The Colonial Legacies of Aid : Exploring the Influence of Angola’s Colonial Past on Modern Humanitarian Intervention in the Country

Humanitarian interventions are influenced by broader historical, political and cultural forces, which in turn shape the framing and delivery of aid. In Angola, the legacies of colonialism and post-conflict reconstruction continue to impact the strategies of both international and local humanitarian organisations. This qualitative study examines the manner in which colonial historical memory and developmental narratives influence the work of two actors operating within Angola: the Western-based organisation RISE International and the Angolan organisation ADPP Angola. The study draws on organisational documents and a semi-structured interview to compare how each organisation frames needs and implements programmes. The findings demonstrate that RISE frequently adopts a deficit-oriented approach, with a focus on infrastructural gaps and the prioritisation of technocratic solutions that are aligned with the agendas of international donors. In contrast, ADPP focuses on building local capacity, using participatory methodologies and promoting community-led development that uses local knowledge. The study reveals that while Western-influenced interventions often reproduce structural power imbalances linked to colonial histories, locally embedded organisations offer alternative models that resist these legacies through inclusive and context-sensitive approaches. The findings emphasise the necessity for humanitarian actors to engage in critical reflection on their frameworks and to engage more meaningfully with local voices and practices.