Luanda, July 9, 2025 (Lusa) - On Wednesday, political analysts described the rise in taxi fares in Angola as “a policy that leaves families who are living in social destitution with little financial breathing room”, considering that the measure reflects the Angolan government’s “insensitivity” and could cause social unrest.
According to analyst Albino Pakisi, the rise in fuel prices in Angola “presents a challenge” for the government, given the guidelines of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to save 400 billion kwanzas (€373 million) spent annually on subsidies.
“But the truth is that the WB and the IMF have advised the government that if it raises fuel prices gradually, it must also provide incentives to the population to keep them comfortable,” he told Lusa today, anticipating a rise in the price of other goods and services in the coming days.
“In Angola, fuel prices, electricity, taxi fares, and tuition fees have all risen. The government aims to address this situation, recognising that people may voice concerns or take to the streets in the near future, given the cost of living,” he noted.
For his part, political scientist David Sambongo told Lusa that the increase in urban public transport fares to 200 kwanzas (€0.19) and private taxis to 300 kwanzas (€0.28) per trip “will place additional pressure on the quality of life of most Angolan families, who are already in a situation of limited social resources.”
Angolan families are currently struggling to afford three basic meals a day, the Angolan political scientist pointed out, noting that taxis play a fundamental role in the lives of the population, especially in accessing essential services that are far from their homes.
The author of the book “National Security and Natural Resources: An Analysis of the Influence of Oil on the Outcome of the Angolan Civil Conflict: 1992-2002” also said that for the real calculations of poor families, the rise in transport prices will require “total support”.
“This will mean a challenging period ahead for Angolan families (...). In Angola’s contemporary history, we have seen many personalities speaking out about a public measure to remove subsidies, which will require greater resilience from Angolans,” concluded David Sambongo.
Albino Pakisi, on the other hand, defended the need for the Angolan government to improve the quality of its spending, especially by “reducing perks”, because, he noted, the government can better promote fairness by avoiding increases in fuel prices. At the same time, its members “live off subsidised fuel”.
“[Members of the government] receive free fuel, they continue to enjoy superfluous perks and the government continues to grow fat, in other words, our President leads the dynamic of sacrifice that he imposes on the people, he is capable,” he criticised.
The philosopher and university lecturer also highlighted the need for President João Lourenço’s trips abroad to become more efficient, describing them as “extensive and involving large entourages”, and, quoting Novo Jornal, noted that the Angolan head of state had already spent one billion dollars (around €854 million) on travel.
“The country in crisis requires the government’s sensitivity toward the people’s suffering,” he emphasised, highlighting the need for social harmony.
Living in Angola “demands greater government sensitivity.”
“If we sacrifice ourselves, let it be everyone. We should all share the effort, and everyone must live with the awareness that the country is in crisis (...), we must show sensitivity to secure greater well-being,” concluded Albino Pakisi.
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