Digital transformation: Angola strengthens its infrastructure with a datacenter
April 30th 2026
African countries are relying on digital transformation to accelerate their development. This ambition implies significant investments in digital infrastructure.
Angolan authorities launched the national data center and government cloud on Tuesday, April 28. This initiative strengthens the digital infrastructure and supports the government’s digital transformation ambitions.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication, the new data center promises several advantages. Its strengths include investor confidence, secure data hosting within the national territory, reduced operating costs, and expanded access to digital public services.
The ministry adds that the infrastructure will also help improve cybersecurity, stimulate technological innovation and position Angola as a digital hub in southern Africa.
Infrastructure strengthening
According to Angolan authorities, the construction of the national data center is part of a broader strategy to develop the telecommunications and information technology sector. Several key infrastructures are highlighted.
In October 2022, the country launched the ANGOSAT-2 communications satellite, presented as a tool for bridging the digital divide. Simultaneously, several initiatives have been undertaken to expand internet connectivity to the population, also targeting public institutions such as schools, hospitals, universities, and government offices.
Angola has also accelerated the deployment of fiber optics, bringing the national network to approximately 22,000 kilometers. The commissioning of the 2Africa international submarine cable strengthens the country’s connectivity at the regional and global levels. The country is already connected to four other cables: the West Africa Cable System (WACS), Unitel North Submarine Cable (UNSC), the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS), and SAT-3/WASC.
Furthermore, a recent rapprochement with Namibia should allow Angola to access the capacities of the Equiano cable and prepare for the arrival of a new cable carried by Angola Telecom.
According to Mário Oliveira, Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication, these investments have helped to consolidate a solid technological base, promoting digital inclusion and creating opportunities for the private sector, in particular for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
In terms of adoption, the data presented by the ministry indicates significant progress. More than 85% of the population is now covered by broadband services, while the country has approximately 17.7 million subscribers. Mobile penetration, meanwhile, has reached nearly 75%.
Digital ambitions still hampered by structural challenges
These infrastructures aim to support the digital transformation ambitions of the Angolan authorities, who intend to make ICT a driver of socio-economic development. In this context, the country is implementing the Angola Digital Acceleration Program (PADA), financed to the tune of $300 million by the World Bank. This program aims to strengthen digital inclusion, broaden access to public services, and boost the digital economy, with the objective of promoting a more paperless administration and simplifying procedures related to administrative documents.
However, despite these advances, several indicators still reflect significant challenges. Angola ranks 156th out of 193 in the 2024 United Nations e-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.4149 out of 1. This level remains slightly below the African average (0.4247) and is still well below the global average (0.6382).
In terms of cybersecurity, the country was ranked in 2024 in the “Tier 4” category of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index, the second-lowest level out of five. This ranking reflects a still limited commitment, despite some progress on the regulatory front and increasing participation in international initiatives. The ITU indicates, however, that further efforts are needed regarding technical, organizational, and capacity-building measures.
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