Africa-Press – Angola. The Minister of State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano, assured Wednesday in Cuito, Bie, that the Angolan government continues to strengthen policies and instruments to support productive investment and entrepreneurship.
José de Lima Massano made the statement at the opening of Expo-Bié2025, which runs until Saturday in the city of Cuito, emphasizing that support has been mainly for cooperatives and small family businesses.
The initiatives, the minister said, focus on improving the performance of community banks, rural schools, the restoration or expansion of irrigation channels, as well as light agricultural mechanization.
Massano stressed that these actions are transforming many of the country’s productive regions. For small and medium-sized enterprises, he highlighted the support provided by the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC) to enable access to credit on more favorable terms.
He praised the support of the World Bank, which recently reinforced the FGC with an additional 40 billion Kwanzas to cover projects linked to the logistics and production chains that are structured along the Lobito Corridor, which, according to him, is a strategic initiative to boost investments along this axis.
According to the minister, this instrument is complemented by the Agricultural Development Support Fund (FADA), which supports agricultural and livestock production projects through its new credit line.
He said that the government wants communities to have small industries close to production areas so that products can be processed, preserved, and packaged locally, creating more value, opportunities, and jobs for families.
Massano explained that the Institute for Support to Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM) will start the new agricultural campaign with the Training Program for Cooperatives and Small Producers, with the support of the National Employment Fund of Angola (FUNEA).
The minister confirmed investments in communication technologies in rural areas to facilitate access to information, enabling a greater number of citizens to benefit from new agricultural techniques and practices.
He said he was pleased to note the growth in food production in the country, stressing the importance of continuing to invest in the productive sector.
“We must continue to put our collective energy into developing productive capacities, exploiting our potential and transforming it into economic and social well-being,” the minister said.
He recalled that Expo-Bié is taking place in a landmark year for the country, which is celebrating 50 years of national independence.
“It is a cause for pride and celebration, but also for reflection and interaction for more sustainable, integrated, and inclusive economic development,” he concluded.
After the ribbon cutting and opening speech, José de Lima Massano, accompanied by the Governor of Bié, Celeste Adolfo, among other national and foreign dignitaries, visited the various stands on display at the venue.
At the event, Governor Celeste Adolfo emphasized that Expo-Bié, among other objectives, aims to present and showcase the products and services that make up the province’s great economic, social, tourist, and cultural potential.
It also aims to promote local production, attract investment, strengthen productive capacity, generate revenue, ensure knowledge sharing, establish partnerships, and contribute to economic diversification and food security.
Expo-Bié 2025 occupies an area of approximately 26,700 square meters, with more than 435 exhibitors, including producers, entrepreneurs, and service providers, and has already generated more than 1,038 temporary jobs.
More than 3,000 tons of various products, agricultural mechanization equipment, and a children’s playground are available to visitors and others.
Expo-Bié, now in its second edition, will run until Saturday under the motto “50 Years of Independence, Produce, Transform, and Develop Angola.”
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