Ana Zengo, Non-executive director of Soanorte - «We want to be catalysts for rural development[…]»

In the year that Angola celebrates 50 years of independence, Soanorte has established itself as one of the major drivers of national agricultural modernisation, combining technology, sustainability and social impact in a production model that nurtures both the land and its people. Villas&Golfe Angola spoke to non-executive director Ana Zengo about the values that are guiding this approach and the goals for the near future.

‘Taking care of the land and taking care of people’ is the motto Soanorte adheres to. How does this principle apply to the company’s daily operations?
The motto ‘Taking care of the land and taking care of people’ underpins everything we do. Taking care of the land means adopting sustainable methods: crop rotation, soil conservation, responsible use of water and rehabilitating degraded areas. Taking care of people means investing in training our staff, providing decent working conditions and social initiatives that have a direct impact on neighbouring communities, such as access to drinking water, community health and rural literacy programmes.

Soanorte was founded in 2012. How would you describe the evolution of the company over the last ten or so years?
Soanorte came into being in 2012, but we are proud to say that our relationship with the land is a legacy that spans generations! We started out by rehabilitating land and infrastructure, full mechanisation and technical training. Today, we have modern production units at the Barragem do Manso, Monte Negro and Explanada do Norte farming estates, which have become laboratories for agricultural innovation. From an entry-level project, we have grown into a leading national player, with thousands of hectares under cultivation, a storage capacity of 23,000 tonnes and a consolidated presence in three provinces.

Angola is celebrating half a century of independence. What contribution has Soanorte made to the economic diversification and food security of the country?
We have contributed to the modernisation of agribusiness by mechanising production, bringing together cereals, vegetables, livestock and pig farming, and creating sustainable production chains. At the same time, we support small farmers with training and inputs, thereby fostering inclusion. In this way, we are helping the country move towards food self-sufficiency and reducing imports.

«The motto ‘Taking care of the land and taking care of people’ underpins everything we do.»

What are Soanorte’s strategic segments today?
We focus mainly on cereals and seeds, which are the mainstays of food security. But we are also stepping up our efforts in livestock, poultry and pig farming, in response to growing demand for animal protein. Productive integration allows us to harness synergies and reduce waste, consolidating a circular economy model.

What is Soanorte’s vision for the future in the coming years?
Over the next five to ten years, our aim is to expand production areas, modernise infrastructure, invest in renewable energy and consolidate national and international partnerships. Our goal is to integrate production, processing and distribution, evolving from an agricultural producer to a leading sustainable agribusiness in Angola.

Soanorte currently has major operating facilities in Negage and Camabatela. What do these units represent on a national level?
They represent our expansion into the far north, a region with great agricultural potential. In Negage, we already have 6,000 hectares under cultivation, storage capacity for 23,000 tonnes and a modern pig farming centre. We produce 720 tonnes of pork per year, with a target of reaching 1,800 tonnes, contributing directly to reducing the national deficit in animal protein. Thirteen years down the line, we are proud to be among the four largest cereal producers in Angola.

What are your prospects for growth and new projects currently underway?
We are expanding in Kwanza Norte, Malange and Uíge, and looking into integrating wheat and rice. We are also evaluating the creation of a Rural Training Centre to empower young farmers. We want to be catalysts for rural development, promoting employment, technology and pride in Angolan land.

Soanorte is looking beyond agribusiness and talking about rural tourism. What is your view on this challenge?
Our properties have unique landscapes that would allow us to develop agrotourism and environmental education projects. We want to transform part of the farming estates into spaces for people to spend time in nature, where they can learn, share and appreciate pride in rural Angola. This is how we are able to diversify income, create jobs and bring agriculture closer to the people.

«Over the next five to ten years, our aim is to expand production areas, modernise infrastructure, invest in renewable energy and consolidate national and international partnerships.»