Luanda: The Head of State, Joo Louren§o, has announced the launch of a nationwide social education program aimed at transforming the educational landscape across the country. This initiative includes substantial investments in the construction and rehabilitation of primary schools, with a specific focus on addressing educational disparities in regions such as Luanda and Icolo e Bengo.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Louren§o, in his State of the Nation Address, revealed that the government is committing 199 million euros to tackle the pressing shortage of classrooms. He acknowledged the challenges faced by many children who either lack access to schools or study in substandard conditions. The president emphasized the urgent need to expand educational infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing population.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, President Louren§o reported that 9.6 million students are currently enrolled, supported by 126,204 classrooms and a workforce of 208,488 teachers. He highlighted the achievement that 85% of public schools now offer introductory classes, with an enrollment rate of 64.4% for the 2024-2025 school year. However, he stressed the importance of increasing enrollment at the high school level to ensure broader access to education.
President Louren§o also outlined ongoing reforms aimed at improving the quality and availability of education. He cited the approval of the Education Agents Career Statute and the 2018-2022 National Teacher Training and Management Plan as key measures that have enhanced teacher recruitment, career progression, and mobility. In 2018, 181,624 education agents received category upgrades, and by 2021, 133,419 teachers were promoted based on seniority.
In recent years, 68,153 employees have been hired in the education sector, including 53,653 teachers and 14,500 auxiliary staff. From 2018 to 2025, a total of 125,385 teachers have been permanently appointed, with 8,653 new hires during the 2023-2024 public recruitment process. President Louren§o emphasized the government's commitment to building human capital and continuously updating staff categories to enhance educational value.
Recognizing the dual challenges of education access and job market entry in a predominantly young nation, President Louren§o underscored the need to align educational offerings with market demands. He noted that ongoing reforms aim to expand technical and vocational education institutions to accommodate the increasing student population.
Reflecting on the country's educational history, Louren§o recalled the 1978 reform that established the National Education and Training System, marking a departure from colonial models and promoting free basic education. This era also saw the launch of the National Literacy Campaign, which significantly increased enrollment in both basic and adult education with the help of international professionals.
