Writing To Angola: A Guide To Effective Communication

Angola, officially the Republic of Angola, is a country in southwestern Africa with a rich history and diverse culture. With a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, highlands, and river valleys, Angola is home to numerous ethnic groups and languages. While Portuguese is the official language, there are 46 other languages spoken in the country, mainly Bantu languages. The country has a complex and fascinating history, having been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age and influenced by colonial powers such as Portugal. Angola gained independence in 1975 and has since faced challenges such as civil war and economic inequality. Today, Angola is a member of the United Nations and the African Union, and its economy is among the fastest-growing in the world, driven by its vast mineral and petroleum reserves.

Greeting people in Angola

As in most African countries, greetings should never be rushed. It is important to take time to inquire about the person’s family and other matters of general interest during the greeting process.

In rural areas, women do not look the other person in the eye, although this practice is less pronounced with younger Angolans and in Luanda.

The official language of Angola is Portuguese, and it is spoken by the majority of the population. Here are some common Portuguese greetings:

• Olah – Informal greeting
• Komu eshta? – How are you? (formal)
• Komu eshtazh? – How are you? (informal)
• Estou bem, obrigado/a – I’m OK, thank you
• Toodu baym [ng]? – Everything well?
• Toodu – Everything [is well]
• Myze oh menush – More or less
• Prazair – Pleasure
• M [ng]wee [ng]tu Prazair – Much pleasure
• Bom [ng] deeya – Good day
• Boa tarde – After midday
• Boa noite – Evening or night
• Atay logu – See you later (same day)
• Atay aman [ng]yah – See you later (another day)
• Atay zhah – See you soon

Angola is a multicultural and multiethnic country with a combination of African traditions and centuries of Portuguese colonial influence. There are around 100 distinct ethnic groups in Angola, each with its own language and customs. The largest ethnic group is the Ovimbundu, who live predominantly in the central highlands.

Gift-giving etiquette

Gift-giving is not a common practice in Angola, except in urban areas. However, if you are invited to an Angolan's home, it is customary to bring gifts such as fruit, flowers, or chocolates for the host. It is also considered thoughtful to bring small gifts for any children in the host's family.

When giving gifts in Angola, it is important to be mindful of cultural differences and choose gifts that are appropriate and not likely to cause offence. For example, in Chinese culture, it is considered offensive to give someone an umbrella as a gift, as it implies that you want to end the friendship. Similarly, in North America, it is customary to unwrap gifts immediately upon receipt, whereas, in some Asian cultures, it is considered polite to wait until one is alone to open a gift.

In a professional setting, it is important to follow certain etiquette when giving gifts. While it is a kind gesture to show appreciation for your colleagues or clients, you should be careful not to give gifts that could be perceived as bribes. It is also important to be mindful of your budget and choose gifts of similar value for everyone to avoid playing favourites. Practical gifts, such as office supplies, gift cards, or food baskets, are often a safe choice.

Additionally, be mindful of cultural and religious differences when giving gifts. Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, and certain gifts may not be appropriate for everyone. For example, avoid giving alcohol as a gift to someone who does not consume alcohol for religious or personal reasons. Instead, opt for a more generic gift, such as a nice bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates.

Religion and beliefs

Angola is a secular state that officially recognises the equality of all religions and guarantees freedom of religion in its constitution. However, the government maintains a certain level of monitoring over religious communities through the Instituto Nacional das Religiões.

Christianity

Christianity is the predominant religion in Angola, with Catholicism being its largest denomination. Approximately 40% of the population declared themselves Catholic in the 2014 census, the last census done in the country. Protestantism follows closely, accounting for 38% of the total share.

The Kimbanguist movement, with its headquarters in DR Congo, has a strong following in northern Angola, particularly among the Bakongo people. Kimbanguism has become an important 'glue' for the Bakongo people and an important ethnic denominator.

Indigenous Religious Systems

There are as many indigenous religious systems in Angola as there are ethnic groups or sections of ethnic groups. Most traditional African religions claim the existence of a high god, but this deity's attributes vary. For example, some groups emphasise the high god's role as a creator, while others do not. Specific events in the human world are not usually explained by reference to this god, nor is a cult addressed to it.

The active entities in indigenous religions are ancestral and nature spirits. Ancestral spirits are considered relevant to the welfare of a descent group or its members, and nature spirits are considered relevant to the welfare of a community in a given location.

Islam

Islam is a minority religion in Angola, with 80,000-90,000 adherents, largely made up of migrants from West Africa and families of Lebanese origin. The government has not recognised any Muslim groups or issued any licenses to practice their religion legally or to build mosques.

Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith in Angola began around 1916 and now has over 1,000 members in 5 congregations.

Judaism

Jews have had a connection with Angola for hundreds of years. In 2014, a centre for the Chabad Hasidim opened in Luanda to service the local Jewish community.

Hinduism

Hinduism is practised by some members of the Asian community, most of whom are foreigners. The number of people with Indian origins is smaller in Angola compared to other South African countries, and they mainly comprise businessmen, professionals, and skilled workers.

Addressing government officials

When addressing government officials in Angola, it is important to follow the correct etiquette and letter-writing format. Here are some guidelines to help you write effectively and ensure your message is taken seriously:

• Recipient's Details: Begin by finding the full name, title, and address of the official. Ensure that the spelling of the name and address are correct. For Angolan government officials, you can refer to the list of ministers and their respective portfolios. For example, the Minister of Finance is Augusto Archer de Sousa Mangueira, and the Minister of Health is Sílvia Paula Valentim Lutucuta.
• Salutation: When addressing elected officials, use their title and full name. For example, "President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço" or "Minister of Health, Sílvia Paula Valentim Lutucuta". Using their title and name demonstrates respect for their position.
• Letter Format: A well-written and formal letter is essential. Start by explaining the purpose of your letter and why you are writing to the official. Provide a clear and concise summary of the issue or decision you are addressing. Then, describe your position on the matter and explain how it will impact you and others.
• Personal Connection: Share your connection to the issue and how it affects you personally. Officials are more likely to be swayed by individual stories and experiences rather than just statistics. Explain how their decision will positively or negatively impact your life and the lives of those you represent.
• Action Requested: Clearly state the specific action you would like the official to take and, if applicable, suggest an alternative solution. For example, you could request their support for a particular bill or policy.
• Gratitude and Acknowledgement: Mention any past support or positive actions the official has taken regarding similar issues, and express your gratitude. This demonstrates that you are aware of their previous efforts and encourages further engagement.
• Contact Information: Include your full name, address, and phone number at the end of the letter. This is crucial for any potential response and shows that you are a real constituent.
• Spelling and Grammar: Ensure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Correct usage contributes to the overall professionalism and impact of your message.
• Timing: Consider the timing of your letter. Writing just before an election or an important vote increases the likelihood of your letter being read and considered. Additionally, writing immediately after an official's action shows that you are engaged and aware of their work.
• Email vs. Postal Mail: You can send your letter via email or postal mail. Email is faster and more convenient, allowing for quicker responses. However, postal mail can be more formal and may be preferred by some officials.

Remember, the key to effectively addressing government officials in Angola is to demonstrate respect, provide clear and concise information, and make a personal connection to the issue. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your letter is well-received and increases the chances of a response.

Business culture and etiquette

Angola has a rich, dynamic culture and a diversified business community. Here are some tips for business etiquette when writing to people in Angola:

Meeting and Greeting

Greetings are formal and courteous and include a handshake. Women should avoid making direct eye contact during the initial greeting process, although this is less important in Luanda. It is a good idea to emulate the behaviour of the person you are greeting. Greetings often follow the African protocol of polite questions about one's health and other social pleasantries. It is important not to rush this process. When meeting someone more senior, it is considered polite to bow slightly. If you know a person's professional title, you may use it when conversing. Government officials may be addressed as "Excellency" or "Excelencia" without using their surname.

Business Cards

Although not all Angolans have business cards, they expect expats and business travellers to have them. Present your card so that it is readable to the recipient.

Communication Styles

Angolan businesspeople are somewhat formal, and business communication tends to be restrained. Angolans strive to please others and, as a result, have a tendency to say what they think the other person wants to hear. You may get a 'yes' when the answer is actually 'no'. It is important to watch for evasions or half-statements and ask for specifics so that both sides have the same understanding. Angolans prefer to do business with those they know and trust, so they spend a great deal of time on relationship-building. It is important to devote sufficient time to nurturing a relationship before pressing on to business matters.

Communication is formal and follows established rules of protocol. Angolans do not interrupt others who are speaking and expect the same courtesy in return. Interrupting someone, especially a senior, is a serious breach of etiquette. Angolans use head and arm gestures to emphasize both positive and negative messages and can become very animated.

Angolans do not require a great deal of personal space when conversing. If you back away, you may give offence or the person may step forward to close the gap. When speaking with someone at your own level, direct eye contact is a sign of sincerity. When speaking to someone senior, indirect eye contact demonstrates respect. In general, women do not make direct eye contact when conversing with men, although this is changing.

Dress

Smart business dress is appreciated, although because of the climate, men often dispense with jackets and ties. Businesswomen typically dress modestly with longer jackets and tops, along with longer skirts or trousers. The more formal the meeting, the more formal the attire. It is suggested that you do not remove your suit jacket unless invited to do so, as this is seen as too casual.

Meetings

The first meeting is often used to get better acquainted, and business may not be discussed. Meetings are not always as private as they are in many other cultures. Agendas are not common and, if provided, generally act as a starting point for discussions rather than an itemised list of what will be covered. Meetings have a formal ambiance.

Frequently asked questions