Angola
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
28 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
59 / 100
Partly Free
Angola has been ruled by the same party since independence, and authorities have systematically repressed political dissent. Since President João Lourenço’s election in 2017, the government has taken steps to crack down on endemic corruption and eased restrictions on the press and civil society, but serious governance and human rights challenges persist.
Research & Recommendations
Angola
Not Free
28
100
| PR Political Rights | 10 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 18 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
28
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Angola has been ruled by the same party since independence, and authorities have systematically repressed political dissent. Corruption, due process violations, and abuses by security forces remain common. Some restrictions on the press and civil society were eased after President João Lourenço took office in 2017, but that partial opening has since been reversed.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Angola
Partly Free
59
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 12 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 28 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 19 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
59
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Angola has been ruled by the same party since independence, and authorities have systematically repressed political dissent. Corruption, due process violations, and abuses by security forces remain common. Some restrictions on the press and civil society were eased after President João Lourenço took office in 2017, but that partial opening has since been reversed.
Freedom on the Net 2024 Policy Recommendations
Promote freedom of expression and access to information
Freedom of expression online is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, or restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications and access to information.
Defend information integrity
The potential consequences of false, misleading, and incendiary content are especially grave during election periods, underscoring the need to protect information integrity. Efforts to address the problem should start well before campaigning begins and continue long after the last vote is cast.
Combat disproportionate government surveillance
Governments worldwide have passed disproportionate surveillance laws and can access a booming commercial market for surveillance tools, giving them the capacity to monitor the private communications of individuals inside and beyond their borders in violation of international human rights standards.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
28
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
59
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 35,590,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
No
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
August, 24 2022
Type of Election
General
Internet Penetration
31.00%
Election Year
2022
Vulnerability Index
46
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
