Mozambique: Administrative Tribunal president meets Sofala business sector

The President of the Administrative Tribunal (TA), Ana Gemo, held a dialogue meeting with representatives of the business sector in Sofala province on Friday, during a working visit to the jurisdiction.

The meeting brought together Administrative Tribunal judges and senior officials from the TA’s central administration, judges from courts in Sofala province, as well as leaders of the Sofala Provincial Business Council and several business associations representing the logistics and shipping, trade, transport and engineering sectors, among others.

The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the Administrative Tribunal and economic operators, clarify the institution’s role in overseeing the legality of public procurement, and hear the private sector’s concerns.

The President of the Administrative Tribunal stressed the importance of direct engagement in understanding the expectations and difficulties faced by business operators, particularly regarding contracts concluded with the State and submitted to the TA for registration or approval.

The main issues raised by business representatives included the lack of predictability regarding the fees payable for the registration or approval of contracts; difficulties and delays in paying these fees through traditional banking channels; the need for greater digitalisation of procedures, including tracking the status of cases and making electronic payments; and issues relating to contract amendments and the employment of foreign workers on public works projects.

In response, it was explained that the fees are calculated in accordance with the legislation in force, Decree No. 54/2021 of 29 July, which establishes progressive rates based on the value of the contract. The possibility of holding presentations and information sessions using practical examples was offered to help business operators anticipate these costs when preparing bids.

Ana Gemo and the other judges reaffirmed the Administrative Tribunal’s willingness to continue the dialogue and organise training and information activities, within the constitutional and legal limits of the institution’s remit.

The ongoing legislative reform process was also highlighted, with proposals for a Fiscal Procedure Code and a Customs Procedure Code already submitted to the Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic. These are expected to modernise and clarify various procedures.

Representatives of the Sofala Provincial Business Council thanked the  Administrative Tribunal for its openness and willingness to engage, stressing the importance of the TA strengthening its links with citizens and economic operators.

Both parties undertook to keep communication channels open and deepen cooperation in the interests of legality, transparency and economic development in the province and the country.