How is Angola leveraging its natural wealth to boost tourism? 

We are in the early stages of tourism development, and it is crucial to take decisive steps that reflect our government’s commitment and ambition.

Tourism is a key pillar of our economic diversification strategy—what I like to call our "green oil." One of the most significant measures we have taken is opening Angola to the world. We have transitioned from being a closed country, where visiting was complicated, to one where almost all Western nations and key African countries no longer need visas. More importantly, we have eliminated visa fees for these travelers, and we are actively working to expand this policy further. 

Another major step has been restructuring government institutions to prioritize tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has been separated from the Ministries of Culture and Environment and integrated into the government’s economic team. This reflects our view that tourism is not just a social sector but, above all, an economic driver of Angola’s growth. 

To develop tourism strategically, we have implemented what I call the Tripod of Tourism Development. First, we must identify and prioritize key areas. We cannot develop everything at once, so we are focusing on regions with the highest potential.

Angola has over a million kilometers of coastline, much of it unexplored. The sun-and-beach segment is essential to our tourism strategy, and we have identified two focal areas: Cabo Ledo in Luanda Province and the Mosul Peninsula near Luanda’s center. These locations will serve as the foundation for our sun-and-beach tourism in the north-central region. 

Unlike traditional all-inclusive resorts that isolate tourists from the local experience, Angola offers an immersive journey. For example, Cabo Ledo is less than 30 minutes from Kissama National Park, where visitors can experience nature tourism, and less than an hour from the Muxima Sanctuary, a key site for religious tourism.

Surfing, adventure tourism, and even golf are also within reach. Investors in these areas will be able to offer tourists a rich, diverse experience that goes beyond the typical resort model. The same principle applies to the Namib region, where visitors can explore Iona National Park, the Coroca hills, and Arco Lake, all in close proximity. 



How is the Ministry working to diversify Angola’s tourism offerings? 

Beyond sun-and-beach tourism, we are focusing on memory tourism.

Historical records show that nearly 80% of Afro-descendants in the Americas—including Brazil, the United States, and the Caribbean—have Angolan ancestry. Many were taken from the Mazangano region, which I consider an open-air sanctuary.

This site holds deep emotional and historical significance, much like Senegal’s Gorée Island. Recognizing its potential, we are developing a Master Plan for Mazangano to preserve its monuments, including the old fort and the church where enslaved people were baptized before being shipped away. This process is already underway, and an American family of Angolan descent, the Takers, visits every year. 

Cultural tourism is another priority. Angola’s greatest asset is our people—their joy, music, and dance. Kuduro and kizomba are not just music genres; they are living expressions of our identity. Every tourist seeks an authentic cultural experience, and ours is vibrant and passionate. In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, we are planning regular festivals that celebrate our cultural heritage, similar to South Africa’s Jazz Festival or Europe’s summer festivals. We are also developing maritime tourism, capitalizing on Angola’s excellent conditions for receiving cruise ships in Luanda, Lobito, Namibe, and Bahia dos Tigres. This sector holds enormous potential for bringing in large numbers of tourists without requiring immediate investments in hotels and resorts. 

Lastly, nature tourism presents one of our most promising opportunities. The Angolan part of the Okavango region is unique, sharing an ecosystem with Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia as part of the Okavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

This region boasts Angola’s most untouched natural landscapes and serves as a crucial water source for the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, and beyond. With its pristine environment, abundant wildlife, and permanent water sources, Angola is positioning itself as an integral part of this soughtafter tourism circuit.

Tourists already visit the Okavango from across the border, and we are working to ensure Angola becomes a key destination within this network. 

Angola is opening its doors to the world, and we invite investors and tourists alike to discover the richness, beauty, and authenticity of our country.