Longitudinal Analysis of Multinational Corporate Social Responsibility in Angola, 2010–2025: An African Perspective

This longitudinal study critically examines the evolution of multinational corporations’ (MNCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Angola from 2010 to 2025. It analyses their alignment with locally defined development priorities, addressing the persistent gap between international CSR frameworks and the specific socio-economic needs of host communities. Employing a rigorous mixed-methods approach, the study tracked five major MNCs in the extractive and energy sectors. This involved systematic content analysis of corporate reports (2010–2024), longitudinal interviews with key stakeholders, and field observations in host provinces. Findings reveal a significant, though uneven, shift from earlier philanthropic approaches towards more embedded, partnership-based models by the mid-2020s. Crucially, the most effective and sustainable programmes were those co-created with local institutions, including women’s groups and traditional leadership structures. The study contends that authentic CSR in this context requires moving beyond compliance to foster genuine epistemic inclusion, integrating indigenous knowledge systems into corporate strategy. This research contributes an African-centred evaluative framework for CSR, offering practical implications for ensuring multinational investments translate into equitable and locally governed development.