Luanda: The new impetus for relations between Angola and the United States of America (USA), with the visit of President Joe Biden from December 2 to 4, presents a unique opportunity to boost agriculture along the Lobito Corridor. This potential development is highlighted by Fernando Assis, a university lecturer and coordinator of the Agro-Livestock Engineering course at the Benguela Higher Polytechnic Institute (ISPB). Assis anticipates that President Biden’s visit could lead to increased American investment in Angola’s agricultural sector.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Fernando Assis, a zoo technical engineer, believes that Angola can greatly benefit from this partnership, particularly in agriculture promotion and ensuring food security for its population. Assis emphasizes that the Lobito Corridor holds substantial agricultural potential beyond just transporting minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly along the Benguela Railway (CFB).
Assis commended the US interest in revita
lizing the Lobito Corridor’s potential, which includes agricultural development, especially in the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Bié, and Moxico. He highlighted the importance of the route from Benguela to Luau, noting its contributions to banana, cereal (wheat), and potato production. Additionally, he recognized the efforts of entrepreneurs and the government in promoting avocado cultivation, especially from Huambo to Moxico.
The engineer pointed out that avocado thrives in this area, and producers are capitalizing on its cultivation to extract oils used in both cosmetic and food products. Furthermore, Assis noted the added value of honey production from Moxico to the Lobito Corridor, recalling Angola’s history as a leading wax exporter globally.
In the coffee sector, Fernando Assis emphasized the potential of coffee growing in Benguela province. He recalled a prospecting visit in June 2015 by former US ambassador to Angola, Helen La Lime, to Fazenda Utalala in Cubal. During that visit, American coffee ex
perts were impressed by the Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, known as the best blends in the world. Assis suggests that Angola leverage its improved relations with the US to strengthen its coffee sector, aiming to attract investment, create jobs, and foster development.