Angola’s corn (maize) production is rising, yet domestic output remains below demand. Current annual consumption is projected to reach 1.62 million tons by 2026, while production may hit 3.77 million tons. However, the current local supply is only around 1.8 million tons, so imports from Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey remain vital.

Given Angola’s ambitious National Grain Plan (PlanaGrão 2023–2027), aiming to boost grain output to 6 million tons by 2027, investing in maize/corn silos and maize milling plants is timely.

Here are 10 essential considerations:

1. Accurate Demand Forecasting

Analyze regional consumption patterns (urban centers like Luanda and inland provinces). Retail maize flour prices range between US$0.99–2.96/kg (~0.050.16 AOA/kg).

2. Raw Maize Supply & Imports

Local maize production is insufficient (~1.8 Mt), requiring reliance on imports. Plan contracts with key suppliers in Brazil, South Africa, or domestic growers supported by government incentives.

3. Silo Design for Stability & Moisture Control

Steel silo systems must include aeration systems, temperature monitoring, and rodent proofing. Proper silo management prevents loss, mold, and aflatoxin contamination. We, Hongdefa, supply the whole solution for the maize/corn storage from precleaning to offloading.

We, Hongdefa, have a very strong technician team to support your silo storage business.

Let me share with you some of our successful silos projects in Angola

In Luanda, we have 3x5000Tons silos, 2x200Tons silos, 2x3000tons in Lubango, 3x1000Tons maize silos in Huambo, 4x500Tons corn silos in Cabinda, and so on. Let us give you one silo project as an example for your reference.

Corn Silo System Design Specifications

One cylindrical steel silos are designed for corn storage, each with a capacity of 2,000 metric tons, total of 4,000 metric tons. The system integrates advanced pre-cleaning and vertical conveying technologies to ensure operational efficiency and corn quality. Based on the AISI standard, the steel grade or its equivalent grade meets JIS SGH440, and also meets to China GB Standard, Code: GB50322-2011.

Silo Structure:

This 2,000-ton corn silo system is specifically engineered for the safe, efficient, and long-term storage of bulk grains such as wheat and corn. Its design integrates advanced material handling, environmental control, and safety technologies to meet the demands of modern agricultural storage. 

Material: Galvanized steel with anti-corrosion coating.

Dimensions: 13.7m diameter per silo.

Features: 

Aerated bottom for moisture control;

Temperature monitoring sensors;

Explosion-proof vents and dust filtration.

Pre-Cleaning System:

Pre-Cleaner (Capacity: 60-80 tons/hour):

Vibrating screen for debris removal (straw, stones, foreign materials)

Magnetic separator for metal contaminants;

Aspiration system for dust extraction.

Vertical Conveying System:

Bucket Elevators: The bucket elevator with a tower frame is a critical component of vertical conveying equipment in grain storage systems. Its functions extend beyond material handling to encompass comprehensive enhancements in structural stability, safety, and system efficiency.

Capacity: 60-80 tons/hour.

Safety features: Belt misalignment alarms, emergency stops.

Vertical Grain Transport:

    Capacity: 60-80T/h (primary elevator), synchronized with pre-cleaning and conveying systems.

    Material Handling: Transfers wheat/corn from ground-level intake to silo top discharge, minimizing manual intervention.

    Discharge Precision: Rotating distributor at the silo head ensures even grain distribution, preventing localized overloading.

Integration with Silo Systems

    Pre-Cleaning Interface: Receives pre-cleaned grain from vibrating screens and magnetic separators via scraper or belt conveyors.

    Dust Extraction: Connected to central filtration units to maintain PM10 ≤5 mg/m³ emissions.

Horizontal transport in the 2x2000T Silo System:

The scraper conveyor, also known as a drag chain conveyor, is a critical component for horizontal or gently inclined grain transfer within large-capacity silos. Its robust design and enclosed structure make it ideal for handling bulk materials like wheat or corn while ensuring dust control and operational safety.

Design Specifications Capacity: 60-80T/h (aligned with pre-cleaning and bucket elevator throughput).

Grain Intake Distribution: Transfers pre-cleaned grain from the receiving pit to the bucket elevator boot section.

Equipped with flow control gates to divert grain to multiple silos or backup storage.

Horizontal Conveying: minimal degradation (grain breakage <0.5%). Suitable for low-clearance installations beneath silo discharge outlets.

Safety & Maintenance Features

    Overload protection: Torque-limiting clutch + motor current monitoring to prevent chain breakage.

    Emergency stops: Pull-cord switches along the conveyor length and at control panels.

Ventilation System in a 2x2000Tons Silo:

The ventilation system in a 2,000-ton grain silo is critical for preserving grain quality, preventing spoilage, and ensuring safe long-term storage. 

Moisture Control:

    Regulate grain moisture levels (typically maintained at 12–14% for corn) to prevent mold growth and mycotoxin formation.

    Extract humid air from the silo during high-humidity conditions.

Temperature Management:

    Dissipate heat generated by grain respiration or external temperature fluctuations.

    Prevent "hotspot" formation through uniform airflow distribution.

Aeration for Preservation:

    Slow down insect activity and metabolic processes in stored grains, extending shelf life.

    Maintain grain germination capacity (for seed stocks) by avoiding overheating.

Odor & Gas Removal:

    Eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO₂ buildup caused by microbial activity.

We do all the turkey solution of the grain silos for all Angola customers. Please don’t hesitate to talk with us by WhatsApp +86 139 3305 7265. Or send me an email at jane@hdfmill.com.

4. Suitable Milling Technology

Choose reliable roller mills, destoners, magnetic separators, sifters, and cleaning equipment. For example, turnkey maize milling plants of 240 TPD had been installed successfully in Angola. From cleaning, degerminating, milling, sifting, packing, and control system, it is a full automatic production line. Let me show the machine photos and diagram.

Here are our Hongdefa projects of maize flour milling machines in Angola.

240TPD maize mill plant in Cabinda;

100TPD maize flour milling plant in Luanda;

50TPD maize milling production line in Luanda, Cabinda, and so on;

30TPD corn flour milling plant in Lubango and so on.

5. Extraction Rate & Flour Quality

Ensure equipment delivers a high extraction rate (e.g., 70%) and produces uniform maize flour suitable for local staple foods like fuba and nshima.

It is the super white, very fine maize flour which is for making Fuba and Nshima in the local market. The different sizes of the sifting can produce different sizes of the maize flour. It can meet different customers' needs.

Our Hongdefa Maize milling plant can achieve the extraction rate of maize flour within 75-83%.

Our Hongdefa machines can produce different sizes of grits. It can be made the snack food and beer. For the brewer's grits, the fat content is much less than 1%, and the grits extraction rate can be 60%. It is a huge profit to make grits in the local market.

If you are very interested in this maize milling business, please contact me via WhatsApp +86 139 3305 7265. I can be your assistance in this field with my more than 40 years experience. And my email is jane@hdfmill.com.

6. Power Infrastructure & Backup Systems

Angola’s infrastructure remains unstable. Your plant needs reliable electricity or generators, plus backup systems to avoid downtime.

7. Regulatory Compliance & Government Support

Align with Angolan agricultural policy initiatives (PlanaGrão, PRODESI, PAC) to access subsidies, low-interest financing, and VAT incentives.

8. Skilled Workforce & Training

Hire locally and invest in technical training on equipment operation, maintenance, and food safety standards. This reduces long-term OPEX and supports local community development.

The Hongdefa team can send the Chinese engineers to guide the installation, test the machines, and train the local workers.

Even now, we have 3 Chinese engineers in Angola for installation and do the super after sales service to ensure the customers' factory runs well.

9. Logistics & Transport Access

Site your mill near major roads or ports (e.g., Luanda, Lobito) for efficient inbound grain delivery and outbound flour distribution. GMA’s Luanda plant handles up to 900 t/day of throughput.

10. Business Model & Market Channels

Develop branded maize flour packaging and target wholesalers, supermarkets, agro-dealers, and institutional clients. Consider export potential when Angola’s domestic milling capacity (now over 1.3 Mt/year) exceeds local demand.

Conclusion

Angola’s maize industry presents untapped potential for investors willing to address infrastructure and regulatory challenges. By prioritizing localized solutions, reliable equipment, and strategic planning, entrepreneurs can establish sustainable silos and mills that meet domestic demand while contributing to agricultural development.

Most welcome all over the world customers coming to visit us!

Hongdefa can be your valuable partner for grain silos and maize milling business. The best support we can do is to make your business successful.

Please contact us soon for more details:

WhatsApp +86 139 3305 7265

Website: www.hongdefamill.com

jane@hdfmill.com