Last Thursday (15), the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP) launched the national electronic phytosanitary certification system, known as e-Phyto.

The aim of this system is to modernize trade in agricultural products and bring the country into line with international standards. The new platform will also allow phytosanitary certificates to be issued digitally, replacing the traditional manual paper process.

Speaking at the ceremony to launch the new system, MAAP Permanent Secretary Acubar Batista explained the importance it will bring to the agricultural trade process.

"This is a decisive and important step for Mozambique's agricultural trade. With this newly unveiled e-Phyto system, we are not only injecting efficiency into the trade of agricultural products, but also increasing transparency," he said.

The system was developed with technical support from TradeMark Africa (TMA) and funding from the governments of Ireland and the Netherlands. As well as reducing transaction costs and processing time, e-Phyto aims to ensure that Mozambique complies with the phytosanitary requirements of the international market.

"The digital platform allows licenses and certificates to be issued with integration to banks and financial mobile portfolios," said Acubar Batista.

It is also expected to be connected to the Single Electronic Window and the international EPHYTO network, under the International Plant Protection Convention, which will facilitate interaction with other systems in global trade.

So far, various players in the sector have been trained, including importers, exporters, economic agents and phytosanitary inspectors.

With this technological commitment, the government hopes to boost the agricultural sector, making it more efficient, transparent and competitive in foreign markets.

(Photo DR)