Thailand Overseas Investment Center

Why You Should Invest In Angola

Backed by the Government of Angola, the Fundo Activo de Capital de Risco Angolano (FACRA) is a Venture Capital firm in Africa that offers long-term financial investments to enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurs in Angola to realize their business development potential.

I recently had a chat with Teodoro de Jesus Xavier Poulson, a Member of the Investment Committee of FACRA. Poulson leads FACRA’s overall investment strategy and helps to source investment opportunities in Angola and across the Sub-Saharan African region. He spoke to me about Angola’s economic potential, the business opportunities available in the country, and why investors from all over the world should take notice.

Tell me about the current investment climate in Angola and the wider region. What industries are attracting the most foreign investments?

The Government of Angola is focused on economic diversification and the innovation of new technologies – across the country. Primary non-oil growth sectors in Angola are infrastructure, technology, agriculture, fisheries, hospitality, forestry & timber, mining and minerals. Of these, infrastructure is perhaps the most significant in terms of size and socio-economic impact. Infrastructure requirements surpass those of most countries. At the present time, infrastructure is attracting the lion’s share of FDI. This ranges from business-critical infrastructure such as railways, ports, bridges, roads and buildings (factories, manufacturing plants) to new technologies in utilities and energy.

The government is also making significant investments in schools, universities, hospitals and healthcare clinics right across the country. The hospitality market is also attracting sizeable investments from the public and private sectors and the government is providing tax exemptions and incentives for companies setting up hotels and other hospitality facilities in the country.

Innovation in technology is also a major focus for investors. Angolan’s are young (around 50% are below the age of 20) and they have a huge appetite for technology. Foreign firms that can invest in growing technology businesses in Angola can do well in the consumer technology sector.

Also, technology in business – from engineering to farming or energy (particularly off-the-grid and renewables) is witnessing interest from foreign companies. Organizations that are pioneering new technologies in areas of sustainable energy are of particular interest to many African nations.

Teodoro de Jesus Xavier Poulson

CR:http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2014/11/22/why-you-should-invest-in-angola/