Angola, IFAD, and partners team up on AgriConnect to transform agriculture

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) today joined the Government of Angola, the World Bank Group and development partners in launching the Angola AgriConnect Compact, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming the country’s agri-food systems, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.

AgriConnect is a World Bank Group initiative designed to help 300 million smallholder farmers worldwide move from subsistence to surplus production. The initiative focuses on strengthening agricultural ecosystems through stronger farmer organizations, improved market linkages, enhanced access to finance and digital solutions, and greater private sector participation across food systems.

As the only international financial institution exclusively focused on rural transformation, IFAD brings a unique contribution to AgriConnect by working with small-scale farmers at the first mile of food systems to strengthen value chains and create jobs, expand market access and build resilience.

In Angola, AgriConnect will support agricultural development in the Lobito and Malanje Corridors, leveraging partnerships across government, development institutions, the private sector and farmer organizations to unlock the country’s agricultural potential and accelerate inclusive rural development.

“AgriConnect presents a unique opportunity to transform rural livelihoods by connecting smallholder farmers to markets, finance, technology and productive infrastructure,” said Custodio Macavele, IFAD Country Director for Angola. “IFAD is proud to partner with the Government of Angola, the World Bank Group and other stakeholders to ensure that rural women, men and young people can participate in and benefit from a more productive, resilient and inclusive agricultural economy.”

Through the Compact, farmers and agribusinesses will benefit from a comprehensive package of support services, including agronomy and livestock advisory services, agricultural extension and technical assistance, rural finance, epidemiological surveillance, post-harvest management, food processing, and investments in rural infrastructure such as irrigation systems, markets and feeder roads.

The initiative will also promote greater private sector engagement in agricultural value chains while expanding access to financial services and credit for farmers and rural enterprises. These investments are expected to increase productivity, strengthen food security, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.

As a long-standing partner of Angola’s rural development efforts, IFAD brings decades of experience in supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening value chains and improving access to markets and financial services.

The Angola AgriConnect Compact reflects a shared commitment to transforming the Lobito and Malanje Corridors into engines of inclusive economic growth, improving food systems and creating sustainable opportunities for millions of rural people.