33% of Angolans use internet services and 75% use a mobile phone.

The Angolan President highlighted this Thursday the “significant growth” of 59.2% in the number of mobile phone subscribers, the penetration rate of which has risen to 75%, while 33% of Angolans are subscribed to internet services.

João Lourenço, speaking today at the opening of the fourth Angolan International Forum of Information and Communication Technologies (ANGOTIC 2024), highlighted the country’s achievements in the field of telecommunications, the result of public and private investments.

Citing data from the Angolan Institute of Communications, he said that between 2021 and 2023, the mobile phone network in Angola recorded a significant increase in the number of subscribers – by 59.2%.

The penetration rate per 100 inhabitants corresponds to 75%, equivalent to an increase of 28.8% over the same period.

“When it comes to Internet access, the growth recorded is equally significant, with the number of subscribers reaching 11.2 million during the period under analysis and the penetration rate increasing to 33%,” he said.

“The above data indicates a significant expansion in the availability and use of telecommunications services in our country,” he emphasized.

According to the Angolan President, the growth in mobile phone subscriptions and Internet penetration “reflects the growing demand for communications and the adoption of digital technologies by people and companies.”

This increase “can be attributed to several factors,” among which “expanded telecommunications networks, greater supply of affordable plans, and improved infrastructure stand out.”

João Lourenço noted that the increase in mobile telephony and Internet penetration in Angola “is a positive indicator of digital inclusion and economic development” as it “facilitates and accelerates access to information, education, financial services and business opportunities.” “.

Speaking to hundreds of forum participants, including Angolan and foreign operators, he said the growth of the country’s telecommunications and information technology sector is the result of government investment, especially in basic infrastructure and staff training.

The expansion of the terrestrial fiber network – a laying of approximately two thousand kilometers is being prepared – the joining of Angola to the 2África submarine fiber optic cable and the consolidation of the national space program with the commercialization of the power of the Angosat 2 satellite were highlighted as fundamental initiatives in the current growth of the sector.

The Angolan head of state also said that technical conditions are being prepared for the installation of digital terrestrial television and connecting the country with border countries through terrestrial fiber optics.

His government, he added, will continue to invest in digital infrastructure and services “to reduce information isolation, as well as transform” the economy “into a digital economy that provides a better quality of life” for citizens.

“This is how we strive to expand and modernize the nation’s fiber optic broadband network, develop the nation’s space program, build and operate a government data center, improve the regulatory environment, whatever is most attractive to domestic and foreign private investment, and continually transforming our country into a regional “center” serving the countries of the region and beyond,” he emphasized.

João Lourenço also noted that Internet penetration in Africa is only 37%, which is “low”, so joint efforts are needed “to turn this situation around.”

ANGOTIC 2024, an Angolan government initiative that began today in Luanda and runs until Saturday, features 70 exhibiting companies, 125 startups and more than 100 speakers from Angola, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia under the theme “Digitalization, Connectivity and Innovation.” . .