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

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Listed:
  • Martinez Pabon, Valentina
  • Eduardo, Nelson Tisso Miezi
  • Paul, Boban Varghese
  • Sousa, Liliana D.

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Martinez Pabon, Valentina & Eduardo, Nelson Tisso Miezi & Paul, Boban Varghese & Sousa, Liliana D., 2026. "The Role of Credible Mitigation Measures in Building Citizen Trust for Subsidy Reforms : Lessons from Angola’s Public Opinion Survey," Policy Research Working Paper Series 11311, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11311
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bao We Wal Bambe & Chadi Bou Habib & Joaquin Marandino Peregalli, 2024. "Fuel Subsidy Reforms : Lessons from the Literature and Assessing the Price Shock for Different Sectors through an Input-Output Table in the Case of Angola," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10939, The World Bank.
    2. Hoy, Christopher Alexander & Kim, Yeon Soo & Nguyen, Minh Cong & Sosa, Mariano Ernesto & Tiwari, Sailesh, 2023. "Building Public Support for Reducing Fossil Fuel Subsidies : Evidence across 12 Middle-Income Countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10615, The World Bank.
    3. World Bank, 2020. "Angola Poverty Assessment," World Bank Publications - Reports 34057, The World Bank Group.
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