Angola’s central bank maintained its benchmark interest rate at 17.0%. Policymakers are focusing on supporting the economy and managing high inflation concerns. The bank revised its end-of-year inflation forecast upwards to a range of 12% to 14%, mainly due to the depreciation of the kwanza and the removal of fuel subsidies. Meanwhile, economic growth significantly slowed to 0.3% in Q1 2023 due to a steep contraction in the oil sector.