The Angolan government has reaffirmed its intention to privatize the national airline, TAAG Angola Airlines, by 2026. This decision is part of a broader strategy to restructure the Angolan economy, attract foreign investment and improve the efficiency of state-owned enterprises.
The privatization of TAAG has been a long-standing objective, with initial plans dating back to 2018. However, various factors, including economic pressures and the global pandemic, have led to delays. Presidential Decree No. 36/26, signed on February 19, 2026, approves the update to the government's privatization program for the period 2023-2026, placing TAAG among the ten state-owned companies whose privatization is to commence in 2026.
Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d'Abreu has emphasized that the privatization aims to attract an international strategic partner to help reduce operating costs and expand TAAG's international presence. The government was considering ceding a significant stake to one or more foreign airline partners, while retaining a majority stake of 51% and reserving 10% for employees.
TAAG has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. In December 2025, TAAG’s Chief Commercial Officer Miguel Carneiro stated that they are targeting breakeven by 2028, leveraging its newly opened hub in Luanda, expanding its African and overseas network, and upgrading its fleet with new Airbus A220s and Boeing 787s. Carneiro noted a positive trend in TAAG's finances, reducing annual losses from over $250 million to around $120 million in 2024. However, the airline still posted a negative net result of 134.2 billion kwanzas (123.7 million euros) in 2024.
The privatization of TAAG is part of a larger program of divestment of state-owned enterprises in Angola. Initially, the program included 49 companies, but it has been reduced to 10 strategic companies, with TAAG being considered a priority. The Angolan government appears determined to carry out the privatization, viewing it as a means to attract investment, improve efficiency and reduce the financial burden on public finances. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
