Proposed Ban on Genetically Modified Organisms in Angola

CHRIS MELVILLE / World Markets Analysis 25mar04

The Angolan government has examined a draft law to ban the import of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), and has declared its intention to push for the ban in the near future. According to the Angola Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gilberto Buta Lutucuta, the government has taken its position because of its concerns related to the possible effect of GMOs on human and animal health. However, the Minister stressed that it would not be able to satisfactorily regulate the import of GMOs without investment in the training of customs officials to distinguish between the variety of products and goods entering the country, including seeds, transgenetic or genetically-modified grains.

Significance: The Angolan government's concern over GMOs echoes that of several other countries in the Southern African region, who are worried about the possible impact on non-genetically modified grains grown domestically. In 2002, in spite of weak harvests and widespread drought, the governments of Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe refused food aid in the form of GM grain. Although facing logistical problems, the Angolan government is now sure to follow suit in rejecting the import of GMOs.

source: email 25mar04