On February 24, 2025, the Angolan government awarded Allan Cain and the Development Workshop Angola (DW) the prestigious gold medal of honor. This recognition highlights Allan Cain’s decades of dedicated work in Angola, promoting peace, sustainable housing, and national development.
A Historic Recognition for Development Workshop Angola
The gold medal was awarded as part of the Commemorative Medal of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence. This prestigious honor is given to individuals, groups, and organizations—both national and international—that have made significant contributions to Angola’s independence, its preservation, and ongoing national development.
Moisés Festo, DW’s Program Manager, expressed his gratitude, stating:
“We are delighted with this achievement and, above all, it motivates us to continue.”
Over Four Decades of Impact in Angola
Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Since 1981, at the request of the national government, Development Workshop has played a key role in shaping policies and programs for human settlements and self-help housing. With 44 years of continuous work, DW has been instrumental in the country’s development, making this award a well-deserved recognition of its efforts.
Development Workshop has collaborated with various organizations, including Habitat International Coalition (HIC) Members since 1982, the Settlement Information Network Africa (SINA), and Rooftops Canada. This extensive network has contributed to sustainable urban development across Angola and beyond.
An Unprecedented Honor for an NGO
The awarding of this medal marks a historic moment. It is the first time that Angola has recognized an NGO with such a high honor, acknowledging DW’s long-term commitment to social development and advocacy in the housing sector.
Celebrating a Milestone Achievement
Congratulations to Allan Cain and the entire Development Workshop Angola team! This award is a testament to the organization’s unwavering dedication to improving lives, fostering sustainable urban development, and contributing to Angola’s national progress.
For more information, visit Development Workshop Angola or contact devworks@angonet.org.
