging international cooperation, Angola is laying the groundwork for sustained economic development in the tourism industry. With the tourism industry emerging as an integral part of the economic diversification strategy of Angola, the country is poised to build an economically resilient and prosperous nation.