Sochi: The Angolan minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Media, Mário Oliveira, recently reaffirmed his government’s commitment to digital transformation projects during a thematic session on e-governance at the Sochi Centre for African Studies. This session was part of the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Oliveira emphasized the Angolan government’s efforts in developing the national space programme, national broadband network, terrestrial optical vibration network, and integration with international submarine cables. He highlighted the collaboration with Southern African Development Community (SADC), Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the United Nations as crucial to advancing the country’s information and communication technology sector.
The minister outlined that the ongoing development projects are aimed at reducing the digital divide by leveraging modern technology to minimize the dispar
ity between urban and rural areas and promote digital literacy. The focus on infrastructure, training, and information is central to Angola’s strategy to enhance electronic governance.
Oliveira noted that Angola is investing significantly in technological infrastructure and youth training through the establishment of incubators to boost digital literacy. On digital sovereignty, he mentioned the country’s efforts in crafting legislation for cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital platform regulation.
In a move to enhance international cooperation, Angola signed a new agreement with Russia in telecommunications and information technologies. The document, signed by Oliveira and Russian diplomat Serguei Lavrov, seeks to foster economic and social development through joint programmes and projects in the sector.
Angola’s partnership with Russia, especially in the national space programme, continues to strengthen with investments in technological infrastructure and the expansion of the national broadb
and network using fibre optics and submarine cables. The Sochi Forum signifies a new era in Russia-Africa relations, building on the resolutions from the Second Russia-Africa Summit 2023 held in St Petersburg.
The forum, attended by leaders from Russia and Africa, will address issues such as trade, investment, science, education, and regional cooperation, with an emphasis on BRICS-Africa relations. The Angolan delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Téte António, also includes Minister of National Defence João Ernesto dos Santos ‘Liberdade’ and Secretary of State for the Military Industry Afonso Carlos Neto, among others.