On the 11th and 12th of July, APOPO Angola marked the successful completion of our demining project in the municipalities of Amboim and Ebo, Cuanza Sul. The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including local leaders, representatives from the National Mine Action Agency, and delegates from the Embassy of Japan in Angola.
Representing the Embassy of Japan, Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Yusuke Takahashi and Ms. Ayumi Komatsu, Coordinator of the Assistance to Community Human Security Projects (APC) program, were present to show their continued support for APOPO’s efforts in Angola. Their participation underscored the strong international partnerships that are crucial to the success of our mission.
APOPO’s History and Mission in Angola
APOPO has been operational in Angola since 2012, focusing on clearing landmines left from decades of conflict. The country remains one of the most heavily mined in the world, with millions of unexploded ordnances posing a significant threat to civilians and hindering development. Initially, APOPO’s efforts in Angola were supported by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BMFA), integrating our innovative landmine detection rats into existing mine action capacities alongside manual deminers and mechanical tools. Since then, APOPO has evolved into a fully registered NGO in Angola, working in direct partnership with the Angolan Mine Action Authority (CNIDAH).
The HeroRATs and Brave Manual Deminers
Our demining teams in Angola consist of manual deminers and HeroRATs, who are specially trained to detect landmines through their keen sense of smell. The HeroRATs are lightweight, ensuring they do not trigger the mines, and can quickly cover large areas, significantly speeding up the demining process. One of our HeroRATs, Baraka, has recently been deployed in Angola and is already making a significant impact. You can support our work by adopting HeroRAT Baraka [here](#).
Manual deminers play a crucial role alongside the HeroRATs, meticulously clearing land to ensure it is safe. These brave individuals undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict safety protocols to protect both themselves and the communities they serve.
Ceremony Highlights
The courtesy meeting on July 11th at the Municipal Administration of Amboim saw APOPO’s Angola Program Manager, Manuel João Agostinho, presenting the outcomes and future steps of the project. On July 12th, in Ebo, certificates were issued, and the explosive remnants of war (ERWs) removed from the demining task were destroyed in a controlled explosion. This marked the formal completion of APOPO’s demining tasks in these areas.
Direct Impact on Communities
The transformation brought by demining efforts in Angola is immense. Previously hazardous areas are now safe for agricultural and housing projects. For instance, the clearance of the Zongo area has allowed numerous families to return to their homes, contributing to the broader goal of national development. The safety restored by our work enables children to play freely and farmers to cultivate their land without fear of mines.
Additionally, APOPO provides vital explosive ordnance risk education sessions to mine-affected populations in the country, helping prevent injuries and fatalities even before the hidden explosives are removed from the ground.
Moving Forward
Despite our successes, the task of demining is far from complete. APOPO aims to increase its annual budget in Angola to expand operations and ensure that even more regions benefit from our life-saving work. With continued support from donors and the international community, we can accelerate our efforts and move closer to a mine-free Angola.
Acknowledging Our Donors and Partners
Our work in Angola is made possible through the generous support of our donors and partners. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for their consistent support through the APC program. Additionally, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been a cornerstone of our success, providing over 2 million euros for demining efforts in Angola since 2020. This financial support has enabled APOPO to deploy technical expertise across various regions, significantly boosting our capacity to clear land and ensure the safety of local communities.
APOPO is deeply grateful for the generous support from partners and donors over the years.
