Luanda: Lawmakers debated on Monday the draft 2026 State Budget (OGE), which prioritizes valuing workers by offering a 10% salary increase in the public sector, representing a 46 percent increase in the last four years. Additionally, the proposed State Budget includes an exemption from income tax on employment (IRT) for salaries up to 150,000 kwanzas. It intends to stimulate the business sector with support for companies, incentives for startups, and investments in energy, drinking water, and roads.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the budget also focuses on reducing spending compared to 2025, ensuring the sustainability of public finances, combating tax evasion, and reducing economic informality. The OGE/2026 is notable for being the first in Angola’s history to anticipate non-oil revenues surpassing oil revenues, indicating progress toward a less oil-dependent economy.

The 2026 State Budget highlights a strong investment in health, education, and housing, based on the understanding that the socioeconomic situation of citizens in Angola is essentially measured by deprivation of these services and the quality of life, including employment. This ensures the effectiveness of public policies in improving living conditions.

Investment in the social sector relies on the fiscal efficiency of non-oil revenues, which includes the tax obligations of economic agents. In light of challenges and uncertainties in international markets, the budget underscores the need to strengthen domestic revenue collection and compliance with tax obligations, viewed as a civic duty to enable socioeconomic development.

The 2026 State Budget Proposal sets public revenues and expenditures at 33.24 trillion kwanzas, based on an average oil barrel price of 61 US dollars.