Angola state-owned oil firm mirrors nation's troubles

Luanda

ANGOLAN state-owned oil company Sonangol rode the commodities boom that drove the country's extraordinary growth after civil war ended in 2002, but today it symbolises a national economic crisis.

The Luanda-based company has increasingly been in focus since Isabel dos Santos, the billionaire daughter of long-time President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was appointed CEO in June. She vowed to improve transparency and efficiency at the company, a secretive behemoth that has played a dominant role in many parts of Angolan life in the post-war years.