Trouble at the top for Angola

A change of political leadership has had a more far-reaching impact on the country's oil sector than anticipated

The speed and extent of moves by Angola's new president, João Lourenço, to draw a line under the controversial rule of his predecessor, José Eduardo Dos Santos, have taken many by surprise. The actions could prove positive for the oil industry—if he can carry reforms through. When Lourenço was elected last September, following Dos Santos' decision not to stand for re-election after almost four decades in power, it was widely expected that the new president would do little to unsettle the country's ruling elite. He was instead expected to focus on solving the country's escalating economic crisis and seeking to attract fresh investment to the oil sector that accounts for more than 95% of forei