Luanda: The Provincial Government of Moxico will continue to boost agricultural production, regarding it as the engine of the region's economic development.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this commitment was voiced by the Deputy Governor for the Political, Economic, and Social Sector, Elizabeth Ayla, at the closing of the second edition of the Corn and Cassava Fair. Held at the Mulondola Tourist Lagoon, the event featured 87 exhibitors.
On the occasion, she reaffirmed agriculture as a key pillar for economic diversification, strengthening food security, job creation, and improving community living standards.
Elizabeth Ayla highlighted the strong participation of farmers, cooperatives, businesspeople, and public and private institutions. She noted that the fair is increasingly establishing itself as a strategic platform for promoting business, exchanging experiences, fostering innovation, and attracting investment to the agricultural sector and local development.
She deemed the results satisfactory, stating that they demonstrate how investment in the agricultural sector is an investment in the province's future, contributing to a more modern, competitive, and sustainable agricultural industry.
She emphasized that the event transformed the municipality of Lucusse into a major hub for promoting agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship, while showcasing the province's economic potential.
She acknowledged the role played by farmers and producers-the fair's key protagonists-recognizing their contribution to strengthening the local economy and food security.
According to the organizers, the second edition of the Corn and Cassava Fair generated a business volume of 120 million kwanzas and total sales exceeding 17 million kwanzas. These figures fell short of initial expectations, which had projected the participation of 250 exhibitors and a business volume of nearly 250 million kwanzas. According to the organizers, the reduction in projected figures was due to the difficulties producers faced in transporting goods from the countryside to the event venue, caused by a lack of transport.
The event lasted two days and was held under the theme "Transforming the Countryside for the Development of Moxico Province."
