Mongua:Luanda The Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Jose de Lima Massano, has called upon young Angolans to engage in agriculture and livestock farming. This appeal aims to provide concrete opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and income generation.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Massano made this appeal during the inauguration of the 2026/2027 Agricultural Year in the Commune of Mongua, located in Cunene province's Cuanhama municipality. The event included the distribution of land concession titles to young entrepreneurs, marking the start of an initiative on a 150-hectare subdivided area intended to support young farmers entering the sector.
Massano emphasized the importance of adopting modern farming practices that incorporate new technologies and innovation, supported by qualified professionals. The call to action follows a successful 2025/2026 agricultural cycle, during which national production increased by 7.1%, reaching approximately 33 million tons—a historic milestone for Angola.
Key drivers of this growth included an increase in roots and tubers by 9.1% to 17.6 million tons, largely due to cassava, and a 7.7% rise in fruit production, driven by bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. The minister highlighted that the expanding domestic output has significantly reduced food imports by 31.1% from 2017 to 2025, aligning with governmental efforts to enhance local supply chains. Nonetheless, he recognized the need for ongoing efforts to maintain consistent and adequate yields for the population.
The Angolan government has pledged continued support for farming families, cooperatives, and commercial producers. In the previous cycle, approximately 1.246 million families benefited from rural development support. For the current season, around 173,000 tons of fertilizers have been distributed across all provinces, underscoring the government's commitment to agricultural development.
The policy also emphasizes financial support, with assistance from the Agricultural Development Support Fund (FADA), the Development Bank of Angola (BDA), and public credit guarantees. In Cunene, Massano highlighted regional water infrastructure projects such as Cafu, Ndué, and Calucuve as crucial for expanding irrigated land and enhancing the connection between local farming and livestock operations.
To foster predictable markets, the government encourages food processors, cooperatives, and commercial buyers to establish forward purchase agreements with farmers, focusing initially on strategic staples like corn, rice, wheat, beans, sugar, and chicken meat. Massano expressed optimism that the new agricultural season will further strengthen national food security by consolidating results through increased cultivated land, enhanced productivity, improved family incomes, and stronger agricultural businesses.
