In the center is a machete and hoe, representing the revolution through which the nation gained independence, and the importance of agricultural workers. Above both emblems is a star that is often found in many socialist images. The star is taken to represent progress. The rising sun is the traditional symbol of a new beginning. These emblems are all enclosed within a circle formed by a half cog-wheel that represents the industrial workers, and a half vine of coffee and cotton leaves that represents the coffee resp. cotton industry.

At the bottom is an open book that is to represent education. A banner reads "Republic of Angola" at the bottom, in Portuguese.

Details of the insignia are laid down in Article 163 of the Constitution of Angola.