One plus point is a reform put in place during Mr Nogueira Leite's time at the finance ministry.

ECONOMIST: The public sector needs slimming down

Doing so is getting harder, says Ms Leite: at the moment they have one maid on their books for every 30 clients.

ECONOMIST: Domestic labour

Around town artisan shops, most specializing in handmade furniture or sweet treats like doce de leite, a local caramel, dot the tranquil streets.

BBC: Tiradentes: The culinary goldmine of Brazil

The IMF representative in Angola, Carlos Leite, said he could not comment on the report, since it is an internal document and the government has blocked its publication.

BBC: IMF: Angola's 'missing millions'

Since Priscila Leite and Isabella Velletri set up Homestaff, a domestic-employment agency, three years ago, they have been contacted by 5, 000 would-be mistresses and have been able to find staff for 650.

ECONOMIST: Domestic labour