Angola is revitalizing its neglected coffee industry.
The Angolan government has announced plans to invest heavily in increasing coffee production. With a generous budget allocation of AOA 10 billion (USD12 million), they aim to produce at least 12,360 tons of coffee by the end of 2024. Ministers are hoping that a return to the country’s former glory days as one of the top coffee-producing countries in Africa will help reduce the economy’s reliance on the declining oil industry and bring some much-needed economic stability.
Blessed with high elevations, fertile soil, abundant water, and various microclimates, Angola was singled out by Portuguese and Brazilian colonists in the 18th century as being ideally situated for coffee cultivation. By the early 20th century Angola was known for producing premium coffee and by the 1970’s coffee production had reached about a quarter of a million tonnes per year.
Unfortunately, 20 years of civil war, starting in 1975 and lasting till 2002 saw many coffee plantations abandoned and production rates plummet. Finally, after 20 years of peace, there have been recent efforts to revitalize the neglected coffee industry. The government is starting to realize the potential opportunities for economic diversification that coffee as a commodity offers. New partnerships, both domestic and international are helping local farmers and entrepreneurs gain access to technological and agricultural innovations while fostering a sense of collaboration and community.
Abandoned coffee farms are producing again, with a new emphasis on specialty coffee and premium varieties. Angolan coffee is once again being celebrated for its complex flavors, balanced acidity, and aromatic qualities, with exceptional Arabicas being their main cultivar.
There are still many challenges to overcome before Angola can reach its former production levels. The country suffers from a lack of infrastructure with very few reliable transportation networks and even fewer processing facilities. This makes it difficult for farmers to get their beans to market quickly which affects overall quality.
A lack of capital and financing restricts investment in irrigation systems, new farm equipment, and processing facilities. Best practices for disease and pest management are not widely known due to knowledge lost during the civil war.
Angola was once the third-largest coffee producer in the world.
With the reduction of crude oil production, the government is determined to find other sources of revenue. In a recent press release Angolan president, João Lourenço stated that the “government forecasts economic growth of 2.8% for 2024…sustained solely and exclusively by the non-oil sector.” International investment from the EU-Un is also helping rebuild Angola's coffee industry in an attempt to help diversify the economy.
Research conducted by a French-based agricultural research group named Cirad shows there is promising potential in Angola’s coffee sector. Cécile Bessou, an agroecology researcher for Cirad states that “there is real government motivation both from local government, but also from international institutions like the European Union, to revitalize this sector with the help of some locals.” There’s no doubt that the Angoloans themselves are determined now more than ever to return Angola’s coffee industry to its “former glory” says Bessou.