The degree of skepticism of Angolans about their socioeconomic condition and that of the country is described in the Consumer Survey (ICC) for the third quarter of 2023, made public this week by the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The document consulted by Lusa shows that for four consecutive quarters (since the last quarter of 2022) the Consumer Confidence indicator has shown a negative trend.
INE states that the negative trend of this indicator, in this period, resulted from consumers' low expectations regarding the next 12 months (until September 2024).
Citizens' low expectations result from their perception of the country's economic situation, the financial situation of families and the level of unemployment.
According to those interviewed, the Quick Information Sheet (FIR) on the Consumer Survey shows that in the last 12 months the level of unemployment and prices have increased.
In the opinion of respondents, the economic situation of Angola and families has worsened, and according to the FIR, they expect an increase in prices and goods and services in the next 12 months.
Even so, "of the families surveyed, 25.7 percent stated with absolute certainty that it is possible to save money in the country's current economic situation, when compared to the same quarter last year, an increase of four percentage points was noted", we read at the ICC.
In relation to the purchase of important goods, "it was found that approximately two out of every 100 respondents stated with absolute certainty that they intend to buy a car in the next two years".
This intention also registered an increase of 0.9 percentage points when compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
Angola's INE also points out that in the quarter in question, around 11 out of every 100 respondents expressed a desire to buy or build a house in the next two years, an increase of 2.9 percentage points in relation to the same quarter of the previous year.
For these statistics, a sample of 3000 families from 18 national provinces was selected.
In the quarter under analysis, 49.8 percent of respondents were aged between 25 and 44 and the remainder were between 15 and 24, highlights INE.
The current situation surveys are the result of the "profound changes" that INE has been implementing within the scope of the National Statistical System linked to the various changes that the economy has undergone over the years, the document also states.
