Honestly, if you were to look at a map of Africa right now, your eyes would probably dart to the massive landmasses that dominate the landscape. But how many of them can you name just by the first letter? If we are talking about countries in Africa beginning with A, most people stop at Algeria and call it a day.
There are actually only two: Algeria and Angola.
That is it. Just two. It is a bit weird when you think about how many countries start with "M" or "S" on the continent. But these two "A" countries are absolute giants—not just in physical size, but in terms of what they are doing on the global stage right now in 2026. One is a Mediterranean powerhouse with more Roman ruins than some parts of Italy, and the other is a southern-central gem that is currently reinventing itself as the next big thing in travel.
Why Algeria is the Giant You Probably Haven't Visited
Algeria is huge. Like, mind-bogglingly huge. It is the largest country in Africa by land area, having taken that title after Sudan split in 2011. About 80% of it is covered by the Sahara Desert. You’ve probably seen photos of the "White City" (Algiers), where the buildings look like they’ve been bleached by the sun for a century.
But here is what gets me: most people think it's just sand. It isn't.
Northern Algeria has a climate that feels more like the South of France or Spain. You have the Tell Atlas mountain range, lush greenery, and a coastline that is criminally underrated. If you head to a place like Constantine, you are looking at a city built on cliffs, connected by massive suspension bridges. It looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
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Back in 2024 and 2025, the government started pushing for more economic diversification away from oil and gas. By now, in early 2026, we are seeing a bit of a strategic "recalibration." There was a recent report that major infrastructure projects slowed down to about 1,000 initiatives this year. Some folks are worried about it, but the vibe from Algiers is that they are focusing on "quality over quantity" now. They want to make sure the digital infrastructure is solid before they build more massive desert highways.
The Roman Secret
Most travelers head to Rome or Tunisia for ruins. Big mistake. Algeria has some of the best-preserved Roman sites on the planet. Timgad and Djémila are spectacular. Because tourism hasn't reached "overcrowded" levels yet, you can often walk through these ancient streets without bumping into a thousand people with selfie sticks. It feels authentic.
Angola: The Rising Star of 2026
If Algeria is the established giant, Angola is the energetic newcomer—at least in terms of the travel and business radar. For a long time, the only people going to Luanda were oil execs. It was known for being one of the most expensive cities for expats.
Things have shifted. Big time.
Angola is actually the official host country for ITB Berlin 2026, which is basically the Olympics of the travel industry. They’ve launched a new brand called "Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life." It’s not just marketing fluff, either. They’ve opened up their visa regimes, making it way easier for people to get in.
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What’s actually there?
- Kalandula Falls: One of the largest waterfalls by volume in Africa. It is massive, horseshoe-shaped, and surrounded by rainforest.
- The Namib Desert: Yes, Namibia gets all the credit, but the desert stretches into southern Angola too.
- Serra da Leba: A mountain pass with hairpin turns that looks absolutely terrifying and beautiful at the same time.
Angola's history is heavy, having dealt with a long civil war that ended in 2002. But the "renaissance" people talked about a decade ago has matured. You see it in the music—Kizomba and Kuduro are everywhere. You see it in the architecture of Luanda, where Portuguese colonial buildings sit right next to glass skyscrapers.
Sorting Out the Confusion: Why "Africa" Isn't One of Them
It sounds silly, but you'd be surprised how many people search for countries in Africa beginning with A and expect a long list including "Africa" itself. Or they think of "Abyssinia" (the old name for Ethiopia) or "Azania."
Let's be clear:
- Algeria (North)
- Angola (Central/South)
That’s the list.
Economy and the "Resource Curse"
Both of these countries have struggled with being too dependent on what's in the ground. Algeria has its gas; Angola has its oil and diamonds.
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In Angola, the push in 2026 is all about the "non-oil" sector. They are betting on tourism to create jobs that aren't tied to the price of a barrel of crude. It's a risky bet, but with the hospitality investments we've seen in Luanda recently, it’s starting to pay off. Occupancy rates in hotels jumped nearly 10% recently.
Algeria, on the other hand, is a bit more cautious. They have a massive youth population (nearly 70% of the country is under 30) and they need to find a way to get them into the tech and service sectors. The "Major Projects" slowdown mentioned earlier is partly about not overextending the budget while they wait for global energy markets to stabilize.
Practical Tips for the "A" Countries
If you’re actually planning to visit or do business in these spots, here is the "real talk" version of what you need to know.
For Algeria:
Learn some basic French or Arabic. English isn't as common as you'd think, even in the cities. Also, don't just stay in Algiers. Get a domestic flight to Tamanrasset if you want to see the "real" Sahara. It’s a different world down there.
For Angola:
Portuguese is the name of the game. If you speak Spanish, you can kinda get by, but Brazilians or Portuguese speakers will have the easiest time. Luanda is still pricey, but the "Visit Angola" push is starting to make mid-range travel more feasible.
Actionable Insights for 2026
- Watch the ITB Berlin outcomes: If you are in the travel or investment business, keep an eye on the partnerships Angola signs in March 2026. It will dictate how much infrastructure gets built in the next five years.
- Digital Nomads: Algeria is slowly improving its internet speeds as part of those "pivotal digital initiatives." It's not a nomad hub yet, but it’s becoming a viable "off-the-beaten-path" destination for people who want to work with a view of the Mediterranean.
- Visa Check: Always check the e-visa portals. Both countries have updated their systems recently to be more "2026-friendly," meaning less paperwork and faster approvals.
Both of these nations are sitting on the edge of something big. Algeria is trying to figure out its modern identity beyond its colonial past and its desert, while Angola is sprinting to prove it's more than just an oil well. They are the only two on the list, but honestly, they provide enough complexity and beauty to represent the whole continent.
If you are looking to invest or travel, start with the e-visa portals for Luanda or Algiers. Most people wait until a destination is "cool" before they go. The trick is to get there while the Roman ruins are still empty and the waterfalls are still loud and lonely. Focus on the 2026 tourism calendars for both—specifically the ITB Berlin highlights for Angola—to find the best entry points for new business or travel routes.