Market Intelligence
Education

Angola Exploring Opportunities for U.S. companies in higher education sector

Overview

Higher Education Challenges in Angola

Higher education in Angola has grown significantly in recent years. After achieving independence in 1975 from Portugal, and following the end of civil war in 2002, Angola is focused on rebuilding its educational institutions, expanding higher education opportunities and access, and improving the quality of higher education. Angola faces challenges related to infrastructure and insufficient government funding toward institutions of higher education, staffing, and operations. As of 2023, Angola has 101 institutions of higher learning, of which 33 are public, 68 are private, technical, and vocational institutions, and three are military academies. Most universities in Angola are located in Luanda due to population concentration, more developed infrastructure, and attraction of talent to an economic hub. Luanda, as the capital city, benefits more from government investment than other provinces in Angola. 

Angola’s Higher Education Development Goals

Angola’s higher education development goals focus on improving the quality and accessibility of education, fostering research and innovation, and aligning the educational system to support Angola’s long-term economic development and social progress, as found in Angola’s 2030 National Development Plan. Although Portuguese is Angola’s official language, increasingly, English-language curriculum and education is in demand, with more students recognizing that speaking English will often lead to more job opportunities.

Key Opportunities

To effectively enter the Angolan market, it is highly recommended that U.S. higher education institutions consider the following strategies:

Market study in the United States as a destination

U.S. colleges and universities should consider coming to Angola to meet with key stakeholders and potential partners with a Gold Key Service. Traditionally, given historical and linguistic ties, Angolan students seek higher education opportunities in Portugal, Brazil, China, or Russia. However, demand is shifting with more students inquiring about opportunities to study in the United States. U.S. universities should come to the market to increase awareness about specific course offerings and opportunities. The interest primarily covers the following areas: 

  • Undergraduate, graduate, and master’s degree programs at U.S. universities and community colleges
    • Academic summer camps and English immersion courses 
    • Online programs covering all areas of study, particularly high-demand sectors in STEM
    • Boarding schools
    • Optional Practical Training – allowing students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study
    • Vocational training and technical schools

Parents will inquire about scholarship programs that could be offered to international students so U.S. higher education institutions should be prepared to discuss finance details and packages. 

Work with the National Institute for the Management of Scholarships (INAGBE) 

Presidential Decree No. 67/19 established the Annual Sending Program that selects 300 students with high academic merit to study at the best universities worldwide. The program aims to support students in fields crucial for Angola’s development, such as medicine, public administration, economics, engineering, and other high-demand sectors. U.S. higher education institutions can take advantage of this initiative to attract students selected through INAGBE to pursue higher education in the United States.

International Joint and Exchange programs

Angolan higher education institutions are seeking partnerships or agreements with U.S. public or private universities to facilitate joint programs and/or exchange programs for students and faculty. 

English Language Programs and Certification

Given the global importance of English proficiency, U.S. companies specializing in English language training programs, such as language schools, online English courses, and English proficiency tests, can provide their services to Angola to help improve English language skills among students and professionals in public/private sectors and get them ready for higher education study in the United States.

Educational Technology (EdTech) Solutions

U.S. companies specializing in educational software, learning management systems, online learning platforms, and educational apps can export their products to support Angola’s higher education system and enhance teaching and learning experiences. Low-cost, U.S. technologies that will help students learn at a distance (in the case of rural populations) would increase reach and access to education at all levels, and particularly in higher education.

Training in Energy, Oil & Gas

Through its social, corporate responsibility mandate, Chevron and ExxonMobil, in partnership with the Angolan Government, provide opportunities for talented students to pursue higher education in the United States, gaining critical skills and knowledge in oil and gas-related fields, such as petroleum engineering, geosciences, and project management. Texas, being a hub for the global oil industry, provides advanced training facilities and top universities for these disciplines. ExxonMobil has partnerships with leading Texas universities, such as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, to provide specialized education and hands-on training to Angolan students. These programs often include internships and practical experience. U.S higher education institutions can tap into scholarship schemes offered by oil and gas companies in Angola such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and others.

World Bank Financing 

The Government of Angola received a loan of US$150 million from the World Bank and a donation of US$50 million from the Global Partnership for Education for the implementation of the Tertiary Education, Science, and Technology (TEST) Project Angola.  U.S. education institutions can explore this investment opportunity to provide services in the higher education sector.

Next Steps

Upcoming Education Programs in October and November 2024

CS Angola encourages U.S. colleges and universities to participate in local recruitment fairs, trade missions, and outreach events, as well as meet face to face with school counselors to identify local agents and partners. 

Virtual Education Fair Angola – October 22, 2024

On October 22, 2024, the U.S. Commercial Service is pleased to invite appropriately-accredited U.S. schools of English Language Services and Programs to participate in our Virtual Education Fair (VEF).  U.S. colleges and universities with English Language Services and Programs are invited to join us for a unique, virtual opportunity to introduce your school/program to pre-qualified international student recruitment agencies in Angola. Registration is open now and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To express your interest in registering, or for more information, please contact Sandra.Campbell@trade.gov or Nicholas.Thomas@trade.gov

U.S. Fair Angola – November 19, 2024

On November 19, 2024, U.S. Embassy Luanda will host the 2024 U.S. Fair to commemorate Global Entrepreneurship Week and International Education Week. The 2024 U.S. Fair will bring together the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Ministry of Culture, INAGBE, the National Institute for Assessment, Accreditation and Recognition of Higher Education Studies, parents, youth ranging from 18-35, university students, and school administrators representing various networks of private and public institutions. Last year, the U.S. Fair received over 3,000 visitors. Interested U.S. colleges and universities can plan to attend the fair and setup a Gold Key Service to meet with key stakeholders.  

For more information about the opportunities in the higher education sector and to design your market-entry strategy for Angola, please contact Commercial Assistant & Budget Analyst Tandeo Peshi at Tandeo.Peshi@trade.gov.




 

 


 

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