Angola Faces Rising Wildfire Incidents: A 4.40% Decline in Tree Cover

Angola Faces Rising Wildfire Incidents: A 4.40% Decline in Tree Cover

Angola has been experiencing a significant environmental challenge, marked by a 4.40% decline in tree cover over recent years. The latest incident on October 18, 2026, in Cuando Cubango Province highlights the ongoing wildfire threats. Historically, shifting agriculture has been the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for approximately 78% of the total loss. Wildfires, although contributing a smaller portion, have shown an increasing trend in recent years. In 2025 alone, wildfires accounted for 1.20% of the total tree cover loss. The cumulative impact of these factors has resulted in a net loss of over 2.10 million hectares of tree cover. This environmental degradation poses significant ecological and economic challenges for Angola, necessitating a broader discussion on sustainable land management practices.