Angola's 18 provinces constitute the first administrative level in the country's three-tier governance structure. These provinces serve as the primary subdivision for implementing national policies and coordinating regional development initiatives. Provincial governments are responsible for managing local infrastructure, healthcare facilities, education systems, and public services within their territories. Each province is headed by a governor appointed by the President of Angola, who oversees the provincial administration and acts as the representative of the central government. The provinces also play a crucial role in resource allocation, economic planning, and maintaining administrative links between the national government in Luanda and the lower municipal levels. This structure enables the central government to extend its administrative reach across Angola's vast territory while allowing for some degree of regional coordination in service delivery and development programs.