Angola is home to a significant number of Vietnamese expatriates, and their contributions to the local community are noteworthy. Recently, the efforts of Quang Linh and his Africa Team have gained positive recognition, particularly in the areas of agricultural development and the promotion of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
On the occasion of the recent National Day celebrations on September 2nd, the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola, along with the Vietnamese Business Association, organized a visit to some of these agricultural areas established by the Vietnamese community. One such example is the farm owned by Cong Giáp, which consists of four villages, each housing around 100-150 families. Since its inception a year ago, the farm has provided a much-needed source of livelihood for the local residents, helping them escape poverty.
Currently, due to the dry season, the farm is focused on cultivating crops that can withstand the lack of rainfall, with plans to transition to staple crops during the rainy season. Some of the seeds, such as cabbage, baby onions, and turnips, were brought over from Vietnam. The team is also concentrating on growing carrots, onions, and tomatoes, ensuring a steady market for the produce. The recent sale of onions generated a substantial income of 3.6 million Kz (approximately 95 million VND).
Additionally, the Africa Team is engaged in poultry farming, specifically rearing ducks and chickens for breeding purposes. These birds will then be distributed to other villages, empowering the locals to engage in their own poultry ventures.
“The locals have now learned how to farm effectively,” shared Cong Giáp. “We provide them with seeds from Vietnam, and they sell the onions to generate income, which they then use to buy new seeds. This way, we can gradually step back, knowing that they have the skills and resources to continue on their own.”
According to Cong Giáp, one of the biggest challenges in developing agriculture in Angola is water scarcity, especially during the dry season. The soil absorbs water quickly, requiring frequent irrigation. Ambassador Dương Chính Chức echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of water in agriculture, alluding to the age-old saying, “First water, second fertilizer, third labor, fourth seeds.”
The region where Cong Giáp’s farm is located experiences more water scarcity compared to the area where Quang Linh’s farm is situated, as it is a valley surrounded by mountains. Recognizing these challenges, Ambassador Dương Chính Chức assured Cong Giáp and the Africa Team of the Embassy’s support:
“If Cong Giáp, or any member of the Africa Team, needs any assistance, such as digging water reservoirs or accessing machinery for agricultural purposes, the Association and the Embassy are ready to help. We deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in these initiatives.”
During the visit, the Vietnamese Embassy presented the locals with a gift of four tons of rice, along with sweets and snacks. In a heartwarming gesture, the village chief reciprocated by offering a basket of freshly picked tomatoes from their farm as a token of their gratitude.
The village chief expressed his deep appreciation: “We are forever grateful to the Vietnamese community for purchasing the land and helping us establish this farm. We will always remember their kindness.”
The Vietnamese community in Angola is the largest in Africa. The first generation of Vietnamese in Angola consisted of medical and educational experts who settled in the country for the long term. Over time, their family members, friends, and neighbors joined them, contributing to a thriving community. Many work as laborers, traders, or entrepreneurs, with a diverse range of businesses, including construction, auto repair, food production, and essential services. The achievements of Quang Linh and the Africa Team are nothing short of legendary in the eyes of the local Angolan community.
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