Luanda - The World Bank has allocated about 400 million US dollars for the implementation of the second phase of the program to strengthen social protection (Kwenda), which will last until 2029, the Minister of Territory Administration, Dionísio da Fonseca, announced in Luanda on Thursday.
The minister, who made the announcement at the end of the public presentation of the report evaluating the impact of the "Kwenda" program 2020-2024, said that the financing expresses the good relationship that the Angolan government has with the World Bank.
Dionisio da Fonseca asked the provincial governors to embrace the second phase of "Kwenda" by supporting the members of the Local Development Institute (FAS) for the complementary work they will continue to do.
According to the Minister, during the first phase of the project, four financial audits were carried out, two procurement audits, an internal payment audit, an inspection with the agreement of the Court of Auditors, various inspections by the General State Inspectorate and the National Public Procurement Service.
The minister added that the FAS has launched 12 calls for proposals to support scientific research, so that at least 50 Angolan researchers, teachers or students who want to study the Kwenda program can do so.
Dionísio da Fonseca explained that the goal is to produce scientific knowledge that will help better inform the implementation of public policies and make public debate more informed and less opinionated.
The "Kwenda" program was approved in the second half of 2019 and started operating in 2020.
World Bank praises Kwenda's effectiveness
The "Kwenda" Social Protection Strengthening Program is helping families become more resilient by increasing productive investments and human capital, generating more sustainable impacts and positive spillovers to communities.
Speaking at the public presentation of the Impact Assessment Report of the "Kwenda" Program 2020-2024, the World Bank (WB) Resident Representative in Angola, Juan Alvarez, said the program has generated tangible results in areas such as equity, resilience and the creation of economic opportunities for vulnerable families.
Juan Álvarez stressed that the cash transfers have already reached more than 1.2 million families at the national level, more than two-thirds of whom are women, and that "Kwenda" encourages families to start businesses and stimulates the local economy.
The World Bank representative explained that cash transfer programs around the world have proven effective in stimulating consumption, reducing poverty, and improving the well-being of the most vulnerable.
He added that these programs provide a source of security that allows for investment in human capital, especially children and youth, increasing school enrollment and protecting families from economic and climatic shocks.
"When the Government of Angola requested the World Bank's support for its social protection strategy, the World Bank actively participated in the development and implementation of this important project aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting the well-being of Angolans," Alvarez said.
The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Dionísio da Fonseca, and the World Bank representative, Juan Alvarez.
The "Kwenda" program is part of the Angolan government's poverty reduction strategy and is supported financially and technically by the World Bank. AMC/SEC/AMP