ORSB – ANGOLA COUNTRY STRATEGY PAPER 2011 - 2015
2.4.7 Strengths. After 27 years of
conflict, political stability was achieved
throughout the country15. Besides the
considerable diamonds and oil & gas
reserves, the country has other
extensive mineral and natural resources
and a vast agriculture land mass (see
§2.1.6). The two major strengths in favor
of the country’s development are (i) the
mid-term political stability, and (ii)
extensive endowment of multiple natural
resources.
necessary for the country’s extensive
reconstruction program and for the
expanded provision of basic services
needed to overcome the country’s
human development deficits. However,
Angola needs to reduce its dependency
on the volatile oil revenues and industry.
The major outstanding challenges are
(i) the creation of a robust non-oil private
sector that can generate employment,
increase population wellbeing, and
produce the necessary fiscal revenue to
a sustainable fiscal balance; and (ii)
efficient use of the non-renewable
resources that calls on enhanced
government accountability
2.4.8 Opportunities. Angola seeks to
assert itself as a logistical and economic
hub and acquire a regional status
commensurate with its military and
financial might. Despite its poor
infrastructure network, the completion of
the
national
transport
corridors
rehabilitation, will potentially allow the
full integration of Angola in the regional
transport grid. The same applies to
hydro-power whose potential could be
unleashed once connected to the DRC
and Namibian grids. With 45 percent of
its 18 million inhabitants aged bellow 15
years, Angola has a potentially huge
labor force capable of generating a
strong domestic market. The two major
opportunities to be seized by the country
are (i) a privileged geographical
positioning with favorable competitive
growth factors, and (ii) an abundant,
dynamic and young population to supply
the job market, and drive domestic
demand.
2.4.6 Weaknesses. The post-conflict
fragile state that emerged from 27 years
of civil war has profound social
handicaps. An entire generation was
adversely affected, deprived of access
to basic services (e.g. education, health,
among others) and infrastructure vital
for social development and economic
growth. The resulting widespread
poverty and the low institutional capacity
of the state apparatus are a major
constraint for a sustainable and rapid
development of the country. The two
major weaknesses
hindering the
country’s development are (i) a weak
institutional framework, and (ii) low
human development conditions.
Box 4: SWOT Analysis
Strengths
the mid-term political stability
extensive endowment of natural resources
Weaknesses
weak institutional framework
low human development
Opportunities
privileged geographical positioning
abundant dynamic young population
Challenges
creation of a robust non-oil private sector
efficient use of the non-renewable resources
2.5
Recent Developments in Aid
Coordination/Harmonization
2.5.1
Average ODA disbursements
during the last 3 years represented a
little less than 1 percent of annual
budget expenditure. The Bank’s
C. Strengths and Opportunities
15
The notable exception remains acts perpetrated by
secessionist movements in the Cabinda Province.
13