Author: Indira Campos, Alex Vines.

Angola has enjoyed a period of sustained peace since April 2002 and is preparing for legislative elections in 2008—the firs t since 1992. From having one of the most protracted conflicts in Africa, Ango la has within five years become one of the most successful economies in sub-Sa haran Africa. Fuelled by record-high international oil prices and robust grow th in both the oil and non-oil sector, Angola has experienced exceptionally high growth rates in recent years. In 2006, real GDP reached 18.6 percent, following the already impressive 20.6 percent in 2005. The IMF projects GDP growth to remain high at 23.4 percent in 2007 and 26.6 percent in 2008. Meanwhile, inflation has fallen from over 300 percent in 1999 to 12 percent in 2006, and surging oil re venues have led to large fiscal and external current account surpluses. 2 With the war now over, rapid post-c onflict reconstruction has become the government’s priority. The People’s Republic of China (China) has in particular played an important role in assisting thes e efforts. Chinese financial and technical assistance has kick-started over 100 projects in the areas of energy, water, health, education, telecommunications, fisheries, and public works. On the occasion of Chinese prime minister Wen Jibao’s vi sit to Angola in June 2006, Angolan president Eduardo dos Santos described bilateral rela tions as being “mutually advantageous” partnerships that were “pragmatic” and had no “political preconditions.”