In a country where digitalization has just made a small impact, Imprensa Nacional de Angola, the only authorized national printer, outlined a blueprint to move towards digitalization and modernization.

Imprensa Nacional de Angola prints laws in the Dirio da Repblica publication.

In 2010 a new constitution was passed and printed by the printer. The company also publishes inscriptions of new companies making them officially recognized in the eyes of the law. The company plays a crucial role in the day-to-day business of the country.

However, it is not possible to abandon print and move completely towards digitalization. The Dirio da Repblica will continue to be printed for the foreseeable future. David Assuno Barros, chairman of Imprensa Nacional, is pushing for modernization by implementing offsets to digitalize the Dirio da Repblica and make it available online for everyone.

"We want to revolutionize how we provide official information," said Barros. "We started the process and devised a strategic plan for the years of 2011-2015."

The plan is divided into phases, beginning with digitalization. Imprensa Nacional will then utilize more technological innovations. Afterward it will pursue profits by transforming into a more traditional publishing company by printing more publications for the private sector.

The printing factory is expanding since the government has contracted the company to print millions of free textbooks that have been distributed to students in recent years.

The company seeks to capitalize on its experiences and become a reference point for domestic printing and publishing.

Having already taken numerous business trips to China, Barros supports Chinese expertise since they have much experience with maximizing resources and efficiency.

(China Daily 02/29/2012 page28)