The Angolan President stated today that the country “has everything it takes” to succeed in the agriculture sector but needs better organization and policies to maximize available resources, such as abundant water and arable land.
“Our country has everything, or almost everything, to succeed in this domain of agriculture: arable land, abundant water, a good climate, people willing to work, especially families,” João Lourenço said.
Speaking today at the presidential palace after swearing in the new Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isaac dos Anjos, and the Minister of Higher Education, Albano Vicente Ferreira, Lourenço noted that family farming “is growing visibly.”
“There is a lot of production in rural areas, covering almost all essential goods for consumption. What we need is better organization and policies to maximize the resources available in this sector,” he said.
João Lourenço emphasized that the fertilizer factories in Soyo and the animal vaccine factory in Huambo, currently under construction, are critical investments for the “long-awaited leap” in agricultural production.
The Angolan leader urged Isaac dos Anjos to demonstrate “more ambition,” especially as the government addresses the “fight against hunger and poverty” and the need to ensure food security.
On another front, João Lourenço stressed the need for reforms in public higher education institutions across the country, asking the new minister to conduct a diagnosis to identify weaknesses and necessary improvements.
“Bring us concrete proposals on what you believe needs to be done to ensure we have a quality, demanding public higher education system that goes beyond simply issuing diplomas and genuinely trains young people,” he urged the minister, advocating for fieldwork rather than relying solely on reports.
“Step out of your offices and engage with the institutions under your supervision,” the Angolan President exhorted the newly appointed officials.
Speaking to journalists, Isaac dos Anjos pledged to work towards making Angolan agriculture “the art of enriching joyfully,” noting that the country must “discuss the concept of food security” to “diversify supply.”
As for the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Albano Vicente Ferreira, who replaced Paula Regina de Oliveira after her four-month tenure, he identified strengthening education quality, public infrastructure, and increased rigor in private education as his main priorities.
Additionally, the Vice-Governors for Technical Services and Infrastructure for the provinces of Luanda and Cabinda, Calunga Francisco Quissanga and Juliano Cuabi Capita, respectively, were also sworn in today.
Lusa, 22/11/2024
