Angolan Council of Ministers Reviews Draft Laws to Strengthen National Cultural and Economic Sectors

Luanda: The Council of Ministers on Friday reviewed the Draft Law on the Use of Angola's Languages, which establishes principles and rules for the use of the country's national languages and seeks to strengthen its linguistic diversity. The proposal was considered during the 7th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, held at the Presidential Palace under the chairmanship of President Joo Lourenço, and will now be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. According to Angola Press News Agency, the draft legislation frames the use of Angola's languages within the rule of law and aims to promote national unity without diminishing the linguistic and cultural diversity that characterizes Angolan society. The initiative comes at a time of growing recognition of the country's cultural heritage and seeks to give national languages a more prominent role in preserving identity, transmitting knowledge, and strengthening social cohesion. In the cultural sector, the Council of Ministers also reviewed a draft presidential decree regulating the General Archives Law, establishing rules for the organization, operation, document management, preservation, access, and dissemination of public and private archives integrated into the National Archives System. The regulation is intended to improve document management, strengthen the security of physical and digital records, and facilitate access to information, contributing to the preservation of the country's historical and administrative memory. In the health sector, the Council reviewed a draft presidential decree regulating the Law on the Transplantation of Human Cells, Tissues, and Organs. The legislation establishes administrative and technical procedures for the harvesting, donation, preservation, and transplantation of cells, tissues, and organs for therapeutic purposes and creates the conditions for the effective implementation of transplant procedures in Angola. Finance was another area of focus as the Council of Ministers reviewed a draft presidential decree amending the Organic Statute of the Ministry of Finance through the creation of the position of Secretary of State for Tax Affairs, intended to strengthen tax policy, improve the efficiency of revenue collection, and ensure greater protection of the rights of families, businesses, and investors. In the industrial sector, the Council reviewed a draft presidential decree approving the establishment of the public company CITAV - Advanced Technology Industrial Centre, S.A., which will serve as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and industrial development, focusing on technical and professional training and the development of the human resources required for the modernization of the national productive sector. The Council also reviewed legislation regulating beekeeping activities, establishing rules on the health and protection of apiculture resources, the professionalization of beekeepers, and the adoption of good hygiene and sanitary practices. The initiative also provides for the promotion and certificat ion of honey produced in Angola, with a view to supporting rural development, job creation, food and nutritional security, and integration into domestic and international markets. In the Fisheries and Marine Resources sector, the Council of Ministers reviewed a draft presidential decree amending the Ministry's Organic Statute through the creation of the position of Secretary of State for Marine Spatial and Resource Management. The measure is intended to strengthen the institutional capacity of the sector and improve the distribution of leadership, coordination, and supervisory responsibilities related to the management of marine spaces and resources. Within the framework of international cooperation, the Council of Ministers reviewed a draft resolution approving, for ratification, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international instrument aimed at promoting the proper management of the substance and preventing its effects on the environment and public health. The Council also reviewed draft presidentia l decrees relating to visa exemption agreements between Angola and several countries, simplifying diplomatic and service travel. Overall, the Seventh Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers reviewed legislative, institutional, economic, social, and international cooperation matters affecting sectors considered strategic for the country's development.