Angola Launches State-of-the-Art Electronic Passport to Strengthen Security and Digital Governance

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 Angola Launches State-of-the-Art Electronic Passport to Strengthen Security and Digital Governance


New biometric travel document aligns the country with international standards and advances SDG 9 on innovation and secure infrastructure

The Angolan government has officially unveiled its new electronic passport, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation and public service modernisation. The 48-page biometric travel document, equipped with advanced security technologies, is designed to significantly reduce fraud, enhance identity protection and strengthen Angola’s migration management system.

The launch ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Angolan Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) office on the Luanda waterfront and was presided over by the Minister of the Interior, Manuel Homem. The electronic passport is already being issued at this location, with nationwide rollout planned in phases.

Source: https://youtu.be/yyzT3wuZql4

According to the Director General of the SME, José Coimbra Baptista, the new passport incorporates an embedded electronic chip that securely stores the holder’s biometric data, including fingerprints, facial recognition and iris scans. It also uses the latest printing technologies, encryption mechanisms and automatic verification systems, ensuring a high level of protection against forgery and identity theft.

“This new passport model offers higher levels of security, significantly reduces the risk of fraud, facilitates international cooperation in migration control and guarantees greater reliability in the identification of Angolan citizens,” José Coimbra Baptista said. “It brings Angola fully into line with the standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”

Advancing SDG 9: Innovation, Infrastructure and Digital Transformation

The introduction of the electronic passport directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by strengthening Angola’s digital public infrastructure, promoting the use of advanced technologies and enhancing institutional efficiency. It also supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by improving identity management, border security and trust in public institutions, while indirectly contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through improved access to secure identity documentation.

José Coimbra Baptista highlighted that the electronic passport is a cornerstone of the SME’s broader modernisation programme, which includes the deployment of advanced identification systems, integrated immigration databases and digital platforms to manage the entry and exit of both national and foreign citizens.

Phased National Rollout

The Angolan electronic passport is available in five categories:

  • Ordinary passport

  • Service passport

  • Diplomatic passport

  • Passport for foreigners

  • Travel document for refugees

Issuance began at the SME’s Luanda waterfront office and will expand gradually to the remaining 12 SME offices in the capital. The next phase will cover Huambo province, followed by other provincial offices and, finally, Angola’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

The SME’s Director of Information Technology, Vissolela Mariano, revealed that Angola currently operates two passport production centres: one in Luanda, equipped with six machines capable of issuing one passport per minute, and another in Huambo with three machines, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

With the launch of the electronic passport, Angola takes a decisive step towards secure digital identity, technological innovation and stronger institutional infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and international best practices.



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