Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation

Overview

The Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (MESCTI) is a central government body of the Republic of Angola responsible for the definition, coordination and oversight of policies in higher education, scientific research, technological advancement and national innovation agendas. According to uniRank, it was founded in 2017 and plays a key role in aligning Angola’s education, science and innovation ecosystem with national development goals. MESCTI serves as the governance hub connecting the Ministry’s vision to universities, research centres and innovation stakeholders.

History and Legal Framework

The roots of MESCTI trace back to 2012 when Angola’s Ministry of Higher Education and Science & Technology were split, following Presidential Decree No. 233/12, restoring the standalone entities. In 2017, these were re‑unified under a new Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology & Innovation.

The Ministry operates under the legal mandate of Presidential Decree No. 26/18 (1 February), which approved its Organic Statute. Its accreditation and quality control powers are grounded in Presidential Decree No. 203/18 (30 August), which defined the legal regime for evaluation and accreditation of institutions of higher education. This regime was later detailed by Law No. 108/2020 and Law No. 109/2020 (both of 20 December 2020), establishing procedures for internal and external evaluation, accreditation and self‑assessment of universities and programmes.

Mission, Vision and Objectives (Role in Higher Education)

Mission: To conceive, propose and coordinate the implementation of Angola’s public policy in higher education, science, technology and innovation; to ensure quality and equity across the University Subsystem; and to foster modernisation, competitiveness and relevance of academic qualifications in alignment with the national socio‑economic development strategy.

Vision: To position Angola as a regional hub of scientific excellence and technological innovation, with a strong, autonomous and internationally recognised academic system that empowers youth, promotes social inclusion and contributes to sustainable development.

Main Objectives:

• Modernise and strengthen institutional governance, curricula, facilities and staff in public and private higher education institutions.
• Expand access and equitable opportunities by encouraging inclusion of students from all socio‑economic backgrounds, including programmes for talent and those with special educational needs.
• Promote post‑graduate studies and research capacity in priority sectors such as STEAM disciplines, biotechnology, health, renewable energy and agritech.
• Facilitate the recognition and homologation of academic qualifications earned inside and outside Angola, improving student mobility and employment prospects.

Governance, Structure and Independence

MESCTI is a ministerial department formally subordinate to the President of the Republic. It is led by an appointed Minister; as of November 2024, Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira holds the post. The Ministry is supported by two Secretaries of State – one for Higher Education and one for Science, Technology & Innovation. It coordinates a suite of public entities, including:

• INAAREES (National Institute for Evaluation, Accreditation and Recognition of Higher Education Studies), responsible for accreditation, inspections and homologation of degrees;
• INAGBE, which administers scholarship programmes and international academic mobility;
• FUNDECIT (Foundation for Scientific & Technological Development), which manages funding and research grants;
• A network of academic and research institutions across Angola’s provinces.

The Ministry’s institutional structure and responsibilities are established under the Organic Statute, which grants significant policy independence within the executive branch while remaining under national budget review and strategic supervision by the President.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation (Role in Higher Education)

MESCTI exercises legal authority over the accreditation and quality assurance of higher education institutions and programmes through INAAREES, in accordance with the legal framework initiated by Decree 203/18 and fleshed out in Laws 108/2020 and 109/2020. These statutes mandate institutional self‑evaluation, external peer review and programme accreditation aligned with national standards. The regulatory regime emphasises continuous quality improvement, transparency and adherence to international norms.

Certification and evaluation processes are currently being implemented or updated across public and private universities. According to reports, INAAREES is conducting nationwide assessments, accrediting institutions and approving curricula with a focus on aligning qualifications with labour market needs.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MESCTI maintains active bilateral and multilateral partnerships to support research, education quality and innovation:

• Times Higher Education (THE): In 2024, THE began collaborating with MESCTI by providing a national data dashboard and bespoke policy recommendations to support transparent oversight and capacity building at higher education institutions.
• United Nations (UNCTAD/UNDP & WHO): MESCTI has partnered with UNCTAD (UN Economic & Trade) on a national science, technology and innovation policy review (2021–2022) and coordinated efforts with UNDP; it also collaborates with the World Health Organization on health research capacity development.
• African Development Bank (AfDB): MESCTI is the executing agency for the national Science & Technology Development Project (PDCT), funded 90 % by AfDB, which supports research infrastructure, innovation incubation and diversification of the economy.
• European Union (UNI.AO programme): A €13 million, five‑year initiative (2019–2024) implemented in partnership with Expertise France, supporting postgraduate education, research funding and innovation across STEAM disciplines in Angolan universities.
• Bilateral agreements: Partnerships with countries such as Cuba (articulation with Angolan student graduates and doctoral training), the United Arab Emirates (discussions on joint research, digital university platforms and student exchanges) and other Portuguese‑speaking nations.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

MESCTI’s initiatives are already reshaping Angola’s higher education landscape:

• Projects like PDCT and TEST (Teaching, Education, Science & Technology): PDCT is fostering innovation-led economic diversification, while the TEST project—co‑financed by the World Bank and Global Partnership for Education—focuses on strengthening pre‑service teacher training in STEAM and academic quality via result‑based funding.
• University infrastructure expansion: The Ministry continues to support the development of new public institutions, including the University 11 de Novembro (targeting readiness for 2025–2026), as part of national network expansion.
• Modernisation agenda: Emphasis on digital transformation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and graduate employability aims to align higher education outputs with labour market demands.
• Quality assurance systems: Full roll‑out of accreditation and evaluation frameworks (including external reviews) is currently underway, expected to professionalise and elevate academic standards.

Summary

The Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação is a pivotal institution in Angola’s transformation drive. Established in 2017 and operating under a robust legal framework, MESCTI governs higher education, scientific research and innovation policy. It directs accreditation through INAAREES, implements large‑scale projects (PDCT, TEST, UNI.AO) and collaborates with international partners to build capacity and modernise academic and research systems. MESCTI’s work is increasingly impacting access, quality and relevance of higher education, paving the way for greater contribution of Angola's universities to national development.

FAQs

1. What is MESCTI and what does it do?
   MESCTI is Angola’s ministry responsible for higher education, science, technology and innovation policies. It oversees regulation, quality assurance, strategic planning and coordination of public and private academic institutions.
2. When was MESCTI created?
   MESCTI was officially formed in 2017 following earlier separations and mergers of higher education and science ministries.
3. Who is the current Minister of MESCTI?
   Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira was sworn in as Minister in November 2024. He works alongside Secretary‑General and two Secretaries of State (one for Higher Education and one for Science, Technology & Innovation).
4. How does MESCTI regulate university accreditation?
   Through INAAREES, MESCTI applies national standards under Decree 203/18 and laws from 2020 that require self‑assessment, external review and formal approval of degree programmes and institutions.
5. Does MESCTI support research and innovation?
   Yes—via programmes such as PDCT, FUNDECIT grants and partnerships like TEST and UNI.AO, MESCTI funds research projects, supports post graduate training and launches innovation initiatives including fintech incubation programmes.
6. Is MESCTI involved in international partnerships?
   Indeed—MESCTI works with agencies such as the African Development Bank, United Nations, European Union, THE, WHO and academic partners in Cuba and the UAE to support higher education policy, joint research, mobility schemes and innovation training.

Organization Name

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação

Acronym

MESCTI

Year of Establishment

2017

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Avenida Comandante Gika
Luanda
C.P. 1281 Luanda Province Angola

Phone

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation's Wikipedia article

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