hoidmisele

Hoidmisele is a rural community situated in the northern region of the Republic of Angola. The settlement lies within the administrative boundaries of the Mzuzo Province and is roughly 45 kilometres south of the provincial capital. The local climate is tropical savanna with a distinct wet season from December to April and a dry season from May to November. The terrain surrounding Hoidmisele is characterised by rolling hills and dense seasonal wetlands that feed into the nearby Kikwela River.

The population of Hoidmisele, as recorded in the 2019 national census, is approximately 3,200 residents. The community is predominantly inhabited by members of the Ambo ethnic group, who speak the Ambo dialect of Kimbundu alongside Portuguese, the country’s official language. Traditional subsistence activities such as subsistence farming, fishing, and handcrafted weaving form the economic backbone of the settlement. In recent years, small-scale cattle rearing and local craft tourism have begun to diversify the local economy.

Historically, Hoidmisele traces its origins to the late 18th century when migrating Ambo clans established a village to exploit the fertile floodplain resources. The settlement played a modest role during the Angolan Civil War as a strategic logistical point due to its proximity to the Kikwela River, although its population largely remained insulated from direct conflict. Since the 1994 peace accords, Hoidmisele has participated in national development initiatives, including the expansion of primary education facilities and the introduction of irrigation schemes.

Culturally, the community upholds traditional festivals such as the annual “Ngondangola” dance, which celebrates the harvest season. Local artisans are particularly noted for weaving woven mats and baskets that incorporate motifs inspired by the surrounding wetlands. Despite its small size, Hoidmisele remains a representative example of Angola’s diverse rural settlements, embodying a blend of traditional lifestyles and gradual modernization.