Bangkok:Angola is seeking to expand the role of the private sector in its economic development, with a focus on enhanced coordination among production, financing, and infrastructure. Secretary of State for Planning Luís Epalanga discussed these plans on Wednesday at an investors' forum during the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Epalanga emphasized that improved coordination could reduce the nation's reliance on food imports and generate employment opportunities. He pointed to the capitalisation of institutions such as the Development Bank of Angola, the Agricultural Development Support Fund, and the Angolan Venture Capital Fund as key mechanisms for bolstering investment.
Epalanga also highlighted initiatives like AgriConnect and AgriInvest, which aim to attract financing and private investment in agriculture and agro-industry. The KWENDA and FRESAN programmes were noted for their role in supporting vulnerable households and enhancing resilience to climate change.
The Secretary of State identified the National Food and Nutrition Security Strategy, approved in 2025, as the cornerstone for coordinating efforts to boost production, ensure food access, and promote nutrition. He referenced ongoing projects like the Angola Family Farming Transformation Project, supported by the World Bank, as part of these efforts.
Projects such as the Commercial Agriculture Development Project and the Family Farming and Marketing Support Project were also cited. Additionally, the Programme to Combat the Effects of Drought in the South of the Country, with a US$4.2 billion budget, was mentioned for its focus on the provinces of Cunene, Huíla, and Namibe.
Epalanga outlined priority investment sectors, including commercial agriculture, agro-industry, and production-support infrastructure. Essential elements like irrigation systems, energy and water supply, and cold-chain facilities were deemed crucial for minimizing post-harvest losses and enhancing domestic production value.
The World Bank and IMF meetings, held under the theme 'Thailand's New Horizons Empowering People, Building Resilience', underscore Angola's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with these institutions, focusing on improving public financial management and fostering economic and social growth.
