People
Who they are
The Nyaneka, also spelled Nhaneca, live in southwestern Angola, mainly in the provinces of Huíla and Namibe, and also in Cunene and Benguela. They speak Nyaneka and make their living by combining cattle raising with farming.
Anthropologists and administrators grouped the Nyaneka and Nkhumbi together as the Nyaneka-Nkhumbi because of similarities in their languages and customs. Even so, communities such as the Mwila and Handa maintain their own distinct characteristics and identities.
History and origin
The name Nyaneka-Nkhumbi came from outside: it was coined by scholars and administrators to group together similar communities in southwestern Angola. This did not erase each community's identity. The Mwila, Handa and others continue to identify themselves by their own customs.
Cattle raising combined with farming has profoundly shaped the culture of this group of peoples, including their rituals and combat games.
Where they live
1
Country
1.3M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Angola Partially reached
|
100%
|
1.267.000 |
How they live
Traditional life combines tending herds with cultivating the land. Among the Mwila, many families are semi-nomadic: they move when they need better pasture and hunting grounds.
What they believe
Most Nyaneka identify as Christians, and there are Catholic and evangelical communities. In Huíla, the two traditions worked together to translate the New Testament into the local language.
Among the Mwila, beliefs in spirits and ancestor worship persist, with rituals and witchcraft existing alongside the presence of Christians.
Language and the Bible
The New Testament in Nyaneka was presented to the Christian community in Chibia, Huíla, in November 2023. Catholics and Evangelicals took part in the translation, and the translators consulted speakers from Lubango, Bibala, Chibia, Gambos, Quilengues and Quipungo to take language variations into account. At the time, the translation of the Old Testament was at an advanced stage.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Nyaneka
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)90%
Evangelicals8%
Barriers to the gospel
Among the Mwila, attachment to rituals and witchcraft is part of the setting in which Christians share their faith. As the language varies from place to place, teaching in a way that everyone can understand also requires care.
Needs
Among the Mwila, some people struggle with alcoholism and others need healing after abuse. Churches need biblical teaching in their own language to support them. The Scriptures in Nyaneka are still incomplete, as the Old Testament is not yet available.
Signs of hope
A report from 2020 stated that more than 10,000 Mwila had already decided to follow Jesus and that the church among them was growing.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the livelihoods of Nyaneka families who tend cattle and cultivate the land in southwestern Angola.
Pray for the translation of the Old Testament into Nyaneka, so that families can have the complete Bible.
Pray for Nyaneka Christians and for churches as they care for those among the Mwila who decide to follow Jesus.
Pray for Mwila people who struggle with alcoholism or bear the wounds of abuse.
Pray for clear biblical teaching among families whose lives involve rituals and witchcraft.
Pray for unity between Catholics and Evangelicals in using the Scriptures in Nyaneka.
Pray for Nyaneka
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar