Luanda: The secretary of State for the Budget, Juciene de Sousa, on Friday in Luanda confirmed the Government's responsibility and commitment to implementing measures aimed at improving accountability regarding the management of public funds. The official was speaking to MPs during the 4th Legislative Session of the 5th Legislature of the National Assembly, which analyzed and definitively voted on the Execution Report of the General State Budget (OGE) for the 3rd quarter of 2025, with 101 votes in favor, 76 against, and three abstentions. According to Angola Press News Agency, the implementation of approved amounts was discussed, with emphasis on the continuous improvement of execution levels. This aims to promote more effective and efficient management of available resources and guarantee timely payments. Despite facing budgetary challenges, the government emphasizes safeguarding essential state responsibilities, such as infrastructure, while prioritizing public policies external to the social sector. The Kwenda Program, which provides social assistance through monetary transfers to vulnerable sections, was highlighted by de Sousa. She explained the program is jointly financed by the Angolan State and the World Bank (WB), supporting over one million families across the country. The initiative has reportedly improved food security, family income, financial inclusion, investment in productive activities, and facilitated the issuance of identity documents in remote areas, combating structural poverty. De Sousa acknowledged that the program's inclusion mechanisms could be strengthened and transparency continuously monitored. During her address, de Sousa clarified that the reduced oil production in the third quarter of 2025 resulted from compliance with inspection and maintenance programs, ensuring operational efficiency above 90% in the facilities of the main blocks. She also noted the development of several initiatives with national and international partners and the organization of bidding campaigns for new oil concessions. The State Budget report for the third quarter of 2025 showed revenue collection of approximately 5.9 million kwanzas and expenses around 6.3 million kwanzas, leading to a budget deficit of approximately 362.2 million kwanzas. In the oil sector, average production was recorded at 1.031 million barrels per day, falling short of the target of 1.098 million barrels per day set in the 2025 State Budget. The weighted average export price of crude oil during the third quarter was USD 69.16 per barrel, slightly below the estimated USD 70 per barrel.
