The Administrative Tribunal of Mozambique has rejected an application by Companhia Industrial da Matola (CIM) seeking to suspend the implementation of Ministerial Diploma No. 132/2025, according to a report by the Club of Mozambique. The diploma designates the Mozambique Grain Institute (ICM) as the state agent responsible for managing imports of rice and wheat. The tribunal’s decision, issued on 3 November, means the ICM retains its authority to oversee these essential commodity flows without legal interruption.
CIM had requested an interim injunction to halt the diploma, arguing that the measure created legal uncertainty and caused financial losses for economic operators. The company challenged the legality of the instrument following its own indefinite suspension on 13 October over alleged violations of import rules. In its filings, CIM highlighted several irregularities, including compulsory pre-registration for importers, which it claimed lacked a legal basis, and the imposition of unjustified fees. The company also argued that interference in foreign exchange transactions fell under the exclusive competence of the Bank of Mozambique.
Basílio Muhate, the Minister of Economy, defended the legality of the diploma during hearings. He argued that state intervention was necessary to safeguard the public interest and boost the sector. The minister stated that controlling imports was essential to combat irregular practices and prevent private speculation from causing shortages and price instability for these staple goods. The tribunal found that the minister’s arguments regarding the public interest outweighed the company’s claims of harm.
In its reasoning, the judges determined that CIM had not demonstrated irreparable harm or strong evidence of illegality that would justify suspending the regulation. The tribunal noted that the temporary continued application of the diploma could not be shown to cause losses that were difficult to repair. Consequently, the legal requirements for an exceptional suspension were not met. The Club of Mozambique reported that CIM has ten days to appeal the decision. The company may now bring the case to the Plenary of the Administrative Tribunal following notification of the ruling.