Agribusiness is emerging as a major focus for economic growth across Africa as governments and development partners increase efforts to improve food production, reduce imports, and expand employment. The latest step is Angola's launch of the AgriConnect Compact, a national framework designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and attract private investment through 2030.

Angola Targets Jobs, Investment, and Food Production

The AgriConnect Compact, launched by the Government of Angola with support from the World Bank Group and other development partners, aims to create up to 700,000 jobs by 2030. The program also targets up to $2.2 billion in annual economic value and seeks to mobilize as much as $1.45 billion in public and private financing. According to the World Bank, the initiative will focus on improving productivity, expanding food processing, strengthening logistics, and increasing market access for farmers.

The strategy prioritizes several agricultural sectors, including staple crops, coffee, tropical fruits, livestock, and commercial forestry. Investments are planned along the Lobito and Malanje development corridors to improve transport links between farms, processing facilities, and export markets.

Regional Focus on Agricultural Value Chains

The World Bank says Africa's food market could reach $1 trillion by 2030, supported by population growth, rising incomes, and increasing food demand. However, the continent continues to spend billions of dollars annually on food imports while agricultural productivity remains below global averages. Many African governments are now promoting value-chain development to improve food security and expand employment opportunities.

Countries including Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda are also developing or implementing AgriConnect programs tailored to national priorities.

Regional Trade Seen as a Growth Opportunity

The initiative aligns with broader African efforts to strengthen regional agricultural trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area and policy frameworks such as the Malabo Declaration and the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Declaration. Supporters say improved regional integration could increase investment, strengthen food supply chains, and create employment across agriculture-related industries. Future outcomes will depend on implementation, financing, and productivity gains across participating countries.