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STORY: Angola and the European Union are set to start talks for a trade deal this year, according to an EU document and an official.

The green light to start negotiations, which would see Angola join a regional trade bloc, came in late July according to the EU document - shortly before a general election next week.

The possible deal would likely increase Angolan exports to the EU - potentially reducing the dominance of oil which currently accounts for nearly all exports by value.

Products such as frozen shrimps, ethyl alcohol, wheat bran and bananas are likely to benefit the most, thanks to the expected lifting of tariffs, according to EU estimates.

An EU spokesperson said they are in a position to open negotiations, but a date has not been agreed with Angola.

The Angolan government had no immediate comment.

Most Angolan exports to the EU already benefit from preferential treatment because the country is classed as a least developed nation.

But thanks to its recent oil-fueled economic growth, the southern African country is set to lose that status in 2027.

That means it would face tariffs on several products - unless it joins the regional trade agreement that the EU signed with six southern African countries in 2016.

Under that deal EU products will also access the Angolan market with lower duties - an advantage for local consumers but a risk to domestic industries if they do not invest to remain competitive.