Angola Eurobonds Surge as Moody’s Lifts Ratings For First Time

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LUANDA (Capital Markets in Africa) – Angola’s bonds surged after Moody’s Investors Service raised the country’s credit rating for the first time, citing improved governance and debt metrics. 
The company upgraded its assessment of Africa’s second-largest oil producer by one level to B3 from Caa1, it said in a statement on Monday. It was the first time since Moody’s initial evaluation in 2015 that the rating was increased, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“If any country out there has deserved a ratings upgrade it is Angola,” said Simon Quijano-Evans, chief economist at Gemcorp Capital LLP. “Rarely has one seen a country push ahead with reforms at the most difficult of times, helping secure future growth and stability.”

Moody’s cited rising oil prices and Angola’s improving fiscal position as reasons for the upgrade. The International Monetary Fund, which approved a $772 million disbursement to Angola in June, expects the $62 billion economy to expand for the first time this year after years of contraction. 

“Stronger governance, in particular in the quality of the country’s executive and legislative institutions, albeit from weak levels, is reflected in various aspects of the credit profile,” Moody’s said in the statement. “Higher oil prices compared to last year, and a stable exchange rate, will allow the positive impact of fiscal consolidation efforts.”

The yield on Angola’s 2025 Eurobonds dropped 12 basis points to 6.11% by 10:03 a.m. in London, the lowest on a closing basis since February 2020. The yield has declined by more than 200 basis points this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

 

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