Publications and events offer a unique resource for individuals, organizations and policy-makers focussed on the spectrum of Angolan business, politics, academia, diaspora and civil society.
Founded in 1998, the Angola Forum - formerly known as the British Angola Forum (BAF) - was one of the first centres of expertise on Angolan affairs and international relations outside of Portuguese-speaking countries to critically engage with this complex and challenging country.
This seminal work continues with an annual Angola Forum conference, and publications and meetings throughout the year, including frequent written contributions and interviews to media organizations globally. The 2018 Angola Forum marked the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale by bringing together veterans and experts to discuss the battle and its legacy.
Angola entered a significant phase of transition and change on 23 August 2017, when it elected a new president for the first time in 37 years. This transfer of power continues to have national, regional and international implications. Meanwhile, shifting geopolitical trends and a downturn in global commodity prices have necessitated fresh thinking on Angola’s oil and gas future.
Angola faces corresponding challenges of weak governance, corruption, human rights violations, and unpredictable foreign policy interventions. As the country moves further into its post-conflict transition with an ambitious regional and international outlook, it is of great importance that engagements are grounded in sound information and analysis. A 2018 research paper evaluated infrastructure policy in Angola over economic periods of boom and bust driven by fluctuating oil prices.
Speakers on Angola have included key government and opposition figures, civil society representatives and policy-makers from Angola’s international partners. In previous years, the Programme has hosted Valter Filipe Duarte da Silva, former Governor of the National Bank of Angola, José Filomeno dos Santos, former chairman of the Board of Directors of Angola’s Fundo Soberano de Angola (FSDEA), Angola’s former minister of mining and geology, HE Manuel Francisco Queiróz, Dr Maria Ângela Bragança, former secretary of state for cooperation at the Angolan Ministry of External Relations, and former Minister of Justice HE Dr Rui Carneiro Mangueira.
The Africa Programme provides administrative and research support to the British All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Angola.
