The number of businesses in Angola continued to grow in the period between 2012 and 2015, the National Statistics Institute (INE) said in a recent report.

INE also said that at the end of 2015 there were 139,980 registered companies, of which 41,507 were active compared to 39,884 at the end of 2014.

The provinces with the largest number of companies in operation were Luanda, Benguela, Kwanza Sul, Huíla, Huambo and Cabinda with 55.2%, 8.8%, 5.2%, 4.5%, 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively.

Wholesale and retail trade accounted for more than half or 51.3% of active enterprises, which was followed by much lower percentages for the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, accommodation and food service (restaurants and similar) and construction, and other branches of activity.

The National Statistics Institute also reported that of the active companies 55% were privately owned and 41.5% were owned by individuals. (macauhub/AO)