Angola and São Tomé and Principe have taken a significant step towards strengthening their higher education systems by signing a historic cooperation agreement. The protocol, established between the Instituto Nacional de Avaliação, Acreditação e Reconhecimento de Estudos do Ensino Superior (INAAREES) of Angola and the Agência Nacional de Regulação do Ensino Superior (ANRES) of São Tomé and Principe, aims to promote quality assurance and recognition of academic degrees between the two countries.
The agreement, signed in Luanda on October 29, 2026, formalizes a strategic alliance focused on regulation, external evaluation, and accreditation of institutions and study cycles. The deal also provides for the exchange of external evaluators, sharing of accreditation procedures, and convergence in the recognition of academic degrees. This cooperation is expected to enhance the quality of higher education in both countries.
The protocol outlines several areas of cooperation, including the exchange of evaluators, sharing of procedures, and harmonization of academic equivalence processes. Both regulatory entities will provide managers and expert evaluators to participate in external evaluation commissions in Angola and São Tomé and Principe. This collaboration aims to promote mutual trust and recognition of academic qualifications.
A key aspect of the agreement is the creation of a bilateral technical committee, composed of up to six members, which will be responsible for developing biennial action plans and monitoring progress. The committee will meet annually, alternating between Luanda and São Tomé and Principe. This committee will ensure the practical implementation of the protocol and the achievement of its objectives.
The protocol has a duration of five years, renewable for equal periods, and enters into force immediately. This agreement marks a significant step towards aligning academic excellence policies in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The cooperation is expected to promote academic mobility and enhance the quality of higher education in the region.
The agreement was signed by the Director-General of INAAREES, Dr. Jesus António Tomé, and the President of the Board of Directors of ANRES, Dr. Sónia dos Reis Magalhães. The ceremony was attended by officials from both countries, highlighting the importance of this cooperation. The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the higher education sector in both Angola and São Tomé and Principe.
The cooperation protocol is part of a broader effort to strengthen education in the region. São Tomé and Principe has been working to improve its education sector, with initiatives such as the introduction of sustainable school feeding programs and the promotion of local products. This agreement is expected to contribute to these efforts and promote academic excellence in the region.
Key points
- The agreement promotes mutual recognition of academic degrees between Angola and São Tomé and Principe.
- The protocol establishes a bilateral technical committee to monitor progress and develop action plans.
- The agreement has a duration of five years and is renewable for equal periods.
