The Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technologies sector in Angola is experiencing “sharp growth”, taking into account the latest completed projects and others in technical preparation.
This information was highlighted by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, speaking at the opening session of the 2023 edition of the ANGOTIC, the largest international event of technologies, communications and innovations in Angola, which contributes to the promotion of telecommunications and information technologies industries, technological tourism, as well as to the updating of digital platforms in the promotion of precision agriculture, health, education, environmental preservation and scientific research.
In his speech, the Head of State highlighted the construction and launching into orbit of the communications satellite Angosat-2, part of the National Space Programme, land and submarine links in optical fiber for Cabinda, work in progress with a view to starting construction of an Earth observation satellite, the project to expand the National Broadband Network using optical fiber, the Digital Terrestrial Television, participation in the 2-Africa international fiber optic submarine cable consortium and increased training programs for young staff.
Following the actions that the sector has been developing to support the productive and social sector, the Head of State highlighted the use of satellite images to support agriculture, oil production, land use planning, mining, the environment, migratory control along the borders, as well as the study of solutions that can mitigate the problem of the drought that cyclically ravages the south of the country, in particular the provinces of Cunene, Namibe and Huíla.
On the other hand, he underlined the role of the Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication sector as a lever for the technological modernization of the industry and “provide the economic and social growth expected and desired by all Angolans”.
"Although mineral resources, oil and gas continue to be relevant to sustain the development of our economy, we are experiencing a new paradigm with prospects of growth in the non-oil economy, where the private sector is the main actor”, He stressed.
As for the broadband sector, he highlighted the importance of broadband networks which, supported by a robust electronic communications network, become a fundamental tool to guarantee citizens and society access to the services of the so-called information society.
He stressed that broadband networks can support services such as telemedicine, distance learning, electronic governance and other associated services, contributing to the improvement of health, education, social inclusion, food security, equality of gender and the fight against hunger and poverty, guaranteeing the sustainable development of the country.
João Lourenço pointed out the vision of the International Telecommunications Union, of which Angola is a Member State, which in its last report on the costs of access to Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies services, from 2022, highlights the need for costs and expansion of the Internet should be accessible to as many citizens of the world as possible, if possible to everyone.
