Angola’s economy grew by 3.8% in 2024, according to the IMF, but faces inflation and external debt pressures. Freedom House ranks Angola poorly in terms of political freedom and governance, while road accidents resulted in over 3,000 deaths in 2024. The Angolan President has postponed international visits due to AU responsibilities, and Jackie Shroyer has been charged with the murder of her husband, an American missionary.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Angola’s economy grew by 3.8% in 2024, largely due to a recovery in the oil sector. Nevertheless, the IMF cautions that efforts for budget consolidation are weakening, influenced by rising capital expenditures and slow reforms in fuel subsidies. Inflation remains significantly high, and the local currency depreciated by over 10% against the US dollar in 2024 despite a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio. The IMF anticipates a growth of 3% in 2025 but highlights ongoing economic risks.
Freedom House’s report “Freedom in the World 2025” indicates that Angola ranks as one of Africa’s least free nations, scoring 28 out of 100. The report points out systemic repression of political dissent, despite President João Lourenço’s anti-corruption efforts since 2017. Angola has been governed by the same party since gaining independence, and although there have been attempts to ease press and civil society restrictions, severe governance and human rights issues remain prevalent.
President João Lourenço of Angola has postponed his visit to Timor-Leste due to his responsibilities as chairman of the African Union (AU). The presidency highlighted that the president’s mediation of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a priority. José Ramos-Horta acknowledged the postponement, stating, “Unfortunately, the President of Angola has postponed the trip because Angola has assumed the presidency of the African Union, a great responsibility and a great honour.”
In 2024, Angola recorded 3,120 deaths from road accidents, a rise from 2,915 in 2023. While the total number of accidents decreased from 13,597 to 12,303, the number of injuries slightly fell to 16,282. Luanda accounted for the highest number of incidents, with 2,650 accidents resulting in 954 fatalities, primarily due to causes such as speeding, intoxicated driving, and poor road conditions.
In a significant legal development, Jackie Shroyer, the wife of the slain American missionary Beau Shroyer, has been formally charged with murder. Authorities allege that she orchestrated the crime with accomplices after her husband was stabbed in Huila Province in October 2023. The couple had been in Angola since 2021 for missionary work, and their children are currently under family care while she awaits trial.
In summary, Angola’s economy is experiencing modest growth, yet faces challenges such as high inflation and external debt. The country continues to struggle with political freedom, ranking poorly in terms of governance and human rights. Meanwhile, road safety remains a major concern, with significant fatalities reported in accidents. Lastly, a high-profile legal case has emerged involving the wife of a missionary charged with murder, further highlighting the complexities in Angola’s societal landscape.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
