Doing Business with Angola

1. Research Market Requirements

   • Understand Angola’s import regulations and standards.
   • Identify demand for your product in Angola.

2. Product Compliance

   • Ensure your product meets Angola’s quality and safety standards.
   • Obtain necessary certifications and documentation.

3. Find an Importer or Partner

   • Identify potential local partners or importers.
   • Establish a relationship and negotiate terms.

4. Register Your Business

   • Register with relevant Angolan authorities if required for your sector.

5. Prepare Documentation

   • Invoice
   • Packing list
   • Bill of lading or airway bill
   • Certificate of origin
   • Any product-specific certificates (e.g., health, safety)

6. Customs Clearance

   • Submit documents to Angolan customs.
   • Pay any applicable duties and taxes.

7. Shipping and Logistics

   • Choose a reliable shipping company.
   • Ensure proper packaging and labeling according to Angolan regulations.

8. Contact Key Government Agencies

   • Ministry of Industry and Commerce
   • Angolan Customs Authority

9. Follow Up on Delivery

   • Confirm receipt and satisfaction with the importer.
   • Address any issues promptly.

Key Contacts

• Ministry of Industry and Commerce
  • Website: Ministry of Industry and Commerce
• Customs Authority
  • Website: Angolan Customs

1. Research Import Regulations

   • Understand Angola’s import rules and requirements.
   • Check if your goods require special permits or licenses.

2. Register as an Importer

   • Register your business with the Angolan authorities.
   • Obtain an import license if necessary.

3. Find a Supplier

   • Identify and establish a relationship with a reputable supplier.
   • Negotiate terms and conditions.

4. Arrange Shipping and Logistics

   • Select a reliable freight forwarder or shipping company.
   • Ensure proper packaging and labeling according to Angolan standards.

5. Prepare Documentation

   • Commercial invoice
   • Packing list
   • Bill of lading or airway bill
   • Certificate of origin
   • Any additional certificates required (e.g., health, safety)

6. Customs Clearance

   • Submit all documents to Angolan customs.
   • Pay applicable duties and taxes.

7. Compliance and Inspection

   • Ensure compliance with all import regulations.
   • Be prepared for potential inspections by customs officials.

8. Contact Key Government Agencies

   • Ministry of Industry and Commerce
   • Angolan Customs Authority

9. Receive Goods

   • Arrange for transportation from the port to your warehouse or facility.
   • Inspect goods upon arrival and address any issues.

Key Contacts

• Ministry of Industry and Commerce
  • Website: Ministry of Industry and Commerce
• Customs Authority
  • Website: Angolan Customs

1. Choose a Company Type

   • Decide on the type of company (e.g., Limited Liability Company).

2. Reserve a Company Name

   • Check the availability of your desired company name.
   • Reserve the name with the Angolan Business Registration Office.

3. Prepare Documentation

   • Draft the Articles of Association.
   • Obtain identification documents for all shareholders and directors.

4. Register the Company

   • Submit documents to the Guichet Único (One-Stop Shop).
   • Pay the registration fee (approximately $500 USD).

5. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF)

   • Register with the Angolan Tax Authority for a NIF.

6. Open a Bank Account

   • Open a corporate bank account in Angola to deposit the initial capital.

7. Register for Social Security

   • Register the company and employees with the National Institute for Social Security.

8. Obtain Necessary Licenses

   • Apply for any sector-specific licenses or permits required for your business.

9. Contact Key Government Agencies

   • Ministry of Industry and Commerce
   • Guichet Único

Key Contacts

• Ministry of Industry and Commerce
  • Website: Ministry of Industry and Commerce
• Guichet Único
  • Website: Guichet Único

1. Conduct Market Research

   • Analyze demand for your product in Angola.
   • Study local competition and market conditions.

2. Choose a Location

   • Select a suitable site considering logistics, labor availability, and utilities.
   • Ensure compliance with zoning laws.

3. Register Your Business

   • Incorporate your company through the Guichet Único.
   • Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF).

4. Acquire Land

   • Secure the necessary permits and approvals for land acquisition.
   • Check for environmental regulations and compliance.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits

   • Apply for construction permits.
   • Obtain environmental and sector-specific licenses.

6. Set Up Infrastructure

   • Plan and construct the plant facilities.
   • Ensure utilities (water, electricity) are connected.

7. Hire and Train Staff

   • Recruit local workforce.
   • Provide necessary training and development programs.

8. Install Machinery and Equipment

   • Procure and install manufacturing equipment.
   • Ensure compliance with safety standards.

9. Start Production

   • Begin trial runs and quality checks.
   • Optimize processes for efficiency.

10. Contact Key Government Agencies

    • Ministry of Industry and Commerce
    • Angolan Environmental Agency

Key Contacts

• Ministry of Industry and Commerce
  • Website: Ministry of Industry and Commerce
• Angolan Environmental Agency
  • Website: Environmental Agency

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

   • Check the availability of your trademark to ensure it’s unique.
   • Use the database of the Angolan Institute of Industrial Property (IAPI).

2. Prepare Your Application

   • Gather necessary documents: applicant details, trademark representation, and description of goods/services.

3. Submit the Application

   • File your application with the Angolan Institute of Industrial Property (IAPI).
   • Pay the application fee (approximately $200 USD).

4. Examination Process

   • IAPI will examine the application for compliance with legal requirements.

5. Publication

   • If approved, the trademark is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin for opposition.

6. Opposition Period

   • A 60-day period during which third parties can oppose the registration.

7. Final Registration

   • If no oppositions, the trademark is registered.
   • Pay the registration fee (approximately $300 USD).

8. Receive Certificate

   • Obtain the trademark registration certificate from IAPI.

Key Contacts

• Angolan Institute of Industrial Property (IAPI)
  • Website: IAPI

1. Negotiation

   • Attempt to resolve the dispute through direct negotiation between parties.
   • This step can save time and costs associated with formal proceedings.

2. Mediation

   • Engage a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate a resolution.
   • This can be a cost-effective and confidential way to settle disputes.

3. Arbitration

   • Choose arbitration if specified in the contract or agreed upon by parties.
   • Faster than litigation and the decision is binding.
   • Costs vary, typically including arbitrator fees and administrative expenses.

4. Litigation

   • File a lawsuit in the appropriate Angolan court if other methods fail.
   • Consider legal representation due to the complexity of the process.
   • Court fees and legal costs will apply.

5. Court Judgment

   • Await the court’s decision, which can be appealed if necessary.

Key Contacts

• Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
  • Website: Ministry of Justice
• Angolan Bar Association
  • Website: OAA

Social and Cultural Factors

• Language: Portuguese is the official language, essential for business communication.
• Business Etiquette: Personal relationships and trust are crucial. Be prepared for lengthy negotiations.
• Cultural Norms: Respect for hierarchy and formal greetings are important.

Political Environment

• Government: Angola is a presidential republic. Political stability has improved, but challenges remain.
• Regulations: Ongoing reforms aim to improve the business climate, but bureaucracy can be complex.

Economic Factors

• Foreign Exchange: The Angolan Kwanza (AOA) is subject to fluctuations. Currency exchange regulations can impact transactions.
• GDP and Growth: The economy is largely dependent on oil, but diversification efforts are underway.

Rule of Law

• Legal System: Based on Portuguese civil law. Contract enforcement can be slow.
• Corruption: Transparency has improved, but corruption remains a concern in some sectors.

Infrastructure

• Development: Infrastructure is developing, with improvements in transportation and energy sectors.
• Challenges: Some areas still face issues with reliable access to utilities.

Key Contacts and Resources

• Angola National Agency for Private Investment (ANIP)
• World Bank Angola Overview: World Bank
• Angolan Chamber of Commerce and Industry: CCIA