Luanda: Sovereignty has always meant the ability of a State to decide freely on its own destiny, protect its territory, defend its institutions, and guarantee the rights of its citizens. By M¡rio Oliveira, Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication
According to Angola Press News Agency, in the 21st century, an increasing part of national life takes place in cyberspace, a territory without physical borders. It is the environment through which public administration data, family communications, banking transactions, health records, educational content, economic information, and systems supporting energy, transport, justice, and security circulate. In this context, digital sovereignty should be understood not as technological isolation or the closure of Angola to the world, but as the effective ability of the Angolan State to govern its digital space, protect data and critical infrastructure, choose technologies aligned with the national interest, train skilled professionals, ensure service continuity, and participate in the digital economy under conditions of security, dignity, and strategic autonomy.
Since 2017, President Joo Manuel Gon§alves Louren§o's administration has linked information and communication technologies to State reform, economic diversification, social inclusion, and Angola's international standing. This evolution can be understood through four complementary phases, beginning with infrastructure and market liberalisation that laid the material foundation for digital transformation. The expansion and modernisation of national fibre-optic networks, submarine cables, and mobile broadband networks were pivotal in creating conditions for faster services and digitalisation across various sectors.
Submarine cables like WACS, SACS, and Angola's participation in the 2Africa system have strategically enhanced Angolan digital sovereignty. These infrastructures reduce dependence on a single international route, improve resilience, and strengthen Angola's position as a regional telecommunications and data transit platform. They serve as a national digital highway, transporting information, knowledge, public services, and economic value.
The second phase involved expanding space capability and communications autonomy through Angosat-2, which supports telecommunications, telemedicine, distance learning, and digital inclusion. The National Space Programme's strategic value extends beyond orbit equipment, including training Angolan engineers and transferring knowledge.
The third phase focuses on digital governance, transitioning from connectivity to digital transformation of the State. The Public Administration Digital Transition Agenda 2027 aims to simplify and enhance public services, with core components like interoperability, digital identity, and electronic systems. The Digital.ao ecosystem supports start-ups, enabling young Angolans to become creators of technology and employment opportunities.
The most recent phase emphasises security, trust, and regulation to protect built infrastructure. The National Cybersecurity Strategy, Cybersecurity Law, and Law No. 6/26 on False Information on the Internet aim to safeguard digital sovereignty by ensuring protection against cyberattacks and misinformation.
Ultimately, Angola's digital sovereignty emerges from a combination of infrastructure, legislation, institutions, human skills, national industry, digital education, scientific research, and international cooperation. The administration's coherent sequence of initiatives aims to ensure that Angola remains open to innovation while sufficiently prepared to protect the functioning of the State and the rights of its people. Digital sovereignty is seen as the sovereignty of the citizen, ensuring a secure digital environment and trust in State services.
