Omar El Sayed - World Editor

A controversial bill passed by Angola’s parliament on January 22, 2026, is poised to significantly expand government oversight of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), prompting concerns from human rights advocates who warn it will stifle civil society and undermine fundamental freedoms.

The draft Law on the Statute of Non-Governmental Organizations, initially introduced in 2023, grants broad administrative powers to Angolan authorities, allowing them to authorize, monitor, suspend, and financially restrict the operations of NGOs. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged President João Lourenço to reject the bill and return it to parliament for revisions that align with Angola’s international human rights obligations.

“Angola’s draft law to regulate nongovernmental groups contains excessive and vague controls that endanger the free and effective functioning of civil society,” said Sheila Nhancale, Africa researcher at HRW. “President Lourenço should call for a revised bill that strengthens, rather than restricts, civil society’s function and that is in line with Angola’s human rights obligations.”

The bill’s passage in parliament was marked by division, with 106 votes in favor from the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition Social Renewal Party (PRS), and 77 votes against from the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). UNITA lawmakers criticized the legislation for treating civil society as inherently risky and for shifting control over fundamental rights from the judiciary to administrative bodies.

HRW has identified several provisions within the draft law that it deems incompatible with international human rights standards. Article 6 requires NGOs to obtain administrative authorization before carrying out activities, establishing a licensing system lacking clear criteria, timelines, or judicial oversight. This, according to HRW, effectively transforms the right to freedom of association into a privilege granted at the discretion of the government.

Further concerns center on Articles 7 and 34, which authorize extensive government monitoring of NGO activities and finances, allowing authorities to determine project locations and assess the “suitability” of organizational leadership. These provisions, HRW argues, undermine organizational autonomy and raise concerns about privacy and data protection.

The legislation also lacks robust safeguards for personal data, authorizing broad collection and information-sharing between state bodies, potentially exposing activists and organizations to misuse of sensitive information. Article 30 permits administrative suspension of NGOs for up to 120 days, renewable, based on vaguely defined “strong indications” of unlawful conduct or threats to national security, without requiring prior judicial approval.

Financial controls outlined in the draft law require all funds to pass through domestic banks and prohibit international capital transfers, potentially hindering legitimate humanitarian, development, and human rights work reliant on cross-border cooperation. Throughout the bill, vague terminology such as “immoral,” “non-compliant,” and “appropriate measures” grants broad discretion to authorities, contradicting the principle of legal certainty required for any restriction on fundamental rights.

Hermenegildo Teotónio, a lawyer and deputy chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of the Angolan Bar Association, stated that the framework “allows authorities to control civil society through administrative measures rather than lawful, proportionate regulation,” adding that “without clear limits and independent oversight, the risk of repression is high.”

Zola Álvaro, a human rights activist working in Luanda, told HRW that the law would “make NGO work increasingly tough due to excessive bureaucracy and government interference.”

The passage of this bill coincides with the approval of a separate draft law addressing online misinformation, which media freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have warned could be used to suppress free expression due to its vague definitions and harsh penalties. These developments signal a broader trend toward increased government control over civic and public life in Angola, according to HRW.

As of February 25, 2026, President Lourenço has not indicated whether he will sign the bill into law or return it to parliament for further consideration.

RUNCORN, United Kingdom – Epredia, a global leader in precision cancer diagnostics and a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE: 6523), has entered into a distribution agreement with Mindpeak to bring artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image recognition software to pathology laboratories across the European Union. The collaboration aims to address increasing cancer cases and the growing complexity of diagnostic processes by accelerating workflows and reducing costs, according to a press release issued February 24, 2026.

The agreement will see Epredia integrate Mindpeak’s AI modules into its digital pathology portfolio, offering enhanced precision and speed in diagnostic image review. Pathology labs are facing mounting pressure to improve efficiency, and this partnership represents a significant step towards leveraging AI to meet those demands. The increasing incidence of cancer globally, coupled with advancements in diagnostic technologies, is driving the need for innovative solutions like those offered by Epredia and Mindpeak.

Mindpeak’s technology provides pixel-level analysis of digital images of tissue samples, enabling objective and reproducible assessments in several key areas of cancer diagnostics, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal pathology. The AI tools also support biomarker quantification and exploratory research studies. A key benefit of the Mindpeak system is its ability to operate without cloud connectivity, addressing data privacy and security concerns for both clinical and research environments. This feature is increasingly important as data protection regulations become more stringent across Europe.

AI-Powered Image Recognition in Cancer Diagnostics

The AI software is designed to reduce variability in image analysis, support clinical decision-making, and improve overall workflow efficiency. According to the companies, the technology delivers instant analysis, allowing pathologists to focus on complex cases requiring their expertise. The distribution agreement covers a range of both CE Marked and research-use-only modules from Mindpeak, providing a comprehensive suite of AI tools for pathology labs. Epredia plans to explore integrating Mindpeak’s AI solutions into its E1000 Dx Digital Pathology Solution workflow in the future, aiming for seamless data exchange and streamlined processes.

Epredia’s E1000 Dx Digital Pathology Solution, which received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(K) clearance in March 2025, is a high-speed, automated whole-slide imaging digital scanner capable of processing up to 1,500 tissue samples daily according to Epredia. The system features algorithm-based sample detection and dual slide processing to maximize throughput and efficiency. It also includes a quality control feature that automatically triggers a rescan if needed, ensuring high image quality for pathologist review.

PHC Group and Epredia’s Expanding Portfolio

Epredia was established in July 2019 through an acquisition by PHC Group from Thermo Fisher Scientific as detailed on the company’s website. The company focuses on enhancing precision diagnostics through a range of histology instruments, including the Revos Rotational Tissue Processor and the SlideMate Laser printer. PHC Holdings Corporation, Epredia’s parent company, is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TSE: 6523.

This distribution agreement builds on Epredia’s recent FDA clearance for the E1000 Dx and demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in digital pathology. The partnership with Mindpeak further strengthens Epredia’s position as a leading provider of solutions for cancer diagnostics, offering a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, and AI-powered tools.

What to Watch Next

The initial rollout of Mindpeak’s AI modules through Epredia will focus on the European Union market. The companies will be closely monitoring the impact of the technology on laboratory workflows and diagnostic accuracy. Future developments will likely include further integration of Mindpeak’s AI solutions into the Epredia E1000 Dx platform, potentially creating a fully integrated digital pathology workflow. The success of this partnership could pave the way for similar collaborations in other regions as demand for AI-powered diagnostics continues to grow.

Share your thoughts on the future of AI in pathology in the comments below.