Luanda — The Angolan government Monday approved the National Strategy for the Prevention and Repression of Corruption, as part of measures to combat this practice and promote a culture of ethics in all sectors.
The instrument was approved during a session of the Council of Ministers, chaired by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço.
According to the communiqué from the meeting, it is a reference programme document for the prevention, detection and repression of corruption and related crime.
It is aimed at good governance, strengthening citizens' trust in public institutions and adopting good practices in the public and private sectors.
With its approval, the Executive intends to continue to reduce corruption rates by promoting integrity, transparency, improved service provision in all sectors, the involvement of citizens in the prevention, detection and repression of the phenomenon, transparency in the management of public affairs, responsibility and accountability.
Readjustment in the National Defence sector
In the area of National Defence, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, the Council of Ministers approved a decree readjusting the pensions granted under a special regime to former combatants and war disabled people, as well as their families.
The measure is in line with the civil service salary update, in line with expected inflation, thus guaranteeing them better dignity and quality of life.
BDA becomes a public limited company
Monday's meeting also approved the transformation of Banco de Desenvolvimento de Angola's Development Bank into a public limited company, with exclusively public capital, to be called "Banco de Desenvolvimento de Angola, SA" (BDA, SA) and to be governed by the Commercial Companies Act.
The press release states that the transformation of this bank into a public limited company is part of the Roadmap for Reform of the Public Business Sector and is based on the need to introduce a management and corporate governance model that guarantees greater profitability and efficiency.
Mineral resources
Regarding the Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas sector, the Council of Ministers approved the Production Sharing Contract signed between the National Oil, Gas and Biofuel Agency and the CON 2 Block Contractor Group and the Production Sharing Contract signed between the National Oil, Gas and Biofuel Agency and the CON 8 Block Contractor Group.
The Presidential Decree on the Production Sharing Contract signed between the National Oil, Gas and Biofuel Agency and the KON 19 Block Contractor Group was also approved.
The collegiate body also approved the Organic Statutes of the Ministries of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Culture and Tourism, with a view to bringing their organic and functional structure into line with the Regime for the Organisation and Functioning of the Auxiliary Bodies of the President of the Republic.
Culture
In the field of culture, it approved the merger between the Angolan Film and Audiovisual Institute (IACA) and the National Institute for Cultural and Creative Industries (INIC), giving rise to the creation of the National Agency for Cultural and Creative Industries (ANICC).
The institution's main purpose is to regulate, supervise and control the national policy for the promotion, support and development of these industries, in particular books, discs and handicrafts, as well as the promotion of reading, publishing works whose nature is of cultural interest and of great social significance.
Its mission is to design and implement the government's strategy in relation to film and audiovisual activity.
Foreign policy
In the Foreign Policy chapter, the resolution approving the Partnership Agreement between the European Union, its Member States and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, with a view to promoting and defending common interests, was approved.
The government also intends to preserve and strengthen multilateralism, thus helping to promote the socio-economic development of the parties, proposals that will be submitted to the National Assembly.
The Executive approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas of Angola and Energy of the Republic of Ghana, an instrument that aims to establish a general framework to encourage co-operation in the field of Prospecting and Exploration of Hydrocarbon Resources.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Angola and Tanzania on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic, Service or Official Passports was also approved.
This legal instrument aims to establish the general terms and conditions for visa exemption, allowing the mobility of nationals from both countries who hold this type of passport, based on the principles of equality and reciprocity.
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The session approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Venâncio de Moura Diplomatic Academy and the Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training of the Dominican Republic, which establishes the terms for promoting better education and training of diplomatic personnel from both countries, and their research and social development activities.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Rádio Nacional de Angola and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, in the field of Radio Broadcasting, also received a favourable opinion.
This legal instrument aims to promote bilateral, multifaceted cooperation in the field of radio broadcasting, establishing the exchange of news, documentary and other programmes, as well as encouraging the development of technical and professional training and capacity-building activities.
The Council of Ministers is the collegiate body that assists the President of the Republic, as head of the executive branch, in formulating and conducting the country's general policy and public administration.
