The annual edition of the banana fair in Angola, known as “Fatshimetry” ended recently after four days of intense festivities. This unmissable event brought together local farmers, associations, cooperatives as well as industry representatives from different regions of the country. On the program: lively discussions on the market expansion and the production forces of this emblematic fruit.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of this 10th edition, Maria Antónia Nelumba, governor of Bengo province, highlighted the continued commitment to banana production and investments in the processing of this fruit, thus aiming to fully exploit the production chain as a whole.
This historic edition exceeded the organizers’ expectations in terms of attendance and revenue. Hélder Cardete, representative of Novagrolíder, shared his satisfaction: “We will continue production and conquer new markets. Our goal is to produce 70% for the domestic market and 30% for export.” He also mentioned current export destinations, including Europe, South Africa, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Russia.
Since President João Lourenço launched the challenge of diversifying the Angolan economy through agriculture, the banana has become Angola’s green diamond for this economic diversification.
A visitor to the fair, Ester Jamba, expressed her satisfaction with the affordable prices of the bananas offered: “The prices are affordable, a bunch of bananas costs between 2,000.00 and 3,000.00 kwanzas, I am really satisfied.”
Competition in the banana production sector in Africa is intense. A first participant in the event, Celma, shared her experience: “We brought a large quantity of bananas from the municipio of Nambuangongo, very good quality bananas. The fair is going very well despite fierce competition.”
Angola is the largest producer of bananas in Africa and ranks seventh in the world, with an annual supply exceeding four million tonnes.
This banana fair in Angola, “Fatshimétrie”, represents much more than just an annual event. It embodies an essential pillar of the country’s agricultural development, as well as an opportunity for economic growth and opening up to new international markets.