The Role of Credible Mitigation Measures in Building Citizen Trust for Subsidy Reforms : Lessons from Angola’s Public Opinion Survey

This study explores public opinion for reducing fossil fuel subsidies in Angola, identifies strategies that can shift public opinion, and analyzes variations in support based on respondents’ area of residency and gender. It uses data from a survey of 598 respondents and focus groups involving 30 individuals, conducted in 2024 after the first phase of a fuel subsidy reform. The findings suggest that this initial phase of reforms had significant negative effects on households’ well-being. Support for subsidy reform is low among respondents, around 30 percent, but bundling reforms with mitigation measures is expected to increase public support significantly to nearly 90 percent. This happens when the government intends to use the savings to invest in public infrastructure, stimulate the economy, create jobs, improve access to public services, and provide targeted cash transfers. Mitigation measures appear particularly effective in increasing support among female respondents and those residing in rural areas. The findings also reveal limited public awareness of fuel subsidy policies, low levels of trust in the government, and lack of clarity in government communications. These insights underscore the importance of careful planning, transparent communication, and a comprehensive mitigation package that addresses both short- and longer-term needs to build public support and ensure successful implementation of fuel subsidy reforms.