The Association of Sugar Producers of Mozambique (APAMO) has called for an immediate and comprehensive revision of the country’s product fortification regulations, citing persistent challenges in quality control and the significant presence of unfortified imports in local markets. The appeal was made during the 20th Annual Private Sector Conference (CASP) in Maputo, which focused on economic relaunch and featured discussions on projects valued at US$1.5 billion (€1.288 billion).
APAMO’s Executive Director, Orlando da Conceição, highlighted the dual challenge facing both industry and government regarding product quality. While acknowledging room for domestic improvement, Conceição stressed that the most formidable obstacle remains the inspection of imports at borders and markets. He stated that local manufacturers fortifying their products are undermined when cheaper, non-fortified alternatives are allowed to enter and circulate freely, effectively negating public health efforts.
Conceição issued a pointed plea for swift action on the regulatory front, remarking, “It would be good if we didn’t wait another 10 years to review this, because this [product fortification] is a new issue for everyone.” This underscores the industry’s view that the current framework is outdated and requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to effectively combat malnutrition in Mozambique.
The call for better enforcement was echoed by the government side. Eduarda Mungoi, national coordinator of the Food Fortification Programme at the Ministry of Economy, also emphasized the crucial role of fortification in balanced public health, noting the importance of training and community awareness alongside regulatory progress.
CASP 2025, which drew over 2,000 participants and 40 speakers under the theme “Reform to Compete: Paths to Economic Relaunch,” served as a key platform for this dialogue. The conference, which ran from Wednesday, also incorporated the Mozambique Home Expo, an exhibition aimed at stimulating access to affordable housing. APAMO’s intervention highlights a critical intersection between trade policy, manufacturing standards, and public health that Mozambican authorities must address to ensure fair competition and consumer safety.
