Angola's economy has overcome a prolonged period of contraction and is now on a growth trajectory driven by agricultural production, State Minister for Economic Coordination José de Lima Massano said on Thursday during a two-day visit to Huíla province.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the Huíla Provincial Government in the southern city of Lubango, Massano said the economy had been expanding at a healthy pace.
"We emerged from a long period of contraction, but in recent years the economy found its path — first stabilisation and now growth, growth that has been driven by the non-oil sector," the minister said.
Massano singled out agribusiness as the standout performer within the non-oil economy, describing the sector as being "on the rise". He highlighted provinces with strong entrepreneurial capabilities and active farming communities, naming Huíla as a prime example.
According to the minister, economic activity in Huíla has nationwide consequences, given that the province is one of Angola's most important economic hubs. He said the purpose of the visit was to engage directly with local operators, take stock of current conditions and formally recognise their contribution.
"We extend our recognition and gratitude to all economic operators in the province and will continue to pursue whatever measures prove necessary so that potential can become reality, and together we can build economic and social well-being," Massano said.
The minister began his visit on Thursday by reviewing public investment projects and private-sector production initiatives across Huíla, with the aim of strengthening the measures needed to unlock the province's economic potential.
Massano said the delegation's objective was to monitor the main public investment programmes under implementation, identify challenges and find the best solutions to ensure that commitments made to those initiatives can be sustained.
During the meeting, participants discussed ongoing projects drawn from the portfolios of the Integrated Municipal Intervention Plan (PIIM) and the Public Investment Programme (PIP) in Huíla, with a focus on ensuring sound execution and resolving any obstacles to progress.
The minister's delegation includes representatives from key development institutions — among them the Angola Development Bank (BDA) and the Agrarian Development Support Fund (FADA) — to ensure that both business operators and farming households have access to financing and technical support.
Over the two-day visit, Massano is scheduled to inspect works on the Lubango Ring Road and the Lubango Urban Regeneration project, as well as visit a fruit preservation and freezing facility and a pork production and slaughtering operation known as "Quavi".
The programme also includes the inauguration of a seed processing and improvement factory belonging to Jardins da Yoba, and a visit to STI Melat Agro-pecuária, a company engaged in milk production and dairy processing.
Source: ANGOP / Original article: https://www.angop.ao/noticias/economia/economia-angolana-venceu-longa-contraccao-ministro-massano/
