Angola's largest telecommunications operator, Unitel, has been networked throughout the country since this morning due to a computer attack, on the eve of the stock exchange debut, the company reported.
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28/07/2026
by
Lusa
ANDm reported, Unitel indicated that the cyber attack on its technological infrastructure was registered about 02:20 (the same time in Lisbon) this Tuesday and had an impact on voice services, mobile data and Internet access throughout the national territory.
The operator pointed out that it immediately activated the response and containment mechanisms and that the technical and cybersecurity teams “continue to work to mitigate the effects of the incident and ensure the full replacement of the services”, which remain conditioned.
Private and business customers contacted by Lusa complained of constraints on access to services that depend on the mobile network, from the impossibility of making phone calls to the use of taxis by application or using the Internet at home.
In the business sector, the unavailability of computer systems is making it difficult to bill and contact customers and suppliers.
“ Difficulties in making appointments, lack of communication with customers and suppliers, scheduling and delays, waiting time, lack of communication with the ‘call center’, issuing invoices, receipts and validation of processes with insurers – a headache”, lamented the head of a clinic, stressing that although the company is alien to failure, the bad service has a negative impact on the user's experience and increases complaints.
Some companies are resorting to other operators and mobilizing additional resources “to ensure continuity of essential services and the recovery of information after the restoration of the network”, the same source was added.
Other customers heard by Lusa complained about the lack of quality of Unitel's service in recent times and the company's lack of response.
The failure occurs one day after Unitel's debut on the Angola Debt and Values Exchange (BODIVA), scheduled for Wednesday, which marks the entry into trading of the operator's shares following the privatization of 15% of the capital.
Under this operation, the Angolan State sold, through the State Asset Management Institute (IGAPE), 7.5 million shares – 13% for the general public and 2% for workers – in a public supply process that took place between 6 and 24 July, generating a fit of almost EUR 300 million for the Angolan State.
According to the 2025 Report & Accounts, Unitel has 20.8 million customers and has a market share of 76%. The company also operates in São Tomé and Príncipe and Cape Verde.