UNDP Angola

Poverty Reduction

A priority for the Angolan Government and the development organizations and NGOs operating in the country continues to be the reduction of poverty, particularly of extreme poverty. On February 11th, 2004 the government approved the “Estratégia de Combate à Pobreza” (ECP). The current version is the revised September 2005 edition, and it is still the main strategy development document for poverty reduction in Angola. It states the focus areas of intervention for government and non-governmental and global actors is reconstruction of infrastructures, increased access to education, health, and other basic services, as well as the decentralization of governance structures.

Democratic Governance

A country’s capacity for governance can be measured by different indicators. These are usually political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, citizens’ rights, perceptions of corruption, and accountability and voice. The UNDP governance strategy in Angola is to respond to the challenges to good governance which require high levels of human and institutional capacity, following the “Capacity Development” focus of the organization, which is intended to create power to act, instead of providing direct aid. For the period 2013-2017, the Angolan government has adopted a long term national development strategy called National Development Plan (NDP) and is aiming for “more growth and better distribution”. The plan bases itself on a pillar structure, where Energy and Water, Infrastructure, Education, Health and Diversification of the Economy are regarded as the essential areas of focus. Government corruption is a pervasive problem in Angola that stands in the way of accountable and democratic governance. Human Rights Watch, Transparency International, and the International Monetary Fund have consistently ranked Angola as one of the most corrupt countries in Africa and worldwide.

The latest country profile ranking for Angola by Transparency International places the country as 157 out of the 177 total countries, placing it on the fourth percentile. Limited access to judicial services and the insufficient adherence to rule of law by the authorities in Angola are also major challenges to the functioning of a transparent, democratic government. Angola has a strong track record for women’s empowerment and women in government. There are women ministers and members of parliament, strengthening the role of women in governing.

Environment and Energy

The protection of the environment and natural resources is constitutionally recognized as a duty of the Angolan Government. The Government has the responsibility to formulate environmental strategies, policies and laws as well as engage in the international and national programmes that seek to protect the environment and promote sustainable use of natural resources. The Environmental Framework Law provides guiding principles for the prevention and combat of pollution, and standards to protect the environment. In the last decade Angola has passed environmental legislation regarding water resources, petroleum, mines, and land, and has increased engagement with regional and international bodies and partners.

Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Although hostilities ended in 2002, landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) left from the conflict continue to pose threats to a large number Angolans. Black markets for firearms are a source of prolonged armed violence in communities throughout greater portions of the country. The UNDP effort to eradicate such man-made threats is mainly through the Capacity Development for the National Mine Action Authority (CNIDAH), and the creation of a Rapid Response Fund for demining efforts. Natural disasters, such as droughts pose other threats - particularly to agricultural communities.