Around two-thirds of Angolans rely on farming, yet barely 10% of arable land is used and per-hectare yields rank among Africa’s lowest — a legacy of war-time displacement that still leaves 68% of the population in poverty.
In 2022, I was asked to identify how digital ag-tech and wider sector innovation could jump-start growth. I travelled across both rural and urban northwest Angola, meeting with government officials, startups, innovators, farmers, and community traders to understand the landscape, explore challenges and needs, and identify opportunities for systemic innovation.
Market trader, Mercado do 30, Luanda.
Dried fish, Mercado do 30, Luanda.
Catatos, Mercado do 30, Luanda.
Dondo, Cuanza Norte.
Kwanza River farming communities, Calumbo.
Smallholder farmer tending her plot, Calumbo.
Smallholder farmers waiting for rain, Catete.
The harvest, Catete.
Kwanza River farming communities, Calumbo.
Commercial farm, São Pedro da Quilemba, Cuanza Norte.
Commercial farm, São Pedro da Quilemba, Cuanza Norte.
Government initiative hub, Luanda.