Speaking at the opening of Expo-Bié 2025, which opened its doors this Wednesday, the minister highlighted the "support provided by the Credit Guarantee Fund (FGC) to small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them access to credit under more favorable conditions."
Quoted in a government statement seen by VerAngola, Lima Massano said that the fund, with support from the World Bank, "was recently reinforced with an additional 40 billion kwanzas to cover projects linked to the logistics and production chains structured along the Lobito Corridor."
In addition to this instrument, he continued, is the Agrarian Development Support Fund, which recently opened its first regional office in Huambo.
"This instrument is joined by the Agrarian Development Support Fund (FADA), which has just opened its first regional office in Huambo province, to more closely bring its financial solutions to the provinces of south-central Angola," he stated.
On the occasion, the president also took the opportunity to recall that it was in this region that the 'Transforma Aqui' program was launched, "supported by a new credit line operated by FADA, to allow agricultural and livestock production to be transformed where it occurs."
"José de Lima Massano reinforced that the Executive branch wants to have small industries close to production areas so that products can be processed, preserved, and packaged locally, creating more value, opportunities, and jobs for the communities," the statement said.
To encourage production, the minister announced that the Institute for Support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (INAPEM) will launch, in the new agricultural season, a "training program for cooperatives and small producers, with the support of the Angolan National Employment Fund (FUNEA)."
"He appealed to national producers to apply their collective energy to developing productive capacities, exploring national potential, and transforming it into economic and social well-being," the statement continued.
The fair, which takes place in Cuito until next Saturday, highlighted the fact that it is taking place in the year the country marks 50 years of independence.
"It is a reason for pride and celebration, but also for reflection and interaction for more sustainable, integrated, and inclusive economic development," he said.
