Mozambique centralizes rice and wheat imports to curb under-invoicing

The Mozambican government has granted the Mozambique Grain Institute (ICM) a mandate to manage imports of rice and wheat in an effort to combat under-invoicing and tax losses. According to authorities, such practices cost the state around €85.2 million annually, ICM Director Luís Jobe Fazenda said.

He explained that the decision reflects ICM’s role in managing the cereal value chain and primary marketing. In recent years, the government identified systematic cases of under-invoicing and tax evasion, leading to annual state losses estimated at up to $100 million.

The mandate, which took effect on December 31, aims to halt the illegal outflow of foreign currency through mispricing of rice and wheat imports. Officials also cited problems with some importers and market disorganization, noting the lack of accurate data and a proper registry of operators and imported volumes.

Under the new system, the state will restrict cereal imports and delegate centralized management to the ICM, operating in a model similar to the fuel sector. The institute will collect information on international markets, require bank guarantees from importers, place purchase orders, and ensure that rice and wheat are sold domestically at fair prices. This mechanism is expected to improve price transparency and enable inspectors to better monitor and sanction unjustified price increases.

Beyond import management, the ICM plans to support domestic production and storage infrastructure. At the end of January, the institute will meet with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Italy to present a project aimed at mobilizing more than $100 million to finance production, agricultural marketing, warehouse rehabilitation, and the creation of a strategic food reserve exceeding 100,000 tonnes to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

Tags: wheat, imports, Mozambique