OEC Angola and FADA’s immersion in FNO’s social program in Brazil boosts partnership in Angola

Last week, from February 17 to 21, representatives from OEC Angola and the Agrarian Development Support Fund (FADA) visited the Southern Bahia Lowlands and Macaé (RJ) to get a closer look at the impact work of the partner institutions in implementing PDCIS, the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation’s (FNO) social program. The visit represented an important step after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December last year to implement a project aimed at strengthening family farming in Angola, inspired by the technologies and strategies already successfully applied by PDCIS in Brazil.

Throughout the program led by the FNO, the members of OEC Angola and FADA had the opportunity to delve deeper into the practices and strategies of PDCIS, which has been promoting social and economic inclusion through sustainable territorial development for over 20 years. “It was an intense week, with a lot of exchange with the program’s teams and beneficiaries. We were able to present what we do from a technical point of view, but above all to demonstrate the real impact on people’s lives. This is only possible thanks to the methodology we adopt, which is always focused on the emancipation of people and institutions,” says Cristiane Nascimento, director of the FNO.

The visit was also an opportunity for the teams to exchange experiences. Dr. Felisbela Francisco, president of FADA’s Board of Directors, highlighted the cultural similarities between Brazil and Angola and the importance of working together. “I was able to prove the power of knowledge. I believe that by working together we can boost the development of both countries,” she said. Marcio Nascimento, Executive Director of APPAC Tororó, a partner in the reapplication of PDCIS in Macaé, reinforced the relevance of the initiative. “The Foundation has put us in a position where, today, we can walk more firmly, confidently, fulfilling new purposes and always in search of a better planet for all of us,” he said.

Agenda held in Bahia and Rio de Janeiro marks progress towards the realization of a project to strengthen agriculture in the African country

Adapttation of the program in Angola

The PDCIS experience is seen as a reference for the implementation of the “Produce to Transform Lives” project in Angola. The initiative, which will be carried out in partnership between the FNO, OEC Angola and FADA, will promote rural development through technical assistance, financing and training for small agricultural producers, helping to increase productivity and competitiveness in the country.

“We’re going to plant a seed, in a way that is very adapted to the local reality, always testing and learning,” says Alexandre Baltar, FNO’s Superintendent. The realization of the project will consolidate OEC Angola’s commitment to generating a positive impact and contributing to local communities. “We want to leave a legacy associated with social development. We are very motivated to start implementing this project in 2025 and are confident that the next steps will be very positive,” concludes Allan Chan, responsible for People, Planning and Finance at OEC Angola.