In August 2021, FSVC launched a program to reduce corruption in Angola. This demand-driven program promotes anti-corruption reform through investigative journalism, public advocacy and awareness, and public-private engagement.
FSVC has orchestrated learning opportunities to equip Angolan media, civil society organizations (CSOs) and government officials to institute anti-corruption measures on their own, ensuring long-term public engagement and collaboration following the completion of the program. FSVC’s program is focused on tackling the following three objectives:
1) Develop capacities of Angolan media to investigate and cover corruption stories and monitor anti-corruption reforms.
FSVC is engaging local independent media in practical activities to enhance the investigative journalism and reporting skills necessary to improve public awareness of governance and anti-corruption reforms. The activities are led by experienced international journalists to transfer their knowledge on 1) the fundamentals of investigative journalism, 2) corruption trends and typologies, 3) conducting data-backed corruption investigations, 4) the impact of corruption on women and vulnerable groups, and 5) engaging with CSOs on corruption stories.
To maximize the coverage of corruption stories and its accessibility to a younger demographic, FSVC is also holding a workshop series for prominent Angolan social media influencers on 1) research and fact-based reporting, 2) the impact of corruption on women and vulnerable groups, and 3) becoming agents of change.
2) Increase capacity of CSOs to monitor and advocate for corruption reforms, and engage public
FSVC is building a cadre of CSOs that are more knowledgeable, effective and proactive in 1) identifying corruption trends and typologies, 2) using data-backed monitoring and analysis techniques, 3) maintaining data, research and sourcing integrity, 4) constructive engagement with government institutions, 5) collaborating with the media, 6) developing action plans to tackle risks in decentralization, 7) engaging in outreach, advocacy and inclusion for vulnerable groups, and 8) raising awareness through public campaigns.
3) Facilitate public-private dialogue and collaboration on anti-corruption initiatives in Angola
FSVC is maximizing inclusiveness by connecting key anti-corruption stakeholders and strengthening their communication through 1) joint workshops with CSOs and media, 2) roundtables between government and CSO representatives, and 3) media coverage and discussions between government officials and CSOs on the impact of corruption on women and vulnerable groups.
Program Impact
Increased local capacity:
- FSVC has trained and mentored more than 250 local CSO representatives in advocacy and anti-corruption;
- FSC has trained 84 local independent journalists in fact-based, accurate reporting and investigation of corruption, including physical and digital security; and
- FSVC has trained 54 social media influencers in corruption awareness and social activism.
Raised local awareness:
- Six public events focused on the promotion of anti-corruption reforms have been organized by FSVC-trained CSOs in the cities Luanda, Huambo, Moxico, Huíla and Lobitio;
- More than 35 media articles on corruption have been produced by FSVC-trained journalists; and
- TikTok posts on corruption-related matters created by FSVC-trained influencers have been viewed more than 300,00 times.
Facilitated public-private dialogue:
- Program activities have increased CSO-government cooperation on anti-corruption initiatives in the education sector. Public-private roundtables have been attended by senior-level officials such as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; the State Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Labor and Social Security, and the Deputy Attorney General of Angola.