Angola

After independence in 1975, the country was in a state of almost continuous civil war until 2002. Distribution of natural resources was a main cause of contention and contributed to drawing out the conflict. When peace came, a gigantic reconstruction effort was needed. Angola is atypical among Norway's partner countries in Africa. Aid dependency is very low; under 0.3% of the state budget comes from economic assistance. But the country still has an enormous need for technical assistance, a fact frequently expressed by the government.

Angola's challenge is to ensure an efficient and sustainable utilisation of natural resources in a way which ensures that the country retains control over its resources and that revenues will benefit the country's population.

In 2010 the following four main focus areas had priority:

• Promotion of Norwegian business activities in Angola
• Good governance and anti-corruption activities
• Oil and clean energy
• Climate and sustainable development

The Norwegian Embassy also stressed these priority areas: Women and gender equality, human rights, and the strengthening of political dialogue.

Norway's development aid to Angola has been gradually reduced. In the next few years, remaining aid will be concentrated around academic counselling services in natural resource management (oil, clean energy, environment and fish) and support to civil society. Norwegian People's Aid and Norwegian Church Aid is present in Angola and cooperates extensively with civil society.

Petroleum

In the petroleum sector cooperation between Norway and Angola began in 1987. The total cost for these years is NOK 135 million according to the 2010 Norad Results Report. Much of the funding goes to paying Norwegian institutions for their services – Angola covers much of their own expenses. The Norwegian aid has contributed in part to the following:

• Drafting new petroleum legislation which came into force in 2004. Since then a number of regulations to the law have been prepared, including regulations relating to safety and the environment.
• The government's share of revenues from petroleum activities has increased. The transfer of expertise from Norway has had a major effect.
• There is greater transparency around government revenues from oil – exemplified by the fact that the state budget is available on the Internet.
• Based on experiences from the Norwegian Government Pension Fund, similar funds are being established in Angola.
• For several years now, around 45 underwater technicians have graduated each year. It is reported that all of these have found employment in the sector.
• The evaluation report considers the cooperation successful and relevant.

Gender equality

The action plan for women's rights and gender equality in development cooperation has been renewed until 2013. The strategy involves increased efforts in seven pilot countries, of which five are African. The pilot countries are Angola , Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Nepal and Nicaragua. They will receive better follow-up and greater attention.

The following subjects are central to the focus on gender equality:

• Women's power and participation in society is important
• Right to have control over one’s own body and sexuality
• Right to a life without violence

The Norwegian government will also integrate women and gender equality aspects in other priority areas. This will apply in all areas, including climate and environment and peace and reconciliation.

Mine clearance

Since 1995 Norway has contributed over NOK 200 million towards mine clearance in Angola. 2,884,965 m2 was cleared with Norwegian funding in 2009, far more than planned.

The cause of the large increase in cleared land is the new system now adopted by all partners and the authorities in Angola. The system was presented by the Norwegian People's Aid at a national seminar where both the authorities, demining personnel and private demining companies participated. The fact that the authorities themselves covered the cost of the seminar is a clear indication of the value they attach to the contribution of the Norwegian People's Aid.

Norwegian commerce and industry:

Among the Norwegian-registered companies involved in Angola are: Statoil, DNV, Norsk Hydro, Aker Solutions, FMC Technologies, Yara, Anoma Angola SA, Seabird Exploration PGS Angola, Marine Subsea AS, Rain Power, Hugin Explorer Luanda, Bourbon, Areva, Appiah Endresen & Co, Vetcogray (metalúrgica), Farstad Shipping/Kuona & Farstad Lda, CECON and Oddfjell Drilling.