Angola has joined the growing list of African countries that have removed fuel subsidies, following advice from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The move, which took effect on Monday, sees a 50% reduction in diesel subsidies, with the country's diesel price increasing to 300 kwanzas ($0.33) per liter, up from 200 kwanzas.

This marks the second time Angola has cut down subsidies, with the cost of living in the Southern African country continuing to bite down on residents. The IMF, which advised the move three weeks ago, argues that it could free up to $3 billion, the same amount allocated to the country's health and education budgets.

The removal of fuel subsidies has been a contentious issue in many African countries, with proponents arguing that it allows governments to boost spending in other critical sectors, while critics warn of the potential consequences on transport costs and the overall economy. In Angola, where over half of the 37 million population survives on less than $2 a day, according to the World Bank, the move is likely to have significant implications.

In a similar move in 2023, the removal of gasoline subsidies sparked violent protests in Huambo, a city in central Angola, resulting in deadly clashes between taxi drivers and the police that left five people dead. The country's truck drivers association, which has about 3,500 members, has expressed dissatisfaction with the increase in fuel prices, warning of potential consequences.

"We're not happy with the increase in fuel prices," said Sabino Vieira da Silva, president of Angola's truck drivers association. "We've warned the government about the potential consequences of the fuel price increase," he added, stating that his members will meet on April 11 to decide an official position on the matter.

The decision to remove fuel subsidies in Angola comes as other African countries have also taken similar steps. In Egypt, for instance, the removal of subsidies has proven to be viable, with the country's economy beginning to experience some recovery. However, in Nigeria, the removal of subsidies has driven hyperinflation, highlighting the complexities of such a move.

As Angola navigates the implications of this decision, it remains to be seen whether the benefits of removing fuel subsidies will outweigh the costs. One thing is certain, however - the move marks a significant shift in the country's economic strategy, and its success or failure will have far-reaching implications for the region.

With the IMF continuing to advise African countries to remove fuel subsidies, it is likely that more countries will follow suit in the coming months. As the debate surrounding the effects of removing fuel subsidies continues to rage on, one thing is clear - the decision to remove subsidies is not a straightforward one, and its implications will be closely watched by economists and policymakers alike.