Toward an Angola Strategy—Prioritizing U.S.-Angola Relations

As the second-largest oil producer in Africa, Angola is vital to America's energy security. The success or failure of Angola's postconflict transition, which began in 2002, has implications for security in both central and southern Africa. For these reasons, the United States has an interest in helping Angola address its significant national challenges. Yet the current U.S. administration has not firmly and clearly stated that nurturing U.S.-Angola relations is a government priority.To address the challenges facing Angola in its postconflict transition, the Council's Center for Preventive Action convened a group of high-level experts to develop a strategic vision for U.S.- Angolan relations. The authors of this report argue that Angola deserves priority attention in the formulation of U.S. foreign, national security, and economic policies, particularly in the design of policy toward Africa. The authors recommend that Washington institute regular political, security, and economic dialogue; sharpen focus on transparency and democratization in Angola; expand technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and military-to-military cooperation; consider alleviation of Angola's external debt; and devote greater attention to investment in and trade with Angola.

Vincent A. Mai is chairman of AEA Investors. Frank G. Wisner II is vice chairman of external relations for AIG and is former U.S. ambassador to India.