Angola's economy declined sharply since 1974
In 1974, Angola was a global leader in sugar, coffee, and fishmeal production, but now faces widespread poverty.
In 1974, Angola was a world leader in several key industries, ranking as the second-largest producer of sugar, third in coffee, and fourth in cotton. The nation was also Africa's top exporter of beef and second in sisal and fishmeal. At that time, Angola possessed Africa's best silo network and four major railway lines, alongside significant industrial capacity including shipbuilding, breweries, and tire manufacturing.
50 years later, Angola faces severe challenges, with 68% of its population affected by poverty. The infant mortality rate is among the world's highest, at 250 deaths per 1,000 children. Access to clean water is limited to 38% of Angolans, and basic sanitation reaches only 44% of the population.
Healthcare services are inadequate, with only a quarter of Angolans having access, and many facilities suffer from poor infrastructure, staff shortages, and a lack of medicine. Chronic malnutrition affects 45% of Angolan children, and 25% die before the age of five, a stark contrast to the nation's past economic strength.
Why it mattersAngolan citizens are affected by widespread poverty, high infant mortality, and lack of access to basic services like water, sanitation, and healthcare.