The project for a Catholic University in Angola began to take shape within the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) in the 90s. The then President of CEAST, Dom Alexandre Cardeal do Nascimento, was entrusted with promoting the project. The experience of the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP), in the person of Dom António Cardinal Ribeiro, Chancellor of the UCP, and especially Dom José Policarpo (of happy memory), as well as the then Rector of the UCP, Prof. Dr. Manuel Isidro de Araújo Alves, was fundamental in driving forward the first steps of the UCAN project, highlighting the dynamism and selflessness of Monsignor José Alves Cachadinha and the support of the Kennedy Foundation.

In order to move this project forward, a high-level commission was set up in Lisbon to study the possibility of supporting the organization, structuring and sponsorship of the future Catholic University of Angola. With the opening up of the Angolan education system to private initiative, the Angolan government granted the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tome (CEAST) the authorization to create the Catholic University of Angola (UCAN) as the only higher education institution of the Catholic Church through Decree No. 38-A/92 of 7 August.