Luanda, Angola – (African Boulevard News) – In Angola, the government’s decision to privatize the state’s assets has been a contentious issue, with some government officials accused of favoring their family and friends. In the first wave of state privatizations, several firms led by allies of both the current and former Angolan presidents won tender calls. Now, as the government prepares for its second round of privatizations, critics are questioning whether the process will be any fairer.
According to a recent report by African Intelligence, several companies owned by allies of President João Lourenço and his predecessor, José Eduardo dos Santos, won tenders in the first wave of privatizations. The report alleges that these companies may have benefited from insider information and that the deals may not have been transparent.
The government has denied these allegations, stating that the tenders were open and transparent and that the winning companies were selected based on their proposals. However, some critics remain skeptical.
“They were not transparent, and they were not competitive,” says Rafael Marques, a journalist and anti-corruption campaigner. “What we saw was a transfer of wealth from the state to a few individuals.”
Despite these concerns, the government is moving forward with its second round of privatizations. The state will sell stakes in 195 companies across a range of sectors, including mining, agriculture, and telecommunications.
Proponents of the privatization plan argue that it will encourage economic growth by attracting foreign investment and creating new jobs. However, critics worry that the process will once again be marred by corruption and favoritism.
“We need transparency, we need good governance, we need accountability,” says Marques. “Otherwise, this process will only benefit a few individuals and not the whole population.”
As Angola moves forward with its privatization plan, it will be crucial for the government to ensure that the process is fair and transparent. Otherwise, the country risks losing public trust and faith in its institutions.
