Date: August 25, 2025
Luanda, Angola – Al Dahra, a leading global agribusiness group headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Angola (MINAGRIF) and GESTERRA – Gestão de Terras Aráveis, S.A., a state-owned Angolan public limited company, with the intention to advance major agricultural projects and reinforce national food security initiatives, with a potential estimated investment of up to USD 500 million.
Building on these agreements, the parties will work collaboratively to identify and study multiple land opportunities with water access that is suitable for cultivation of cereals, grains, legumes and oilseeds. Al Dahra intends to develop and operate up to 40,000 hectares of irrigated or irrigable greenfield lands in collaboration with MINAGRIF and intends to partner with GESTERRA to operate at least 8,000 hectares, with the potential to expand up to 30,000 hectares. Furthermore, the parties will jointly determine the necessary infrastructure required to facilitate the proposed projects, including the provision of electricity, road networks, and water supply systems.
Al Dahra’s growth strategy in Africa, whose objective of import substitution of staple crops production to supply domestic and regional markets, aligns with Angola’s national plan for Grain production (Planagrão) and Production Support, Export Diversification and Import Substitution Policy (PRODESI). The proposed partnership endorses both African and global sustainable agriculture, aiming to increase local production, and diversify as well as modernise Angola’s agricultural sector. This initiative is intended to create employment opportunities, support rural development, strengthen the nation’s food production resilience, and position Angola as a significant contributor to the regional food supply chain.
Al Dahra will leverage its expertise in sustainable agriculture, food production, and advanced farming techniques to support the success of these proposed initiatives, thereby fostering growth in Angola’s agrarian sector, promoting long-term food security and contributing to Al Dahra’s purpose to Sustainably Feed a Growing World.
H.E. Minister Isaac Francisco Maria dos Anjos, MINAGRIF said, "The Government of Angola is committed to addressing food security through strategic partnerships with the private sector. We believe this proposed project will be a game-changer for enhancing Angolan Food Security Agenda and reducing the national food deficit. This is one of the largest foreign direct investments in Angolan agricultural sector".
Carlos Agostinho Dias Paim, GESTERRA’s CEO said, “We are delighted to join forces with Al Dahra in advancing Angola’s agricultural future. This partnership draws on world-class expertise and our deep local roots, fostering innovation and sustainable practices that benefit our farmers and communities”.
Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO of Al Dahra said, "We are proud to announce this key milestone to enable exploring investment in Angola’s agricultural sector, harnessing Al Dahra’s extensive global know-how to foster sustainable growth and innovation for the country. By combining our international expertise with Angola’s rich natural resources and its notable agricultural potential, we aim to empower local communities, drive food security, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development."
About MINAGRIF
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Angola is responsible for formulating and implementing policies in agriculture, livestock, forestry, food, and food security, with a commitment to sustainable development.
About GESTERRA
GESTERRA is a state-owned public business entity dedicated to managing strategic arable lands and implementing large-scale agricultural projects in Angola, with a focus on food security, economic diversification, and rural development.
About Al Dahra
Al Dahra is a prominent multinational leader in agribusiness, managing over 100,000 hectares of agricultural land in Egypt, Romania, Serbia, USA, and other countries, specialized in the cultivation, production and trading of nearly 3 million tons of essential food commodities and up to 3 million tons of animal feed. Serving a large customer base from commercial enterprises to Government agencies, Al Dahra has a widespread geographic footprint, operating in 15 countries and catering to more than 40 markets with a leading position in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
For more information, visit www.aldahra.com.
For media inquiries, please contact: Inna.Derkach@aldahra.com