Benguela: The Minister of State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano, announced a financial support initiative aimed at companies affected by natural calamities across Angola. This support includes a 30 billion kwanzas credit line, targeting the recovery of economic activities in provinces such as Benguela, Bié, Huíla, and Cunene. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Minister emphasized during a meeting in Benguela with business representatives that the funding is not restricted to the province of Benguela, despite its significant impact from recent rains and floods. The initiative is open to various regions that have suffered losses due to natural disasters, with no limitations on sectoral participation, enabling all economic activities, including agriculture and livestock farming, to benefit. The government encourages private investments and assures that support is available irrespective of the companies' geographical location or capital origin. In addressing currency concerns, the Minist er assured that the National Bank of Angola would facilitate imports by providing resources to commercial banks. He highlighted the role of the National Bank of Angola and commercial banks in ensuring the financial aid is efficiently utilized, expressing solidarity among financial institutions towards affected companies. The Minister urged business associations to act as intermediaries between primary sectors and manufacturing industries to maximize the initiative's impact. Reflecting on past challenges, the Minister noted that previous support measures had faced hurdles due to application compliance issues. He underscored the necessity of meeting documentation requirements to ensure eligible companies, which genuinely suffered disaster-related damages, receive the aid. The Minister reiterated full government support, particularly through the Savings and Credit Bank, and called for organized efforts from companies to ensure the successful implementation of the support measures. During their visit to Bengue la, the government's economic team evaluated the damage caused by heavy rains and visited facilities storing aid for flood victims.
