Angola’s National Assembly Speaker Carolina Cerqueira advocated for greater investment in innovation and technology to make parliaments more inclusive, intelligent, and responsive during the 56th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in Livingstone.
Highlighting Angola’s advancements, she noted the real-time digital connectivity between the parliament’s Luanda headquarters and 17 provincial offices as a key achievement. Cerqueira underscored the role of technology in fostering citizen engagement, emphasising its capacity to strengthen democracy through virtual participation.
Cerqueira warned of risks associated with digital advancements, such as potential threats to fundamental rights, calling for legislative interventions to address privacy, equity, and ethical concerns. She stressed the importance of inclusive public policies to ensure that technology promotes social and cultural interaction while safeguarding national sovereignty. Innovation, she argued, is a continuous journey that demands adaptation to global technological changes.
Since 2017, Angola’s parliament has embraced a digital transformation, replacing paper documentation with electronic systems. Tools like the audimus software, powered by artificial intelligence, now streamline legislative processes by transcribing audio to text, reducing errors and expediting workflows. The assembly also offers a virtual library accessible 24/7 and runs a Parliamentary Academy to train lawmakers and staff on legislative, administrative, and strategic matters.
Cerqueira highlighted Angola’s commitment to artificial intelligence training for parliamentary staff, ensuring a smarter, more accountable parliament that addresses global technological challenges. She reiterated Angola’s dedication to leveraging technology for enhanced inclusivity and efficiency while prioritising cybersecurity. The Angolan delegation at the forum showcased the nation’s strides in aligning parliamentary operations with global best practices.
Further Africa
