LUANDA, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Angola's central bank left its main interest rate unchanged on Tuesday for the fourth meeting in a row, as inflation continued to ease in the oil-rich Southern African country but remains above 27% in annual terms.

The Bank of Angola maintained its key rate (AOINTR=ECI), opens new tab at 19.50% after "hold" decisions at monetary policy meetings in July, September and November. "Prices for goods and services remain at a high level, but there is a slowdown in monthly and year-on-year inflation after peaking in June-July 2024," central bank Governor Manuel Tiago Dias told reporters.

Inflation in Angola fell slightly last month to 27.50% year on year (AOCPIY=ECI) , opens new tab from 28.41% in November. Dias said the Angolan economy was expected to have grown 4.4% last year, quicker than the 4% forecast given at November's monetary policy meeting.

The governor forecast economic growth of 3.5% for 2025.