Meeting Between Angola Economic Team and IMF Focused on Agriculture

Luanda: The Angolan government's continued commitment to agriculture, the manufacturing industry, and support for the agribusiness value chain was one of the main topics discussed on Wednesday, in Luanda, between Angola's economic team and the delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), headed by the institution's Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Director of the Office of Studies, Planning and International Relations of the Ministry of Finance, Patrício Neto, stated that the IMF also encouraged the government to invest in youth employment, tourism, fisheries, and technology. Angola's successful capacity for macroeconomic adjustment in extremely delicate contexts was acknowledged, with a call for commitment to the process of economic diversification. During the meeting, the parties also analyzed the real dynamics of global growth, highlighting the role of the Angolan presidency, particularly regarding infrastructure, which is a strategic theme for regional economic integration and global growth. The IMF leadership also emphasized the importance of the Lobito Corridor in the region. The economic team was headed by the Minister of State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano, with the participation of ministers from different productive sectors. The IMF delegation arrived in Luanda on Wednesday with the aim to meet with Angolan authorities, private sector leaders, and representatives of civil society.