Angola

Democratic Governance

GOVERNANCE CLUSTER STRATEGY

In post -conflict Angola living conditions remain precarious as refugees, ex-combatants, and internally displaced persons are still being reintegrated into domestic life. The country is still in the throes of multiple transitions and the dynamics created during the war period still represents an important inertia to the creation of a truly and more efficient, accountable, responsive and inclusive governance institutions.

Good governance requires effective accountability. A state effectiveness, and hence its overall capacity, is normally measured by elements such as political stability; government effectiveness: regulatory quality; citizen's rights; perceptions of corruption; and accountability and voice. Responding to these challenges requires high levels of human and institutional capacity. Achievement of this goal is at the heart of the governance strategy in Angola.

The Country Programme governance related outcomes intends to contribute to the achievement of the following results:

i) an efficient, effective decentralized governance with increased participation and representation;

ii ) efficiency, accountability and transparency enhanced in public administration and civil service; rule of law strengthened and protection of citizens’ rights and access to justice improved

iii ) national capacity for the organization of free and fair elections strengthened

iv) Increased protection of women’s rights, access to justice by women and increased awareness by Angolan women on their civil, political and socio-economic rights

The Governance Cluster strategy is aligned with both the MDGs and the Estratégia de Combate á Pobreza (Strategy to Fight Poverty) and through the achievement of the above mentioned governance projects UNDP pursues the overall outcome of promotion of equitable economic development and democratic governance in accordance with international norms, by strengthening national capacities at all levels and empowering communities, so increasing their participation in decision-making processes.

FOCUS OF STRATEGY (2008 – Strengthening National Capacity to Deliver)

The delivery of growth and poverty reduction can only happen in a satisfactory climate for private investment, including effective public sector role, provision of basic services and accountability systems. In this sense, governance and capacity are key to a positive investment climate.

• Capacity development as the starting point of all interventions
• Capacity development should be guided by capacity assessments based on the organization tools and frameworks 8diagnose development problems and formulate appropriate solutions)
• CD efforts should focus on pro-poor growth and accountability (provide basics services delivery and enhance accountability based on information systems and strengthen oversight institutions and checks and balances outside the government (as well) – in resource rich countries as Angola – strengthening public expenditure and accountability systems)
• Capacity development focused on a small number of national priorities with clear delivery and sustainability strategies – ECP Angola identifies the following priority areas under governance – Judicial System; Public Administration; Deconcentration and Decentralization and Planning and Management of Public Finances

Ongoing Projects (by MYFF Service Lines)

2. FOSTERING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

Project ID	Title
1.7 Civil society empowerment
00052948	Support to Civic Education
2.4 Justice and human rights
00011121	Support to the Process of Reform and Modernization of the Justice in Angola
2.6 Decentralization, local Governance and Urban Development
00039307	Decentralization and Local Government