Luanda: A total of 132 Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) will be installed for the first time in 38 municipalities across the country by April next year, as part of the expansion of the National Bank of Angola (BNA) network. This initiative marks the second phase of the central bank's service expansion program, which began in December 2023, aiming to extend banking services to areas previously without access.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the municipalities set to receive new ATMs are spread across 12 provinces and are subdivided into three zones. Zone A includes the locality of Banga in Cuanza Norte province and the municipalities of Tchicala-Tcholoanga and Longonjo in Huambo. Zone B comprises 26 municipalities across nine provinces. Meanwhile, Zone C covers nine municipalities located in the provinces of Cuanza Norte, Cuando, Cubango, Cunene, and Malanje.
The BNA has entered into agreements with seven commercial banks to facilitate the expansion and improve access to financial products and services. This collaboration is also intended to address the uneven geographical distribution of ATMs.
Manuel Tiago Dias, the Governor of the BNA, who presided over the formal presentation of the program, emphasized that the project aligns with the central bank's policy to enhance the availability and quality of financial services. He noted a growing demand for such services, citing that 448 billion kwanzas were withdrawn from ATMs in May.
