Luanda: The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isaac do Anjos, inaugurated the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Cassava Leadership Center in northern Malanje province to enhance scientific research on cassava.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the large-scale facility will enable scientists from Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, and Mozambique to conduct studies and research on various cassava varieties, facilitating the exchange of information, knowledge, and technology related to the tuber. The project, constructed under the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA), was financed by the World Bank for 4.1 billion kwanzas. Construction began in November 2023 under the supervision of the Stecol Corporation.
The center includes food science and technology laboratories, plant health, training, and microbiology rooms, along with plant washing and molecular biology areas. These areas will support scientific studies of cassava and other crops, allowing for improved cultivation tailored to soil, variety, and other specific conditions. Designed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the Institute of Agricultural Research (IIA), the center has been operational in other facilities since 2024 despite its recent official inauguration.
Minister Isaac dos Anjos stated that the center will enhance cassava production and quality in Angola and neighboring countries by providing access to research studies on the tuber. He noted that additional investment is needed to expand operations and research capabilities, with plans to construct material storage chambers, researcher accommodations, greenhouses, and cassava processing areas.
The minister highlighted that the IIA could specialize in plant propagation, supplying the country and generating revenue for the state. He also acknowledged the potential for the country’s universities to use the center for practical internships, thesis defenses, and activities that complement academic curricula. This infrastructure is expected to significantly contribute to undergraduate programs in agricultural sciences, supporting higher education. Minister dos Anjos emphasized that results from the center’s scientific research will be published in specialized books, providing valuable references and bibliographies.
