Luanda: Angolan Secretary of State for Agriculture and Livestock Joo Cunha reaffirmed on Thursday in Luanda that Angola's business environment is becoming increasingly favourable to private investment, both domestic and foreign, particularly in the agricultural and livestock sectors. Speaking at the Brazil-Angola Economic Forum, the official stressed that the Government's objective is to accelerate the diversification of the national economy and reduce its direct dependence on the oil sector.
According to Angola Press News Agency, addressing the theme 'Partnerships in the agricultural sector, food security, agricultural technology transfer and investment in agribusiness', Joo Cunha highlighted the Government's commitment to creating a stable macroeconomic environment and providing essential infrastructure, including roads, electricity and water supply networks. On the country's productive potential, he noted that Angola has more than 35 million hectares of arable land, of which only between 5% and 6% (3 million to 4 million hectares) is currently under cultivation, the majority being used by family farming operations.
He said the Government's target for the coming years is to expand the cultivated area to more than 6 million hectares. To achieve this objective, the Executive has prioritised the promotion of cereals and grains, with particular emphasis on maize, soybeans, beans, rice, massango and massambala. He stated that national maize production currently stands at around 3 million tonnes, against an estimated demand of 10 million tonnes, leaving a deficit of 7 million tonnes.
The Secretary of State also identified livestock farming as a strategic sector, focusing on increasing the production of poultry, pigs, goats and cattle to meet demand for animal protein. In the forestry segment, he highlighted the relaunch of the sector and the promotion of planted forests for the production of pulp and timber, alongside incentives for agro-industry and the provision of technical services throughout the value chain.
In the field of international cooperation, Joo Cunha highlighted the partnership with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), aimed at transferring technology adapted to the soil and climate conditions of Angola's cerrado regions, as well as training local professionals. Meanwhile, President of the Angolan Economists' Association, Wilson Neves, presented the competitive advantages of the national market.
In this regard, he stressed that Angola's geographical location positions the country as a strategic gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market and the wider African continent. The economist also highlighted the security of maritime routes to Asian markets, combined with public investment in the rehabilitation of roads, ports and the railway network, factors that strengthen the country's logistical competitiveness.
The Brazil-Angola Economic Forum took place as part of Brazil Week in Angola and addressed issues related to macroeconomics, bilateral cooperation, agribusiness and financial mechanisms. The event was attended by Minister of Industry and Trade Rui Miguªns, Brazil's Ambassador to Angola Eugªnia Barthelmess, as well as business leaders and banking sector operators.
