About Us
History
Sonangol was an outgrowth of ANGOL, a subsidiary of the Portuguese oil company, SACOR. Sonangol was an exception to Neto’s socialist ideology of nationalization and expropriation of foreign property and assets.
1975: Angola gains independence from the Portuguese. 300,000 Portuguese settlers left Angola following independence.
1976: Sonangol was created under decree 52/76 on June 9th, 1976. Sonangol collects over 90% of the government’s revenues and employs 5,000 people.
1991: Sonangol expanded its ambitions and restructured as a holding company, with multiple subsidiaries operating in oil services, such as training, air and maritime transportation, telecommunication, and insurance. Sonangol has also served as an important source of investment in housing, educational scholarships, and sports teams in Angola.
1997: Sonangol USA Co. (SonUSA) was inaugurated on November 12th, 1997, and initiated its business activities in January 1998. Its headquarters were located in Houston Texas at 1360 Post Oak Blvd, suite 1410.
2002: SonUSA inaugurated its current office at 1177 Enclave Parkway on October 11th, 2002. The 40,000 square feet building with three floors was the first building built under the direct support of an Angolan state company in a foreign country.
As part of an Angolanisation campaign, Sonangol has also established many joint ventures with foreign companies. (some estimates are as high as sixty.) High-profile joint ventures include Sonangol-Sinopec International (SSI), Sonangol SGPS, a drilling services company; Sonasing, a joint-venture service company for the packaging and storage of crude; Wapo Angola, a services provider for the oil industry;Technip Angola, Petromar, Sonamet, Sonansurf and Sonamer, oil services companies; AngloFlex, a manufacturer of umbilicals and pipelines for underwater production systems in the oil and gas industry; the BancoAfricano de Investimento, a bank; and many others.
Organization Chart
Quality Policy
The goal of Sonangol USA is to maintain a constant presence in the oil market, avoiding the recourse of intermediaries and commercial agents whilst guaranteeing the sale of the Angolan crude oil on behalf of Sonangol E.P. and the sale of naphtha at their best price. Sonangol USA is committed to do this by providing our clients with superior and quality services that meet the highest standards of performance, satisfy client requirements, and deliver exceptional value. Through teamwork and by striving for continual improvement and with the continued investment in personnel and other resources, we ensure a client-driven and cost-effective solution at all times.
Furthermore, we work with our clients to define requirements and clarify expectations and we ensure that our service complies with those requirements and meet or exceed client expectations.
We recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified, and motivated staff. Every staff member is personally responsible for ensuring that his or her work endorses our Quality Policy. Management ensures that all staff receives full support, resources, and necessary training to deliver this goal.
We have set Quality Objectives for the organization and the key processes within it and our monitoring and measurement systems ensure that these are met.
The Management of Sonangol USA recognizes that the delivery of products and services to the standards outlined and achieving total customer satisfaction can only be realized through the use of an effective management system.
To this end we are committed to implement and maintain a management system that meets the requirements of International Standard ISO 9001:2008 as a minimum, is fully supportive of and underpins the corporate goals and objectives.
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Revision: 03
Customer Satisfaction
- Sonangol USA’s goal is a rating of 85% of respondents to score us Good or above, which is classed not less than 3 in meeting expectations.
- Response time to Claims – Initial response to a Claim is to be sent by close of business on the next working day.
Reputation
- Committed to delivering at least 95% of products that meet customer expectations.
- Avoid stressed cargoes by selling within the appropriate marketing period.
- Manage the loading and documentation to avoid delayed and late payment.
People
- Guarantee the implementation of the performance evaluation annual cycle.
- Guarantee the implementation of the annual approved Employee Development Plan.
Social Responsibility
Sonangol USA and its employees actively support and embrace a social cause by partnering with St. Jude’s Hospital. The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of the founder Danny Thomas, “no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay”.
We believe in making a difference in the social well-being of people. Since 2013 we have committed direct monetary contributions.
Beyond the St. Jude’s initiative we partnered with Salvation Army in 2015 through their “Angel Tree Program” by donating approximately 250 gifts to 50 children and 50 seniors. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new clothing or toys for children through the support of donors.