Angola to Amend Executive Decree Regulating Maize Imports

Maize to Be Added to Angola's List of Regulated Consumer Goods Imports

AllAfrica Angola

The Angolan government has announced plans to add maize to the list of regulated consumer goods imports, as part of efforts to encourage and prioritize domestic production. Industry and Commerce Minister Rui Miguêns de Oliveira made this announcement on Thursday in Luanda after the 3rd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Commission of the Council of Ministers, chaired by President João Lourenço. The minister stated that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce would issue a new regulation to amend Executive Decree No. 130/26 in order to implement the measure.

The proposed order updates the list of widely consumed products covered by the legal framework designed to encourage national production and establishes obligations for licensed economic operators importing maize. Importers will be required to purchase domestically a quantity of maize equivalent to at least 30 per cent of the total volume imported, with the aim of promoting and increasing national production, ensuring the marketing of domestic output, and strengthening integration across production value chains.

The inclusion of maize on the import list reaffirms the Angolan government's commitment to supporting domestic production. Minister Rui Miguêns de Oliveira described maize as an essential raw material for Angola's food-processing industry, noting that production has been increasing among both commercial farmers and family producers. The amendment to the current regulation seeks to include another product - maize - and once again send a clear signal to the market that the Government will continue to prioritize domestic production.

This development is significant for practitioners as it highlights the government's efforts to promote national production and reduce reliance on imports. Attorneys should monitor this development closely, particularly those advising clients in the agricultural or food-processing sectors. The new regulation may have implications for importers, who will need to adjust their business practices to comply with the new requirements.

The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this matter include Executive Decree No. 130/26, which is being amended to include maize on the list of regulated consumer goods imports. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce plays a key role in implementing this measure, and the Economic Commission of the Council of Ministers has been involved in reviewing the proposed order.

The key parties involved in this matter are the Angolan government, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Economic Commission of the Council of Ministers. The proposed regulation will affect licensed economic operators importing maize, who will need to comply with the new requirements.