The CIS – Higher Institute of Social Sciences and International Relations is a private Angolan higher education institution focused on teaching and scientific research in the broad field of social sciences and international relations. Its fundamental objectives and areas of action include:

- Contributing decisively to the advancement of higher education and scientific research in various fields of social sciences, particularly research centered on Sub-Saharan Africa.

- Training professionals connected to or entering the superstructure of the state and key organizations and companies, equipping them with scientific knowledge in various areas of social sciences, thereby establishing a basis for Angola’s self-assertion in the world. Thus, providing public service is a fundamental vector of our institution's activities, from which all others are structured. In this context, even though it is a private higher education institution, adherence to the principle of providing public service translates into not prioritizing maximum profit, while always maintaining financial sustainability.

Authorized since 2007 through Decree No. 26/07 of May 7, our institution began its activities in the academic year 2008, offering the following four undergraduate courses:

- Economics

- International Relations

- Political Science

- Public Administration

In line with our institutional development perspective, the undergraduate course in Sociology began in the academic year 2009, and in 2011, the undergraduate course in Psychology was introduced with two professional pathways: School Psychology and Organizational/Work Psychology. In subsequent academic years, a degree program in History is planned.

In the realm of scientific research, initial steps have been taken through the establishment of an African Studies Center, aimed at researching African reality from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective. Currently, this center is focused on encouraging reflections on themes related to Sub-Saharan Africa, with plans for publication coinciding with Africa Day on May 25, marking our institution’s first experience in this domain.

Furthermore, we aim to establish an Angolan Economy Analysis Center in the 2011 academic year, directly aligned with the Coordination of the Economics course, as outlined in the CIS Statute. It is essential to highlight that our institution's actions and conception favor a multidisciplinary approach to social phenomena and research.

Lastly, our institution strictly adheres to our internal rules and regulations, with no deviations accepted, whether explicit or implicit. The General Director wishes all members of the CIS community, including faculty and students, a successful academic year in 2011. May our motto *Sapere Aude* truly reflect a continuous “daring to know” and an effective disposition to discern the underlying causes of social phenomena.