The objective of this article is to analyze whether companies that plan to explore institutional vacuums in Angola, using their competitive advantages, are being supported by the State. Theories of institutional gaps, firm specific advantages (FSA) and the role of the state in the internationalization of companies were adopted. The study sample consisted of interviews with twelve experts in Brazil-Angola relations. The results of the study indicate that the Brazilian companies seeking to form relations with Angola to have well-defined competitive advantage and, in most cases, go to that African country with the aim of exploring local institutional gaps. However, according to the perception of the actors involved, Brazilian companies that are going there for this purpose, taking advantage of their competitive advantages, are not being effectively supported by the Brazilian state. The findings also indicate that for businesses to succeed in Angola, it is essential to build partnerships with local actors such as entrepreneurs and, in particular, the government.