Pedro Sebastião Teta, former Vice Minister of Science and Technology from Angola, views technology as a powerful support system for modern public leadership, helping institutions deliver better services and build stronger connections with citizens. Pedro Sebastiao Teta is recognized for his involvement in advancing technology and innovation within the country. In this interview, he explains his approach to innovation, leadership, and the importance of using technology in ways that create meaningful benefits for society.
Interviewer: What shapes your thinking about innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: My perspective has always been practical. Innovation should never be introduced simply because it is new or popular. Every digital project should have a clear reason behind it and should answer a real need within society.
Sometimes, a small improvement that makes life easier for thousands of people is more valuable than a complicated system with little impact. I believe successful innovation starts with listening.
When leaders understand the challenges people face, they can build solutions that are useful, reliable, and easy to access. Technology becomes meaningful only when it improves everyday experiences.
Interviewer: Why should governments continue investing in digital solutions?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Governments deal with millions of interactions every year, and digital systems help manage those services more efficiently. Online platforms can reduce waiting times, simplify administrative work, and improve access to important information.
They also make it easier for citizens to communicate with public institutions without unnecessary delays. Another important benefit is accountability. Digital records create clear processes that can be reviewed whenever necessary, helping build confidence in public administration.
While investing in technology is important, governments must also ensure that people have the skills and access needed to use these services comfortably.
Interviewer: What qualities make an effective public leader today?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Leadership today requires adaptability. Technology changes quickly, and leaders cannot rely only on traditional methods. They should be willing to learn, ask questions, and understand how digital tools affect society.
At the same time, technical knowledge alone is not enough. Strong communication, honesty, and good judgment remain essential qualities. Public leaders must work closely with professionals from different backgrounds while keeping the needs of citizens at the center of every decision.
The best leaders combine innovation with responsibility and always remember that technology is a means to serve people.
Interviewer: How does Pedro Sebastião Teta define the role of technology in public leadership?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: I believe technology should always support people, not replace the human side of leadership. Public leaders have a responsibility to solve problems, and technology gives them better ways to do that. It can make government services faster, improve communication, and simplify many everyday processes.
However, success is not measured by how advanced a system looks. It is measured by whether citizens actually benefit from it. If technology saves time, increases transparency, and improves access to services, then it is fulfilling its purpose.
Public leadership should always focus on creating trust, and digital solutions can strengthen that trust when they are used responsibly.
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Interviewer: How can young people contribute to digital progress?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Young people are one of the greatest strengths of any nation because they adapt quickly to new technologies and often think creatively about solving problems. Their ideas can bring fresh energy to public and private projects.
That is why education and digital skills should remain priorities. Schools, universities, and training programs should prepare young people for careers that involve technology while also teaching responsibility and critical thinking.
When young professionals have the right opportunities, they can help build stronger institutions, encourage entrepreneurship, and support long-term development.
Interviewer: What challenges should leaders keep in mind?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Every technological advancement also brings new responsibilities. Protecting personal information, maintaining cybersecurity, and ensuring equal access are challenges that cannot be ignored.
Not everyone has the same level of digital access or technical knowledge, so leaders must consider inclusion when introducing new systems. Building trust requires openness about how information is collected, stored, and used.
Careful planning, clear regulations, and continuous improvement are all necessary if technology is to benefit society without creating new risks or inequalities.
Interviewer: Why is collaboration important for successful projects?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: No meaningful project succeeds through the efforts of one person or one institution alone. Collaboration allows governments, businesses, educational institutions, and local communities to share ideas and experiences.
Each group understands different challenges and can contribute valuable knowledge. Working together also reduces mistakes because decisions are informed by multiple perspectives. Strong partnerships encourage innovation while ensuring that projects remain practical and relevant to the people they are designed to serve.
Open dialogue is one of the strongest foundations for lasting progress.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to future public leaders?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: I would encourage future leaders to stay curious and never stop learning. Technology will continue to evolve, and leadership must evolve with it. At the same time, values such as integrity, respect, and accountability should never change.
Leaders should focus on understanding people’s needs before choosing technological solutions. Listening carefully, making thoughtful decisions, and acting with responsibility will always matter more than following the latest trends.
When innovation is guided by public service rather than personal recognition, it creates meaningful and lasting improvements for society.
