Angola has rich natural resources, mainly oil and diamonds. It’s the second-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.
The country has 9 billion barrels of proven oil and 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It produces about 1.16 million barrels of oil daily, 75% from offshore fields.
Angola is also the fourth-largest diamond producer in the world. In 2025, it plans to boost diamond output by 50%, aiming for 14.6 million carats and $2.5 billion in revenue.
There’s also iron ore in the southwest. Other resources include copper, gold, manganese, phosphates, uranium, feldspar, and platinum.
Angola has strong hydroelectric potential too, with big dams on the Cuanza, Cunene, Catumbela, and Dande rivers. Oil makes up nearly 75% of national revenue. Diamonds also drive economic growth. These resources offer real chances for growth and new industries.
Angola’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here are resources that have been discovered in Angola, including their locations:
| Resources | Location |
|---|---|
| Oil and Natural Gas | Cabinda, Soyo, Kwanza-Benguela Basin, Namibe Basin, Lower Congo Basin |
| Diamonds | Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul |
| Iron Ore | Cassinga, Jamba |
| Copper | Mavoio, Uíge Province |
| Manganese | Cassinga, Huíla Province |
| Gold | Huíla Province, Cunene Province |
| Phosphates | Bengo Province |
| Uranium | Namibe Province |
| Feldspar | Huíla Province |
| Platinum | Huíla Province |
| Hydroelectric Potential | Cuanza River, Cunene River, Catumbela River, Dande River |
| Forest Resources | Mayombe Forest (Cabinda), Miombo Woodlands (Central Angola) |
| Fisheries Resources | Atlantic Coast (1,600 km) |
| Arable Land | Malanje Province, Uíge Province |
Discovereis Of Angola’s Natural Resources
Oil was first discovered in Angola in the 1950s, with early onshore wells being drilled. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that offshore discoveries began to make a significant impact.
Between 1981 and 1983, offshore wells were drilled in the Kwanza Basin. By the late 1980s, oil production started to grow, and fields like Takula began operations.
By the early 1990s, Angola was a major oil producer, with international companies like Chevron and Total joining in. Today, Angola is the second-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Diamonds were first found in Angola in the early 1900s, but large-scale mining began in the 1950s. The Catoca mine, one of the world’s biggest, was discovered in 1993 and started production in 1997.
More recently, the Luele diamond mine was discovered, which is expected to boost production. Angola is now a major diamond producer, with the state-run Catoca Mining Company playing a part.
Iron ore was spotted in Angola in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that development began. The Cassinga mine in the Huíla Province was discovered in 1967, but production stopped during the civil war.
Efforts to restart operations began in the early 2000s. Copper exploration in Angola began during the colonial period. The Mavoio copper mine in Uíge Province is notable, though large-scale production has been limited.
There is still potential for future development. Gold exploration picked up in the late 1990s, with foreign companies prospecting in the Huíla and Cunene provinces. While gold discoveries have been made, large-scale production has not yet started.
Phosphate deposits were found in the 1970s, but progress has been slow. Efforts are ongoing, especially in the Bengo Province.
Angola’s hydroelectric potential was recognized early, with the Cambambe Dam completed in 1963. Several other dams followed, including the Ruacana Dam, which began operating in 1978.
Uranium was discovered in the 1970s, but mining hasn’t taken off due to challenges like a lack of infrastructure and sanctions. Similarly, feldspar and platinum are present, but little is known about their production.
Angola’s rare earth project in Longonjo is a recent development. It is expected to become one of the largest rare earth producers in the world by the mid-2020s.
Viability Of Angola’s Natural Resources
The country has massive oil and gas reserves, mostly offshore, which need advanced tech to extract. Infrastructure is aging, and more investment is needed to keep production steady.
Diamonds are abundant, especially in Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. Mining methods vary, but some regions are hard to reach.
Iron ore is in Cassinga, which is easier to access, but mining is limited by weak infrastructure and global price shifts. Other minerals like copper, manganese, and gold are spread out. Some areas are remote, needing roads and better access.
Extraction is slowed by environmental and regulatory issues. Angola’s rivers have big hydroelectric potential, but high costs and funding delays slow progress.
Forests cover much of the country and could support timber and biomass use. They’re easy to reach, but poor forest management leads to overuse and damage.
Only a small part of the land is good for farming. It can be used, but it needs better irrigation and support. Agriculture struggles due to low funding, bad roads, and climate risks.
Export Potential Of Angola’s Natural Resources
Angola’s economy leans on its oil, gas, and diamond industries. These sectors are the backbone of its exports and continue to attract strong global demand.
| Resources | Export Value | Primary Market |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil | 1.16 million barrels per day | China (40%), U.S., India, France, Taiwan |
| Natural Gas | 17.9 billion cubic feet annually | Domestic |
| Diamonds | 14.75 million carats targeted for 2025 | Europe, Asia |
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1. Oil And Natural Gas
Angola is the top oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, recently outpacing Nigeria. It has 9 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
In 2024, Angola produced around 1.16 million barrels per day. Oil made up more than 90% of the country’s total exports. China buys the most, followed by the U.S., India, and France.
Gas production was 5.6 billion cubic meters in 2024. This is a drop from 11.3 billion in 2020. Most of the gas comes with oil extraction. It’s either burned off or pumped back into the ground. Angola plans to cut flaring and build better LNG facilities to grow exports.
2. Diamond Production
Angola is also one of the world’s biggest diamond producers. Most reserves are found in Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. The Catoca mine alone produces 75% of the country’s diamonds. In 2024, Angola aimed to raise output by 50%, targeting 14.6 million carats a year. The Luele mine adds even more, with 628 million carats in reserves.
Angolan diamonds are high in quality and are mainly shipped to Europe and Asia. The government is working with firms like De Beers to improve mining methods and increase exports. These industries keep Angola strong in global markets. With better infrastructure and partnerships, its export future looks solid.
Economic Impact Of Angola’s Natural Resources
Angola’s economy depends a lot on its natural resources, especially oil and diamonds. These two sectors generate revenue and create jobs.
1. Oil Industry
Since oil was found in 1955, it has powered Angola’s economy. By the 1970s, Angola became a top oil producer. In 2024, the country produced about 1.16 million barrels a day. Crude oil made up more than 90% of exports and gave around 64% of the government’s total revenue.
During the first half of 2024, oil sold at an average of $84.2 per barrel. Oil money helped build roads, ports, and power plants. One key example is the Angola LNG plant in Soyo, which boosted gas exports and brought power to nearby towns.
However, the heavy reliance on oil has made the economy risky. When oil prices crashed in 2015, the country faced a serious economic setback.
2. Diamond Industry
Diamonds have been part of Angola’s economy since the early 1900s. The Catoca mine, which started in 1997, produces 75% of the country’s diamonds.
In 2024, Angola aimed to raise diamond output by 50% to reach 14.6 million carats a year. Money from diamonds has helped develop areas like Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. Jobs were created, and infrastructure improved.