Luanda: President Joo Louren§o has signed a presidential decree to initiate a public tender aimed at upgrading and expanding the facilities of the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of Huila (ISCED-Huila). This decree, identified as No. 360/25 and dated December 15, 2025, is a significant step in the Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Development Project (TEST).

According to Angola Press News Agency, the decree aligns with a financing agreement between Angola and the World Bank, which has allocated 200 million US dollars to fortify higher education in the country. Out of this sum, 100 million dollars are specifically designated for four educational institutions, including the Higher Pedagogical School of Bengo and the ISCEDs of Huambo, Uige, and Huila. ISCED-Huila is set to receive 20 million dollars from this allocation.

The funding also supports the Program for Improving the Quality of Higher Education and Developing Scientific and Technological Research. This initiative is integral to the National Development Plan for 2023-2027, focusing on enhancing teaching and research conditions in public higher education institutions.

The decree not only approves the necessary expenditures but also formalizes the public tender process for awarding the contract. It grants the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation the authority to manage the process or delegate tasks related to the project’s execution.

Currently, ISCED-Huila offers 13 undergraduate courses and 11 master’s programs. In the near future, a new master’s course in Physical Education and Sports will be introduced, increasing the total number of postgraduate courses to 12. Additionally, the institution is planning to expand its doctoral offerings with two more programs.