Mozambique has officially launched a national electronic phytosanitary certification system known as e-Phyto, a groundbreaking initiative designed to modernize the country’s agricultural trade processes. This innovative platform aims to streamline the certification procedures required for agricultural exports and imports, significantly reducing delays and aligning Mozambique with international trade standards.
The introduction of the e-Phyto system marks a decisive move away from the traditional paper-based certification process that has long slowed down agricultural trade in Mozambique. Developed with technical assistance and financial backing from international partners, the system offers a fully digital workflow that handles every step from application submission to certificate issuance. By digitizing these procedures, e-Phyto promises faster, more secure, and cost-effective trade operations.
Under the previous manual system, exporters and importers were required to physically submit hardcopy forms to the National Directorate of Agricultural Health and Biosafety (DNSAB) or one of its regional offices. This often meant multiple visits to government offices, trips to banks to make payments, and extended waiting periods that could stretch up to 12 days. Such inefficiencies not only increased operational costs for traders but also exposed the process to administrative errors and potential fraud, which undermined the credibility of Mozambique’s agricultural certification system.
Agriculture plays a vital role in Mozambique’s economy, contributing nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP. Key export commodities like bananas, mangoes, lychees, cashew nuts, seeds, seedlings, and biological control agents have been directly affected by the cumbersome certification procedures. By simplifying the process, e-Phyto aims to support smallholder exporters and SMEs, enabling them to compete more effectively in both regional and global markets.
The new system transforms the entire phytosanitary certification process into a seamless digital experience. Applicants can now apply online, make payments electronically, schedule inspections, and track the progress of their applications without leaving their offices or homes. This digital transformation is expected to cut processing times dramatically, from an average of 12 days to as little as 1 to 3 days, depending on the inspection schedule.
Officials emphasize that this change will enhance the predictability, transparency, and accessibility of agricultural trade certification. For traders, this means fewer delays, reduced operational costs, and minimized risks of errors or fraudulent activities. For regulators, the system offers improved oversight and data integrity, facilitating better compliance with international phytosanitary requirements.
The e-Phyto platform is also designed to integrate with broader digital infrastructure. It will connect to the Mozambique Electronic Single Window, allowing seamless data exchange between government agencies. Additionally, it will link with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) e-Phyto Hub, enabling Mozambique to securely exchange phytosanitary certificates with international trading partners. This global connectivity will not only bolster trust in Mozambique’s export certificates but also reduce risks associated with fraudulent documentation.
The move to an electronic phytosanitary certification system reflects Mozambique’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and enhancing its position in international trade. By embracing digital technology, the country is addressing long-standing bottlenecks that have hindered efficient trade and market access. The expected outcomes include faster trade transactions, increased competitiveness of Mozambican agricultural products, and stronger compliance with international standards.
Moreover, the system holds particular promise for empowering smaller exporters and rural producers by providing them with easy access to certification services that were previously time-consuming and costly. This democratization of trade services supports inclusive economic growth and helps integrate Mozambique’s agricultural sector more fully into regional and global value chains.
In summary, the launch of the e-Phyto system is a landmark achievement in Mozambique’s agricultural trade landscape. It introduces a faster, more reliable, and more transparent phytosanitary certification process that benefits exporters, regulators, and the economy as a whole. As the system becomes fully operational nationwide, it is expected to transform the way Mozambique conducts agricultural trade, positioning the country for greater success in an increasingly digital and interconnected global marketplace.
