Angola Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide - phone-number-standards - phone-numbers, validation, angola, e164, inacom, unitel, movicel, africell

Angola Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Angola phone numbers use the +244 country code and follow a 9-digit format. This comprehensive developer guide covers Angola phone number validation, formatting, and the E.164 international standard. Learn how to validate Angola mobile numbers (Unitel prefix 91, Africell 923, Movicel 93), implement regex patterns, work with Luanda area codes, and handle INACOM telecommunications regulations for robust phone number processing in your applications.

Quick Reference: Angola Phone Number Format

PropertyValue
Country Code+244
Phone Number Length9 digits
International Prefix00
National Prefix0 (long-distance)
Mobile Prefixes91 (Unitel), 923 (Africell), 93 (Movicel)
Landline PrefixStarts with 2
Regulatory AuthorityINACOM
INACOM Support15555 (toll-free)
Population37.24 million (2024)
Mobile Connections29.20 million (78.4% penetration)

Why Understanding Angola's Phone Numbering System Matters

Angola's telecommunications sector has experienced remarkable growth since the early 2000s. From a relatively basic infrastructure, it has evolved into a sophisticated network supporting 29.20 million mobile connections across its population of 37.24 million. This transformation, overseen by INACOM (Angola's telecom regulator), reflects technological advancements and commitment to international standards like ITU-T E.164. Understanding Angola's phone numbering system is essential for developers building applications that handle international phone numbers, SMS delivery, call routing, or telecommunications integrations for Angolan users.

How to Format Angola Phone Numbers

Angola's telephone system adheres to the ITU-T E.164 international standard, ensuring global interoperability while accommodating Angola's specific requirements. The E.164 format is the globally recognized numbering plan for international telecommunications. Familiarize yourself with E.164 to ensure your applications handle Angola phone numbers correctly across voice calls, SMS messaging, and VoIP services.

What are Angola's Landline Number Formats and Area Codes?

Angola landline numbers follow a structured 9-digit format that identifies the geographic region.

  • Format: 2X XXXXXXX or 2XX XXXXXX
  • Length: 9 digits
  • Structure:
    • Area Code: 1-2 digits starting with 2 (e.g., 2 for Luanda, 31 for Cabinda, 321 for Soyo)
    • Operator Identifier: 1 digit
    • Subscriber Number: Remaining digits (total of 9)
  • Examples:
    • 222123456 (Luanda – capital city)
    • 231456789 (Cabinda)
    • 241234567 (Huambo)
    • 261123456 (Huíla)
    • 272345678 (Benguela)

Angola Area Codes by City:

  • 2: Luanda (capital and largest city, includes Luanda Province)
  • 31: Cabinda
  • 32: Zaire
  • 321: Soyo
  • 33: Uíge
  • 34: Bengo
  • 348: Caxito
  • 35: Kuanza Norte
  • 358: N'Dalatando
  • 36: Kuanza Sul
  • 363: Sumbe
  • 364: Porto Amboim
  • 41: Huambo
  • 48: Bie
  • 485: Kuíto
  • 49: Kuando Kubango
  • 51: Malange
  • 526: Dundo
  • 53: Lunda Sul
  • 535: Saurimo
  • 54: Moxico
  • 546: Luena
  • 61: Huíla
  • 612: Lubango
  • 64: Moçâmedes
  • 643: Tombua
  • 65: Cunene
  • 652: St. Clara/Cunene
  • 655: Ondjiva
  • 72: Benguela
  • 722: Lobito
  • 726: Bela Vista
  • 728: Baía Farta
  • 729: Catumbela

When dialing within Angola, add the national prefix 0 before the area code for long-distance landline calls. International callers should use +244 followed directly by the area code and subscriber number.

What is the Format for Angola Mobile Numbers?

Angola mobile numbers use a 9-digit format with prefixes assigned to different mobile network operators. Identifying the operator prefix is essential for Angola mobile number validation, SMS routing, and understanding network-specific requirements.

  • Format: 9[1-9] XXXXXXX
  • Length: 9 digits
  • Structure:
    • Network Prefix: 9X (current operator identifiers: 91, 923, 93)
    • Subscriber Number: 7 digits
  • Example: 923456789

Mobile Operator Prefixes:

  • 91: Unitel (market leader, 71.8% overall market share as of 2024)
  • 923: Africell (second largest, 24.1% overall market share as of 2024)
  • 93: Movicel (4.1% overall market share as of 2024)

Mobile Broadband Market Share (2024):

  • Unitel: 65.7%
  • Africell: 27.8%
  • Movicel: 6.5%

Africell launched mobile services in April 2022 as Angola's fourth mobile network operator, investing over $150 million in building a 5G-ready network. By 2024, Africell achieved 24.1% market share, securing second position and overtaking Movicel (4.1% market share), while market leader Unitel held 71.8% of the mobile market, per INACOM statistics. This disrupted the previous duopoly and increased competition in Angola's telecommunications sector.

What are Angola's Emergency and Special Service Numbers?

Angola special service numbers use shorter formats (3 to 5 digits) for essential services.

  • Format: 1XX or 1XXXX
  • Length: 3 to 5 digits
  • Key Numbers:
    • 112 (Emergency Services)
    • 116 (Child Helpline)
    • 15555 (INACOM Consumer Support Line)

Include these numbers in your validation logic to allow emergency and service numbers.

How to Validate Angola Phone Numbers: Regex Patterns and Code Examples

Implement robust Angola phone number validation to ensure data integrity and prevent formatting errors.

What Regex Patterns Validate Angola Phone Numbers?

Use these regular expressions to validate Angola phone numbers by type:

javascript
// Regular expressions for validation
const patterns = {
  landline: /^2[2-9]\d{7}$/,
  mobile: /^9[1-9]\d{7}$/,
  specialService: /^1\d{2}$/,  // 3-digit services like 112, 116
  consumerService: /^1\d{4}$/  // 5-digit services like 15555
};

// Example implementation
function validateAngolanNumber(number, type) {
  return patterns[type].test(number);
}

// Example usage
console.log(validateAngolanNumber('222123456', 'landline')); // true
console.log(validateAngolanNumber('923456789', 'mobile')); // true
console.log(validateAngolanNumber('112', 'specialService')); // true
console.log(validateAngolanNumber('15555', 'consumerService')); // true

The validateAngolanNumber function validates Angola phone numbers by type and returns true if valid, false otherwise. Test your validation logic thoroughly with various valid and invalid inputs to ensure accurate phone number verification.

How to Handle Phone Number Validation Errors

Anticipate validation errors and provide clear feedback to users:

javascript
function formatAngolanNumber(number) {
  // Remove any non-digit characters
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');

  // Check length and prefix
  if (cleaned.length !== 9 && cleaned.length !== 3 && cleaned.length !== 5) {
    throw new Error('Invalid number length. Angolan numbers must be 9 digits (landline/mobile), 3 digits (emergency services), or 5 digits (consumer services).');
  }

  // Format according to type
  if (cleaned.startsWith('2')) {
    return `${cleaned.slice(0, 2)} ${cleaned.slice(2, 5)} ${cleaned.slice(5)}`;
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('9')) {
    return `${cleaned.slice(0, 2)} ${cleaned.slice(2, 5)} ${cleaned.slice(5)}`;
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('1')) {
    return cleaned; // No formatting needed for special service numbers
  }

  throw new Error('Invalid number format. Please check the prefix.');
}

// Example usage (try-catch block for error handling)
try {
  console.log(formatAngolanNumber('+244923456789')); // Output: 92 345 6789
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error.message);
}

The try-catch block demonstrates graceful error handling for Angola phone number formatting.

How to Convert Angola Phone Numbers to E.164 International Format

Store Angola phone numbers in E.164 format for compatibility with international calling systems and SMS platforms.

E.164 Format: +[Country Code][Subscriber Number]

Angola E.164 Examples:

  • Mobile: +244923456789 (Africell)
  • Landline: +244222123456 (Luanda)

Store numbers in E.164 format without spaces or special characters to simplify data processing and ensure consistency. Index this format in your database to improve search efficiency when looking up Angola phone numbers. The E.164 standard is universally supported by telecommunications APIs, CRM systems, and messaging platforms.

Best Practices for Implementing Angola Phone Number Validation

Follow these best practices for handling Angola phone numbers in production applications:

Input Validation and Normalization

  • Normalization: Remove spaces, hyphens, parentheses, and special characters before validation. Handle international dialing prefixes (+244, 00244) gracefully.
  • Length Check: Validate that cleaned numbers are exactly 9 digits (or 3-5 for special services).
  • International Format: Handle both local format (9 digits) and international format (+244 prefix).
  • Type Detection: Automatically detect number type based on first digit (2=landline, 9=mobile, 1=service).
  • Operator Identification: Parse mobile prefixes to identify the carrier (91=Unitel, 923=Africell, 93=Movicel) for SMS routing optimization.

Display Formatting Recommendations

  • Consistency: Use consistent spacing for display (e.g., 2X XXX XXXX for landlines, 9X XXX XXXX for mobile).
  • Locale Awareness: Consider the user's locale for display preferences.
  • International Context: Always include the country code (+244) when displaying numbers to international users.

Database Storage Best Practices

  • E.164 Format: Store all Angola numbers in E.164 format (+244XXXXXXXXX). This international phone number storage standard ensures compatibility with global telecommunication systems, SMS gateways, and third-party APIs.
  • Indexing: Create database indexes on phone number columns for efficient searching and lookups.
  • Metadata: Store metadata including number type (landline, mobile, special service), operator, and area code for analytics.

Who are the Major Mobile Operators in Angola?

Angola has four licensed mobile operators as of 2024. The market has evolved significantly since Africell's entry in 2022, breaking Unitel's previous dominance.

  • Mobile Operators:
    • Unitel: Market leader established in 2001. Holds 71.8% overall market share (2024) and 65.7% mobile broadband market share, down from roughly 90% in 2021. Operates Angola's largest mobile network with extensive 4G/LTE and growing 5G coverage.
    • Africell: Launched in April 2022 with over $150 million investment in 5G-ready infrastructure. Captured 24.1% overall market share and 27.8% mobile broadband market share by 2024, securing second position. Disrupted the market with competitive pricing and modern services.
    • Movicel: Established in 2002, partially state-owned. Holds 4.1% overall market share and 6.5% mobile broadband market share as of 2024. Operates mobile and data services across Angola.
    • Angola Telecom: State-owned operator focused on fixed-line telephone services and telecommunications infrastructure.
  • 5G Spectrum Allocation: All three major mobile operators (Africell, Movicel, and Unitel) were awarded licenses through public tenders to operate in the 3.3 to 3.7 GHz bands for 5G deployment. INACOM continues to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework ensuring fair access to 5G frequencies.
  • Network Coverage: Operators offer 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and increasingly, 5G mobile services. The government actively promotes 5G infrastructure development to support economic growth and improve access to essential services.
  • Market Statistics (2024, per INACOM):
    • Total mobile connections: 29.20 million (78.4% penetration)
    • Internet subscribers: 14.63 million

What is INACOM's Role in Angola Telecommunications?

INACOM (Instituto Angolano das Comunicações), established in 1999, regulates electronic communications and postal services in Angola. Consult the INACOM official website for official regulations and technical specifications.

  • Technical Standards: INACOM enforces compliance with ITU-T E.164 international telephone numbering standards, monitors network performance, and ensures service quality across all operators.
  • Consumer Protection: INACOM promotes transparent pricing, enforces service level agreements, and protects consumer rights including number portability. Consumer support is available at 15555 (toll-free).
  • Number Management: INACOM manages telephone number range assignments, ensures proper routing protocols, and oversees mobile number portability implementation.
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone: +244 222 210 666
    • Consumer Support: 15555 (toll-free, weekdays 8:00–17:00)
    • Email: geral@inacom.gov.ao
    • Address: Avenida Dr. António Agostinho Neto, nº 25 Zona C, Praia do Bispo, Luanda, Angola

Angola Phone Numbers FAQ: Common Validation Questions

What is the country code for Angola?

Angola's country code is +244. When calling Angola from abroad, dial your international exit code (00 or 011), then 244, followed by the 9-digit local number.

Example international call to Angola: +244 923 456 789

How many digits are in an Angola phone number?

9 digits for standard phone numbers (both landline and mobile). Emergency and special service numbers are shorter:

  • Emergency services: 3 digits (e.g., 112)
  • Consumer support: 5 digits (e.g., 15555 for INACOM)

What are the mobile operators in Angola?

Angola has three major mobile network operators as of 2024:

  1. Unitel – 71.8% market share, prefix 91
  2. Africell – 24.1% market share, prefix 923
  3. Movicel – 4.1% market share, prefix 93

Unitel operates Angola's largest network, while Africell is the fastest-growing operator since launching in 2022.

How do I identify if an Angola number is mobile or landline?

Check the first digit:

  • Landline: Starts with 2 (e.g., 222123456 is a Luanda landline)
  • Mobile: Starts with 9 (e.g., 923456789 is an Africell mobile)

The second digit indicates the specific area code (landlines) or mobile operator (mobiles).

What is the area code for Luanda, Angola?

Luanda's area code is 2 (some numbers use 22 or 222).

Examples:

  • Local format: 222123456
  • International format: +244 222 123 456
  • E.164 format: +244222123456

How do I format Angola phone numbers for international dialing?

Use E.164 format: +244 followed by the 9-digit number.

Formatting examples:

  • Mobile: +244923456789
  • Landline: +244222123456

This format is universally compatible with international calls, SMS gateways, WhatsApp, and telecommunication APIs. Store phone numbers in E.164 format for maximum compatibility.

Does Angola support mobile number portability?

INACOM oversees mobile number portability (MNP) regulatory framework in Angola. MNP allows users to switch carriers while keeping their phone number.

Contact your current operator or INACOM consumer support (15555, weekdays 8:00–17:00) for the latest information on MNP availability, procedures, and requirements. MNP implementation status may vary, so verify current availability before initiating a port request.

What regex pattern validates Angola mobile numbers?

Angola mobile regex pattern: /^9[1-9]\d{7}$/

This pattern validates:

  • 9-digit numbers starting with 9 (mobile prefix)
  • Second digit: 1-9 (covers 91, 923, 93)
  • Remaining 7 digits: any digit 0-9

International format regex: /^\+2449[1-9]\d{7}$/

Validation example:

javascript
const mobileRegex = /^9[1-9]\d{7}$/;
console.log(mobileRegex.test('923456789')); // true - valid Africell number
console.log(mobileRegex.test('123456789')); // false - doesn't start with 9

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to handle Angola phone numbers effectively in your applications. Follow these phone number validation best practices for formatting, validation, and storage to ensure reliable international telecommunications functionality. Consult the INACOM website regularly for regulatory updates, technical specifications, and changes to Angola's telecommunications standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

The country code for Angola is +244. This code is required when dialing Angolan numbers from outside the country. It precedes the subscriber's number and is essential for correct routing of international calls. It is part of the ITU-T E.164 standard for phone number formatting.

Angolan landline numbers follow the format 2X XXXXXXX, totaling 9 digits. The first two digits, '2X' (where X ranges from 2-9), represent the area code, while the remaining seven digits are the subscriber number. For instance, a Luanda landline might look like 222 123 456.

Angolan mobile numbers have 9 digits and start with 9[1-9] XXXXXXX, where X is 1 through 9. Use a regular expression like /^9[1-9]\d{7}$/ to validate these numbers in your applications to ensure data integrity and prevent errors. This helps in differentiating mobile numbers from landline or special service numbers.

Angola adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard for international compatibility and interoperability. This standard ensures seamless communication across different countries and telecommunications networks and simplifies data processing and storage by providing a consistent format. The E.164 format is +[Country Code][Subscriber Number].

Store Angolan phone numbers in the E.164 format (+244 followed by the 9-digit subscriber number) without spaces or special characters. This format facilitates searching and indexing within the database, simplifies data processing, and ensures international compatibility. It's a global best practice.

INACOM (Instituto Angolano das Comunicações) regulates Angola's telecommunications sector, ensuring service quality and compliance with standards. They oversee technical standards, consumer protection, and number management. Refer to their website for the latest regulations and specifications.

Display Angolan landline numbers as 2X XXX XXXX and mobile numbers as 9X XXX XXXX for better readability. Always include the country code (+244) when displaying numbers in international contexts. Consider user locale for display preferences to enhance user experience.

Angola does not have a national prefix. You directly dial the 9-digit subscriber number (whether landline or mobile) when making calls within the country. For instance, you would directly dial 222123456 for a Luanda landline.

Use the international prefix '00' when calling Angola from another country, followed by the country code (+244) and the subscriber number. This connects your call through international lines, allowing you to reach Angolan numbers.

Angola has four mobile network operators: Unitel, Movicel, Angola Telecom, and Africell. Unitel holds a leading position in the mobile market, followed by Movicel and Angola Telecom, while Africell is a newer entrant, increasing competition and promoting development.

Yes, the first two digits (after the '2') of an Angolan landline number indicate the area code, which corresponds to a specific region. For example, '222' usually represents Luanda. This allows for basic geographic identification of the caller's location.

Special service numbers in Angola are 3 digits long and start with '1'. Examples include 112 for emergency services and 116 for the child helpline. These are shorter than regular numbers and serve specific essential purposes.

Implement a try-catch block in your code to handle potential errors during phone number formatting. Provide informative error messages to users, such as specifying the required length or valid prefix. Clear error handling improves the user experience and helps diagnose issues.

Normalize input by removing non-digit characters, validate the length after cleaning, and handle the international format (+244) for flexibility. These steps ensure that your application correctly processes and validates Angolan phone numbers, regardless of how users input them.

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