Angola- a whole new game.

I recently met the director of a large mobile phone distribution company. Having studied for a Masters in political economy in the UK, he had now returned home to seek his fortune. Fortune and Angola perhaps seem a contradiction in terms considering 68 percent of the population live below the poverty line of $1.70 per day, and 28 percent of those in extreme poverty on less than $0.70 per day. And for those who cannot relate to figures, it’s enough to see people rummaging in dustbins for food, without shoes, and torn clothes on every corner, other than within the sleek gated communities.

Whilst poverty is a huge problem here, it is also true that parts of Angola are reconstructing themselves after the war and there are big bucks to be made. Chinese companies are not afraid to take the big leap and an agreement guaranteeing 70 percent of tenders for public works go to Chinese firms also helps.

Luanda is a home to just under 5 million people but the city itself feels quite small. Both locals and expatriates I have met here have said that we would meet again in the near future and bumping into them in the street, in bars and cafes, they have proven to be correct. Networking (I hate the term, but it is pertinent here) is much easier. Whilst there are many expats here, social hang outs are limited. If you have the right background, or the money, it is also easier to get meetings with VIPs. A friend who has just returned after completing a PhD in the UK talked of meetings with the British ambassador and high level ruling party officials. He explained to me that the system here is different and that he did not receive the same welcome in the UK. I imagine him arriving at the door of Number 10 for a welcome cup of tea, only to be turned away by a burly security guard.

This friend also lamented the fact that so many foreigners arrive here, make their money and then leave, with no interest in improving the long term situation of Angola. Whilst this is certainly in part true, it is also true that Angola would struggle without foreign investment.

A week ago, we accidentally walked in on a private beach party (the music was good… we thought it was a bar) and we soon got talking to the very friendly party goers. They all reiterated what I had learnt so far about networking, but also stressed that the work system in Angola cannot be compared to Europe, especially as regards corruption.

You cannot live your life in fear or feeling guilty. Whether you want to change the Angola for the better, or just make money, you just have to get on with it. If life here could be described as a game, there are certainly no rules. I left with a sense of hope that having learnt Portuguese, there were opportunities for me here, but I would have to change my game plan.