Estimated at 14.86 billion USD in 2024, the Angolan agricultural market should reach 19.51 billion USD in 2029, according to data from the Mordor intelligence 2024 report, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.60%. This dynamism is driven by abundant natural resources. The country boasts 35 million hectares of arable land, of which only 17% is currently farmed, and a favorable climate for growing tropical and subtropical produce suitable for local consumption and export.
For investors, these figures reflect immense untapped potential, coupled with growing domestic demand and export opportunities to international markets. Fruit and vegetables are profitable investments. Angola is already the largest banana producer in Africa and seventh in the world, with production set to exceed 4.5 million metric tons by 2022, and supply of over four million tons a year, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Other tropical fruits such as mangoes and citrus fruits, grown in areas such as Benguela and Huambo, are experiencing growing local and international demand. At the same time, the production of vegetables such as tomatoes (587,785 tonnes by 2022) is showing promising momentum. These sectors offer significant margins for investors interested in large-scale farming or agro-industrial projects.
Coffee : a strategic revival
Once a world leader, Angola is rekindling its coffee heritage. Thanks to government initiatives, notably the creation of the National Coffee Institute (INCA), Robusta and Arabica coffee production and exports are increasing rapidly, with 18,824 metric tons exported in 2023 (compared with 1,312 tons in 2019). Angola’s coffee exports in 2021 were valued at $2.12 million. Coffee productivity currently averages around 260 kg/ha, with significant disparities between older farms (e.g. 100 kg/ha) and restored, well-maintained farms (e.g. 400-500 kg/ha). Angola produces two varieties of coffee Coffea canephora, often known as Robusta26, and Coffea Arabica, also known as Arabica.
The Angolan National Coffee Institute (INCA) was created as the government body responsible for developing the coffee sector, with the aim of attracting private investors for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and establishing a coffee fund for small-scale farmers. These initiatives are helping to improve coffee production and increase demand for coffee in the region.
Fazenda Vissolela, one of the country’s largest commercial coffee growers, are working with 250 small-scale farmers, and plan to expand their plantations to 1,000 hectares by 2027. These initiatives strengthen Angola’s competitiveness in the global coffee market and open up lucrative prospects for investors. The country offers geographical and natural advantages for the production of quality coffee.
In terms of quality, the first requirement is altitude. We’re at an altitude of around 1,200 metres, which is excellent for coffee quality,
says Guilherme Diniz. Angola’s geographical configuration and natural resources are essential for growing coffee. This potential was identified by the French Agricultural Research Centre (CIRAD), which carried out field studies with the support of the European Union and the participation of experts from Angola, Argentina, Portugal and France.
With growing local demand, competitive climatic advantages, and export opportunities to global markets, Angola is poised to become a major player in African agriculture. Investors will have the opportunity to enter a fast-growing market, supported by favorable policies and under-exploited agricultural potential.
