Angola has approved US$50 million for a national broadband connectivity programme aimed at expanding internet access in areas that remain underserved by digital infrastructure.

The decision was authorised by President João Lourenço under Presidential Order No. 394/26, published in the country's Official Gazette. The programme forms part of the Angola Digital Acceleration Project (PADA), which seeks to strengthen connectivity and support the country's wider digital transformation.

Schools and community centres in poorly connected areas are among the programme's priority locations. The government intends to encourage telecommunications operators to invest in communities where commercial investment alone may not be sufficient to provide reliable broadband services.

The presidential order also authorises a public tender to select the arrangements for implementing the programme. Funding is linked to an agreement between Angola and the World Bank, previously authorised by the government.

Beyond internet expansion, the broader digital agenda includes public digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence in government services, digital identity and electronic signatures.

The initiative could improve access to online education, digital public services and economic opportunities for communities currently facing connectivity barriers.

The next important step will be the tender process and implementation of the broadband infrastructure. The programme's impact will depend on how effectively the investment reaches underserved communities across the country.