Forward-looking Review of the Support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy to CSOs in Angola.

Civil society in Angola is at a crossroads. On one side, there is a shrinking space in front of a government with clear authoritarian – although not very repressive – characteristics. On the other side, most foreign donors and also international organizations are pulling out. One of the few remaining government donors – now probably the leading – is Norway.

The Norwegian Government has decided to continue with its support to civil society, i.a. as a social responsibility due to the economic activities generated in Norway as a result of the contracts of the Norwegian oil industry in Angola. But one of two remaining Norwegian NGOs, responsible for channelling the funds to Angolan partners, has now decided to close their development and human rights work in Angola: Norwegian People´s Aid (NPA). That leaves Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) as the sole Norwegian NGO actor of any significance in the country.