It's a crime that it's so hard to export

Good afternoon. Is Mozambique really losing about half of its annual GDP due to smuggling, as secretary of state for trade António Grispos claims (see below)? Unlikely. But there is a huge problem in legalising imports and exports. And much of that problem can be laid at the door of Grispos’ colleagues in the ruling Frelimo party.

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It is Frelimo that benefits greatly from the bribes paid to customs and other officials which enable smuggling to take place. Much of this bribery, as is well known, happens at the port of Nacala, which amongst other abuses has seen corrupt officials manipulate the pigeon pea export trade for the benefit of exporter Royal Group in alliance with Frelimo bigwigs. As a result, legitimate exports have been prevented from leaving the country.