F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Luanda, Angola #952

City Scores

City Total Score

0.109

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.03

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.03

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.05

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

53

Startup Ecosystem in Luanda, Angola 🌍

TL;DR

Luanda is currently ranked as the 952nd city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. With a burgeoning potential for growth and a supportive startup environment, Luanda offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in Africa.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Procedures are improving, with efforts to simplify the registration process.
  • Startup Incentives: The government is gradually rolling out policies to support tech startups.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive laws exist to protect employee rights, though they can sometimes be intricate for small startups.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Necessary work permits can be cumbersome but are essential for employing expatriates.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Corporate tax is typically around 30%, with potential reductions for new businesses.
  • VAT Regulations: VAT is set at 14%, providing room for competitive pricing in various sectors.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: An evolving quality of life, with varying standards between urban and rural areas. Some districts are vibrant, but overall affordability is a concern.
  • Culture and Leisure: Rich in culture with vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes, though leisure options may be limited.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Bureaucratic processes can be challenging, often involving significant time and effort.
  • Government Support: Initiatives exist but can be inconsistent. There is a need for more robust frameworks to facilitate startup growth.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Starting a business requires navigating the visa process; it has been improving but remains a hurdle.
  • Residency Options: Long-term residency options for entrepreneurs are limited and often lengthy.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • Regular meetups and workshops are held to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among founders.
  • Events often focus on pitch sessions with local investors and industry leaders.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Government Subsidies: Limited but increasing interest in supporting tech-driven startups through grants and programs.
  • Incubator Programs: Growing number of incubators are beginning to provide funding and resources tailored for startups.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: A nascent but growing VC landscape is beginning to take notice of local startups.
  • Major Firms: A few local and international VCs are focusing on sectors like agriculture, tech, and renewable energy.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Increasingly recognized incubators offer mentorship and initial funding, especially in health and technology sectors.
  • Partnerships with international organizations provide valuable resources for startups.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Fintech, agriculture, renewable energy, and information technology are key growth industries.
  • Government Initiatives: There’s a push for diversification beyond oil, emphasizing technology-led development and entrepreneurship.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Portuguese is the official business language; English is becoming more common, particularly in tech circles.
  • Work Environment: Emerging work culture that is collaborative but still faces challenges of traditional business practices.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Growing interest from the government to bolster the startup ecosystem.
  • Vibrant culture and a unique market with untapped potential.
  • A community eager to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Cons:

  • Bureaucratic hurdles can slow down business operations.
  • Cost of living can be high in certain urban areas.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Emerging programs targeted at empowering female entrepreneurs; mentorship and networking are increasingly emphasized.
  • Efforts are being made to highlight women-led startups through funding and exposure initiatives.

Luanda is becoming a promising landscape for startups, where creativity and resilience can lead to impactful changes in the region. 🚀

MeanCEO Index for Luanda, Angola 🇦🇴

Luanda is emerging as a notable contender in Africa’s startup scene. But how conducive is it for female entrepreneurs? Let’s dissect the MeanCEO Index score based on ten essential factors that shape this entrepreneurial landscape.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 7/10
    • Luanda enjoys a tropical climate with a good number of sunny days, making it pleasant for year-round outdoor activities. However, its rainy season can be quite heavy, which slightly detracts from its overall score.

2. Location 🏖️

  • Score: 6/10
    • Positioned along the Atlantic Ocean, Luanda has beach access and a warm climate, but the quality of water may not always be ideal for swimming, limiting its score.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 5/10
    • While there’s a growing recognition of women’s contributions, inherent cultural challenges and traditional norms can create hurdles. Efforts are being made to empower female entrepreneurs, but there’s still a long way to go.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Luanda is generally open to foreigners; however, there’s varying openness to making friends, particularly for women, which can affect overall comfort in social settings.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 5/10
    • Portuguese is the official language, establishing barriers for non-Portuguese speakers. English is becoming more common in tech sectors, but fluency is not widespread.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 7/10
    • Angola offers a variety of flavorful dishes with fresh ingredients, though some may find onion a common presence. The local cuisine is both hearty and enjoyable, contributing positively to the culinary experience.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 6/10
    • The dating scene is vibrant, and many men are seen as family-oriented. However, the social structure and economic conditions may pose challenges for women looking to establish families.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 4/10
    • Healthcare access can be inconsistent, with waiting times for appointments often prolonged. Affordability varies greatly, leading to a less than optimal score in this aspect.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 5/10
    • Public transportation options are available but can be limited, and international airport access is present though not as efficient as desired. Uber-type services may also be available but can face operational challenges.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 6/10
    • The entrepreneurial scene is growing, with a gradual acceptance of failure as a learning opportunity. However, traditional mindsets can pose some resistance to new ideas and approaches.

MeanCEO Index Score: 53/100 🎉

Luanda presents a mixed bag for female entrepreneurs. While the city is evolving and offers unique growth opportunities, challenges including language barriers, cultural norms, and healthcare access remain significant obstacles. Nonetheless, the burgeoning startup ecosystem and community support signals a promising future for those willing to navigate its complexities.

Here’s to embracing the entrepreneurial spirit in Luanda! 🚀