Al Dahra, a prominent agribusiness group based in the United Arab Emirates, has committed up to US$500 million to accelerate agricultural development in Angola, marking one of the largest foreign direct investments in the country’s farming sector. The initiative stems from strategic agreements signed with Angola’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the state-owned company GESTERRA, aiming to cultivate cereals, grains, legumes, and oilseeds across up to 40,000 hectares of irrigated or irrigable land. This partnership is closely aligned with Angola’s national goals for food security and economic diversification, particularly under the Grain Production Plan (Planagrão) and the Production Support, Export Diversification and Import Substitution Policy (PRODESI).
As part of the agreement, Al Dahra will initially operate at least 8,000 hectares in collaboration with GESTERRA, with plans to expand operations to 30,000 hectares in subsequent phases. The project will also involve the development of critical infrastructure, including electricity, road networks, and water supply systems, to support sustainable and large-scale farming. These investments are expected to enhance Angola’s agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on food imports, and create thousands of jobs, particularly in rural communities.
Angola’s Minister of Agriculture, Isaac Francisco Maria dos Anjos, has hailed the initiative as a transformative step for the country’s agricultural landscape, describing it as a “game-changer” for national food security. The collaboration not only brings financial capital but also technical expertise and modern farming practices that could significantly improve yields and efficiency. By leveraging Al Dahra’s global experience in agribusiness, Angola aims to position itself as a competitive player in the regional food supply chain.
This landmark investment reflects a growing confidence in Angola’s potential as a hub for agricultural innovation and development. It underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth and highlights the country’s commitment to unlocking the full value of its fertile land and natural resources. If successfully implemented, the project could serve as a model for future collaborations and signal a new era of prosperity for Angola’s agricultural sector.