Luanda: The 'Compact AgriConnect' project marks a new chapter in the transformation of the agricultural sector in Angola and the modernization of the national economy, said the Minister of Planning, Victor Hugo Guilherme, on Wednesday in Luanda. Speaking at the launch ceremony of the World Bank's regional initiative, the minister said the project, to be implemented between 2026 and 2030, will focus on the Lobito and Malanje corridors to boost strategic value chains such as cereals, coffee, fruits, livestock, and forestry.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister said the initiative is expected to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, storage, and logistics, with a direct impact on job creation, reduction of losses, and improvement of productive efficiency. "By joining this initiative, Angola is not only modernizing the agricultural sector, but transforming the way it is planned, organized, and executed," the minister said, adding that the action reinforces the government's commitment to food security and economic diversification.

Victor Guilherme reported that the process of joining the project began in July 2025, placing Angola among the pioneers in Africa in this global initiative and that the "AgriConnect" operates as an integrated digital platform to connect producers with markets, financial institutions, and public services.

The minister presented growth indicators recorded over the last five years, pointing out that the agriculture, livestock, and forestry segment grew, on average, by nearly five percent. He noted that, with this performance, the weight of agriculture in Angola's economic structure increased from 14.6 percent in 2021 to 19.1 percent in 2025.

Despite this growth, the minister acknowledged the existence of challenges such as the fragmentation of value chains, limited access to markets, financing, and technology, and the insufficient integration of small producers into the formal economy. The launch event was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isac dos Anjos, the World Bank Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, representatives from financial institutions, the private sector, and producer organizations.