The European PASCAL project has an impact on local governance in Angola

For four years, the Support to Civil Society and Local Administration (PASCAL) project has been carried out, funded by the European Union and implemented by FIAP and the Central Project Management Agency of Lithuania (CPMA) in collaboration with the Angolan Ministry of Territorial Administration. During this time, continuous work has been carried out to strengthen local governance, institutional dialogue, citizen inclusion and community communication in Angola.

The opening session featured high-level institutional interventions. The Ministry of Territorial Administration was represented by the Secretary of State for Territorial Administration, Teresa Quivienguele, who highlighted PASCAL’s contribution in the context of the new political-administrative division and in strengthening the capacities of municipal administrations.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the speech by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, who gave a positive and comprehensive assessment of the results of PASCAL, highlighting the technical quality of the project, its concrete impact on Angolan institutions and the strategic value of cooperation between Angola, the European Union, Spain and Lithuania. For her part, FIAP’s Director of Operations, Lourdes Sartorius, reinforced the recognition of the fundamental role played by FIAP in the technical management and rigorous and successful implementation of the project.

 During the meeting, the main results of the project were presented, including: the preparation of studies, conferences with the National Assembly, international learning visits, and the strengthening of participation mechanisms that have made it possible to create an institutional dialogue and a legislative framework. In addition, civil society organisations were mapped and strengthened, networks were revitalised, local grants were awarded, provincial and municipal forums were held, and significant actions were taken to promote the participation of women and young people, thereby increasing citizen inclusion and participation. Finally, we can highlight the work carried out in communication, achieving a wide expansion of digital reach, training journalists, creating the Citizenship Guide and the Citizen Journalism Manual, as well as community awareness-raising activities involving tens of thousands of citizens.

The event also included thematic panels with MPs, journalists, community leaders and civil society organisations from five provinces, highlighting the multi-stakeholder and collaborative nature that has characterised all the work carried out in PASCAL.

In the closing session, the project director, Pablo Lopez, emphasised that ‘the results presented show that PASCAL has fulfilled its mission of strengthening capacities, promoting participation and bringing citizens and institutions closer together. The project is coming to an end, but its legacy remains in the hands of the communities, Angolan institutions and partners who will continue this work’.

With strong institutional support, high-quality technical contributions and widespread recognition of its impact, the closure of PASCAL represents a significant milestone in supporting democratic and participatory local governance in Angola.