Luanda: The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) has awarded 205 scholarships for undergraduate and master's degrees both domestically and internationally under the "Okutanga" project. The award ceremony, which took place on Monday, was presided over by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, alongside Paulino Jer³nimo, the chairman of the board of directors of ANPG.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the scholarships will be funded through social funds derived from oil concession contracts involving risk, particularly from blocks 30, 44, and 45 led by Exxon, and blocks 49 and 50 under Chevron's control. Paulino Jer³nimo emphasized that academic training is a crucial aspect of ANPG's social responsibility initiatives, aligning with its regulatory and concessionaire responsibilities.
Jer³nimo expressed the oil sector's dedication to the nation's social development through this scholarship program, which underscores their commitment. He lauded the meticulous, transparent, and inclusive selection process that identified the scholarship recipients, who have now secured full funding for their educational pursuits.
During the ceremony, Jer³nimo reminded the scholarship recipients of the importance of dedication, discipline, and adherence to citizenship values for the program's continued success. He reiterated ANPG's commitment, in collaboration with its partners, to expand this initiative, turning the country's natural resources into tangible opportunities for enhancing the population's well-being.
The ANPG was established in 2019 following Presidential Decree No. 49/19, as part of a reorganization of Angola's oil sector. This restructuring included transferring the Concessionaire role from Sonangol E.P. to ANPG to enhance political coordination, streamline processes, and foster private investment in the national oil industry. ANPG's mandate includes regulating, supervising, and promoting petroleum activities, with the General Strategy for the Allocation of Oil Concessions for 2019-2025 approved under Presidential Decree No. 52/19.
