Angola Roundup: Economic Indicators, Freedom Status, and Road Safety Concerns
In 2024, Angola’s GDP grew by 3.8% due to oil sector recovery; however, the IMF warns of high inflation and currency depreciation. Freedom House ranks Angola as one of Africa’s least free nations amid ongoing political repression. President Lourenço postponed his visit to Timor-Leste due to AU responsibilities, while road accidents resulted in over 3,000 deaths this year. Jackie Shroyer faces a murder charge regarding her husband’s death.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Angola’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has expanded by 3.8% in 2024, primarily due to a rebound in the oil sector. However, the IMF cautions about weakened budget consolidation efforts stemming from increased capital expenditures and sluggish fuel subsidy reforms. The economy faces high inflation and a currency devaluation of over 10% against the US dollar. Despite a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio, the burden of external debt remains substantial, and the IMF forecasts a continued growth rate of 3% for 2025, provided inflation decreases due to the resolution of cost-related issues.
In its “Freedom in the World 2025” report, Freedom House designates Angola as one of Africa’s least free countries, earning a score of 28 out of 100. The report highlights systemic repression of political dissent, despite the government’s recent anti-corruption initiatives under President João Lourenço. The report notes the long-standing dominance of a single party in governance and the ongoing serious challenges regarding governance and human rights, contrasting Angola’s situation with that of more democratic nations such as Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Angolan President João Lourenço has postponed his visit to Timor-Leste due to his role as chair of the African Union (AU). This postponement is attributed to his commitment to mediating the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which remains a priority for the presidency. José Ramos-Horta, the Timor-Leste leader, acknowledged the postponement and the significance of Angola’s AU presidency, indicating that planned visits to Australia and Indonesia may also be impacted.
In 2024, Angola witnessed a rise in road traffic fatalities, recording 3,120 deaths compared to 2,915 in the previous year, despite a reduction in overall road incidents. Injuries also slightly decreased to 16,282. The capital city of Luanda experienced the highest toll, with 2,650 accidents resulting in 954 fatalities. Contributing factors include speeding, drunk driving, poor road conditions, and use of mobile phones while driving. Notably, motorcycle riders, particularly moto-taxi operators, are frequently involved in these accidents.
Jackie Shroyer, the widow of American missionary Beau Shroyer, has been charged with murder following the stabbing incident that took place in Huila Province in October 2023. The Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) alleges that Mrs. Shroyer orchestrated the crime with the assistance of hired individuals. Since arriving in Angola in 2021 for missionary work, the couple’s children are being cared for by their relatives while Jackie awaits her trial, which is expected to occur within a six-month timeframe.
Angola’s economic growth in 2024 has been positive, with a 3.8% increase in GDP driven by the oil sector. Nevertheless, the nation continues to grapple with high inflation and challenges related to political freedom and human rights. President João Lourenço’s commitments within the African Union have led to the postponement of significant international visits. The rising toll of road fatalities highlights ongoing safety concerns, while a criminal case involving a missionary’s wife has added to societal challenges.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com