Angola has taken a major step in its digital transformation agenda with the launch of a national data center and government cloud, aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and expanding access to public services.  

The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication on April 28, is expected to enhance data security, reduce operational costs, and boost investor confidence.

The new infrastructure will support secure data hosting within national borders while improving cybersecurity and enabling broader delivery of digital government services. It is also designed to stimulate innovation and position Angola as an emerging digital hub in Southern Africa.

The data center forms part of a wider national strategy to modernize the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

Key milestones include the launch of the Angolan geostationary communications satellite (ANGOSAT-2) in 2022, expansion of fiber-optic networks to around 22,000 kilometers, and integration into major international submarine cable systems such as the 2Africa submarine cable. These investments have significantly improved connectivity across the country.

According to Minister Mário Oliveira, the growing infrastructure base is helping drive digital inclusion and create opportunities for businesses, particularly startups and small enterprises. Government data shows broadband coverage now exceeds 85% of the population, with approximately 17.7 million subscribers and mobile penetration nearing 75%.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Angola continues to rank relatively low in global digital development indicators, including the United Nations e-Government Development Index.

Cybersecurity capacity also lags, with the country placed in a lower tier of the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index, highlighting the need for continued investment in skills, systems, and institutional capacity.

The government is addressing these gaps through initiatives such as the Angola Digital Acceleration Program, backed by the World Bank, which aims to expand digital inclusion, improve public service delivery, and strengthen the country’s digital economy.