Luanda: The Angolan government is committed to transforming agricultural systems into agri-food systems to boost the economy and promote more diversified, modern, profitable, and sustainable production, said the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isaac dos Anjos, on Tuesday in Luanda. Speaking at the 8th conference of the magazine Economia e Mercado (E and M), the minister highlighted that the agricultural sector in the country is undergoing a pivotal phase of structural transformations, creating more job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister emphasized that the government, financial sector, and other partners are united in the mission to modernize agriculture, aiming for a significant reduction in imports and bolstering food security. The Angolan government has introduced the National Strategy for the Reconversion of Food Systems into Agri-food Systems for the period 2026-2035, underscoring the country’s dedication to a comprehensive transformation of the agri-food sector.
Isaac dos Anjos advocated for the enhanced integration of communities into agricultural business projects to ensure production levels align with local market demands. He noted that Angola has experienced notable production growth in diverse agricultural sectors, with approximately 35 million hectares of arable land, of which only six million (15%) are currently cultivated, highlighting an attractive opportunity for investment.
The minister identified the scarcity of certified quality seeds, fertilizers, and soil amendments as primary challenges to national agricultural productivity. He remarked that the availability of fertilizers in appropriate quantities and timing is crucial for boosting productivity and ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of the entire value chain. Angola’s current fertilizer consumption stands at roughly seven kilograms per hectare, significantly lower than the 400 kg/ha required to enhance productivity.
Family farming was identified as the cornerstone of the Angolan economy, contributing over 80% of national food production. The minister stressed the importance of providing family farmers with access to fertilizers, soil amendments, and seeds to increase production. To meet national demands and secure food security, Angola requires 800,000 tons of chemical, industrial, or inorganic fertilizers annually.
The government is advocating for the development of fertilizer complexes in Soyo (Zaire), with the potential to produce 1.3 to 3.8 million tons of urea annually to support the domestic market, alongside other initiatives. He also pointed out that fertilizer usage in Angola is currently around 3% of the required amount, leading to a heavy reliance on imports, and that the 2024/2025 harvest saw an 8.6% growth across all chains, yet still falls short of satisfying domestic consumption needs, especially in the cereal sector.
The event, organized by the magazine Economia e Mercado, aims to explore mechanisms to enhance the agricultural sector’s competitiveness and provide opportunities for young people, companies, and agricultural regions.