Angola Unveils National Cybersecurity Strategy to Strengthen Digital Resilience
To ensure effectiveness, the strategy will undergo annual evaluation by the National Cybersecurity Council, ongoing monitoring by its Executive Secretariat, and a comprehensive review every five years, with provisions for extraordinary review if necessary.
The Government of Angola has introduced a National Cybersecurity Strategy, aimed at safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure and promoting a culture of cybersecurity among citizens and institutions. The strategy, presented as a draft Presidential Decree, establishes a comprehensive framework to prevent and combat cyber threats, while aligning Angola with regional and international cybersecurity standards.
The initiative comes in response to the growing importance of cyberspace in national development. In the current digital era, cybersecurity policies have often been short- or medium-term due to their flexibility. The new strategy, however, seeks to provide a long-term, structured approach to protecting Angola’s national digital ecosystem. Its implementation is expected to maximize resilience, foster innovation, generate and secure resources, and protect public and private institutions, citizens, and assets from cyberattacks.
Grounded in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola and aligned with the Law on the Protection of Networks and Information Systems, the strategy defines the legal, institutional, and operational framework for national cybersecurity. The proposed Presidential Decree comprises four articles, covering the approval of the strategy, the repeal of any prior legislation, resolution of doubts by the President, and entry into force upon publication.
The strategy sets out a clear vision: to make Angola a cyber-secure and resilient nation, protecting citizens’ personal data while upholding the principles of a Democratic State governed by law. Its mission focuses on creating the legal, institutional, and operational capacities necessary to ensure a safe and attractive national cyberspace.
Key principles guiding the strategy include subsidiarity, complementarity, proportionality, inclusion, and the promotion of digital literacy. Citizens and private entities bear primary responsibility for cybersecurity, with the State intervening to ensure national sovereignty and institutional functioning. The approach emphasizes education, awareness, and universal access to cyberspace.
The strategy outlines six strategic objectives: strengthening cybersecurity structures, promoting awareness and a cybersecurity culture, developing national cybersecurity capabilities, consolidating legislation, adopting best practices, and fostering international cooperation. Actions under these objectives include the creation of a National Cybersecurity Council, establishment of incident response teams, development of cybersecurity education programs, harmonization of laws, promotion of international standards, and engagement in regional and global cybersecurity initiatives.
To ensure effectiveness, the strategy will undergo annual evaluation by the National Cybersecurity Council, ongoing monitoring by its Executive Secretariat, and a comprehensive review every five years, with provisions for extraordinary review if necessary.
By implementing this strategy, Angola aims to strengthen its cybersecurity resilience, encourage technological innovation, and position itself as a proactive participant in the global digital ecosystem.
