UN Global Compact launches Country Network Angola to advance sustainable business

The UN Global Compact has launched Country Network Angola, marking an important milestone for responsible business in one of Africa’s most resource-rich and rapidly evolving economies.

The new Network will connect Angolan companies with the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, helping businesses align their strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Angola stands at a critical point in its development journey. The country remains heavily dependent on oil, with crude accounting for around 94 per cent of exports and 60 per cent of fiscal revenues, according to IMF analysis. At the same time, long-term growth increasingly depends on strengthening the non-oil economy, improving resilience to external shocks and creating broader opportunities for a young and fast-growing population.

This makes the launch of Country Network Angola especially timely. As Angola works to diversify its economy, attract responsible investment and build stronger private-sector capacity, sustainable business practices are becoming central to competitiveness. Global markets increasingly expect companies to demonstrate transparency, good governance, climate awareness and respect for human rights across operations and supply chains.

With a GDP of more than $100 billion and a population of over 35 million, more than 60 per cent of whom are under 25, Angola represents a significant frontier for sustainable business in Africa.

Country Network Angola will serve as a local platform for companies of all sizes and sectors, helping translate global sustainability standards into practical action. Its work will focus on supporting businesses in moving from commitment to implementation by embedding sustainability into core strategies, governance, reporting and decision-making.

The Network will engage companies across Angola’s diverse economy, including oil and gas, mining, construction, agriculture, energy, finance and services. This broad approach reflects the role of the private sector not only in driving growth, but also in supporting economic diversification, job creation and long-term resilience.

“Angola stands at the threshold of a new era,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “As the country advances its economic transformation and deepens its engagement with global markets, embedding principled and forward-looking business practices will be essential. Country Network Angola will play a critical role in supporting companies to lead with purpose, strengthen competitiveness and contribute to long-term sustainable development.”

Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact address the room at the launch of the Global Compact Network Angola.

The launch also comes as Angola seeks to accelerate progress on the SDGs. Analysis from the United Nations Development Programme has highlighted the importance of investment in areas including health, education, social protection, climate action, agriculture, electricity and water to advance sustainable development across the country. 

For business, this creates a clear opportunity. Companies that align with the Ten Principles and the SDGs can strengthen trust, improve access to partnerships and investment, manage risk more effectively and contribute to national development priorities.

“At this pivotal moment, Angola has an opportunity to shape a private sector that is both competitive and responsible,” said Eliana Pereira dos Santos, Executive Director, Global Compact Angola. “Our focus will be on supporting companies to move from commitment to implementation, embedding sustainability into core business strategies, strengthening transparency and driving long-term value creation for both business and society.”

Eliana Pereira dos Santos, Executive Director, Global Compact Angola, addresses the room at the launch of the Global Compact Network Angola.

In its first year, Country Network Angola will focus on onboarding companies, establishing strong governance structures and launching initiatives aligned with national priorities and the Ten Principles. It will also support capacity-building, peer learning and collaboration among business, government and civil society.

A particular priority will be strengthening Angola’s role within the Lusophone sustainability ecosystem, including collaboration with Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Guinea-Bissau.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Eliana dos Santos, Dr. Mario Amaral, Dr. Leonor Machado, Dr. Pedro Santos during the panel at the launch of the Global Compact Network Angola. 

The launch of Country Network Angola reflects the UN Global Compact’s continued commitment to expanding local action for sustainable business across Africa. By bringing companies together around shared principles and practical tools, the Network aims to help Angola’s private sector become a stronger driver of inclusive growth, responsible investment and sustainable development.

Disclaimer: The inclusion of company names and/or examples is intended strictly for learning purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of the individual companies by the UN Global Compact.