During the meeting, leaders discussed how the centre could support national priorities such as economic diversification, food security and integration into regional value chains through the Lobito Corridor.

Synergies with the National Development Plan (PND 2023–2027) and PLANAGRO were also discussed, highlighting the importance of innovation in reducing youth unemployment, which exceeds 56%, and combating informal labour.

The timbuktoo assessment mission runs from 25 June to 1 July and includes meetings with government actors, development partners, private sector leaders and young entrepreneurs. The aim is to map the national innovation ecosystem and co-create solutions to make Angola fertile ground for technology start-ups with regional impact.

The implementation of the timbuktoo AgriTech Hub is now moving forward based on the political commitment demonstrated during this mission, positioning Angola at the centre of a new generation of African innovation, focused on local solutions with global ambition.

About #timbuktoo

#timbuktoo is the largest youth innovation initiative on the African continent, led by the UNDP in partnership with African governments, universities, the private sector and investors. The initiative combines public and private funding to create a network of ten regional thematic centres – such as HealthTech, FinTech, and ClimateTech – with the aim of supporting startups led by young Africans.

By connecting local talent with capital, mentoring, and access to markets, Timbuktoo aims to transform ideas into scalable solutions for development challenges, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Africa.