Angola possesses legal and regulatory instruments applicable to the implementation of national biosafety measures. A key instrument is Presidential Decree No. 81/26 of April 29, which approves the Standards on Biosafety regarding the Management of Genetically Modified Seeds and establishes rules and oversight mechanisms applicable to—among other activities—the import, transit, research, confined trials, environmental release, cultivation, handling, and use of genetically modified seeds. This legal framework is complemented by other applicable national instruments, including seed legislation and its associated regulations. Presidential Decree No. 56/26 of April 7 also introduced amendments to the regulatory regime governing the import of transgenic or genetically modified seeds or grains. Despite progress made in developing the national legal framework, there remains a need to strengthen the operationalization and implementation of biosafety measures, as well as inter-institutional coordination and the technical and institutional capacities required to ensure the effective and comprehensive implementation of the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol and CITES (as reflected in Angola's Presidential Decree No. 311/18 of December 19) and the Basic Law on Forests and Wildlife (Law No. 6/7 of January 24).

Existence of a Biosafety Laboratory linked to Health (in the accreditation phase in the country of the Institute for Research and Health (INIS) and a Food Quality Control Laboratory properly equipped in the accreditation phase that covers the area of analysis of Genetically Modified Organisms, Official Seed Control Laboratories and Genetic Markers, being the Laboratory of the Institute of Agricultural Research (IIA), the Institute of Veterinary Research (IIV) and the National Services of Seeds (SENSE))

The effective implementation of Article 5 also requires strengthening coordination among ARMED, the National Institute of Health, the Ministry of Health, and the National Institute of Biodiversity and Conservation Areas (INBAC)—the latter acting as an involved institution in the national coordination of the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol. This cooperation should facilitate the identification of pharmaceutical products containing LMOs (living modified organisms), the clarification of respective regulatory competencies, and the sharing of technical information, in compliance with applicable international instruments.

Angola has made progress in strengthening the national framework applicable to the transit and use of genetically modified organisms, namely through the approval of Presidential Decree No. 81/26, of April 29, 2026, which establishes biosafety standards relating to the management of genetically modified seeds. The aforementioned framework establishes procedures applicable to the transit operations of genetically modified seeds through the national territory, including authorization requirements, presentation of documentation and issuance of a transit certificate by the competent authority. The diploma also provides for requirements for the research, development and use of genetically modified seeds under containment conditions, including prior authorization from the competent authority and compliance with safety requirements applicable to laboratories and other facilities. Despite this progress, Angola continues to need reinforcement in the operationalization of the national biosafety framework, technical and institutional capacity, monitoring mechanisms and interinstitutional coordination, in order to ensure a comprehensive implementation of the provisions of Article 6 of the Cartagena Protocol.

Angola has been strengthening its legal and institutional framework governing the introduction, use, and management of genetically modified organisms. During the reporting period, Presidential Decree No. 81/26 of April 29, 2026, was approved, establishing biosafety standards for the management of genetically modified seeds, including requirements for importation, research, confined trials, risk assessment and management, and release into the environment. The release of genetically modified seeds into the environment is subject to authorization by the National Seed Authority and the submission of relevant information and studies, including risk assessments and management plans regarding human health and the environment, monitoring measures, and—where applicable—socio-economic impact assessments. Decisions on applications are made by the competent authority following a review of the submitted requirements and information; additionally, the construction of a laboratory for GMO control within the national territory has been approved.

Angola has been strengthening its legal and institutional framework regarding the management of genetically modified organisms, including measures applicable to the importation, use, cultivation, marketing, and other forms of utilization of genetically modified seeds. Presidential Decree No. 81/26 of April 29 establishes biosafety standards for the management of genetically modified seeds and sets out requirements regarding authorization, technical information, risk assessment and management, oversight, and quality control. Presidential Decree No. 179/18 of August 2 approves the Regulation on Laboratory Analysis of Products Intended for Human and Animal Consumption (whether domestic, imported, or for export). However, the specific implementation of Article 11 provisions—regarding living modified organisms intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing—still requires strengthening, particularly through the clarification of applicable procedures, the responsibilities of competent authorities, enforcement measures against violations, and mechanisms for decision-making and information sharing.

Angola has administrative and regulatory mechanisms in place for decision-making regarding the management and control of genetically modified organisms, including authorization and oversight procedures established within the national biosafety framework. The country recognizes the importance of having transparent mechanisms for the review and modification of decisions concerning the intentional transboundary movement of LMOs, in accordance with Article 12 of the Cartagena Protocol.

Angola has simplified administrative and regulatory procedures applicable to the management of transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms, particularly regarding genetically modified seeds. The national framework establishes requirements concerning authorization, documentation, risk assessment and management, and oversight. However, the simplified procedure provided for in Article 13 of the Cartagena Protocol still needs to be formally consolidated and operationalized within the national framework; this includes clearly defining the categories of LMOs and the situations to which the procedure may apply, as well as the mechanisms for notification and communication to the Biosafety Clearing-House. During the reporting period, no instances were identified in which Angola formally applied the simplified procedure provided for in Article 13.

Angola participates in various international cooperation instruments and mechanisms related to biodiversity conservation, the environment, agriculture, and sustainable development. However, during the reporting period, no specific bilateral, regional, or multilateral agreements or arrangements were identified—established by Angola with other Parties or non-Parties—exclusively or specifically aimed at regulating the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) under Article 14 of the Cartagena Protocol. Angola recognizes the importance of bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation in strengthening the implementation of biosafety and prioritizes the enhancement of technical, scientific, and institutional cooperation—including information sharing, capacity building, risk assessment and management, and the prevention of and response to potential unintentional or illegal transboundary movements of LMOs.

Angola has made progress in establishing the legal and institutional framework for the assessment and management of risks associated with genetically modified organisms. The national framework sets out requirements for risk assessment, technical information, authorization, and management and control measures for specific activities involving genetically modified seeds, including research, confined trials, importation, and use or release into the environment. Despite this progress, there remains a need to strengthen national capacity for risk assessment and management, particularly regarding the availability of specialists, laboratory capacity for the detection and identification of LMOs, the development of standardized methodologies, post-release monitoring, human health risk assessment, and the management of risks associated with different categories of LMOs. Angola also prioritizes strengthening human resource training and improving access to international technical guidance on risk assessment and management, including materials developed under the Cartagena Protocol.

Angola has institutional and regulatory mechanisms in place for the prevention, control, oversight, and management of risks associated with genetically modified organisms. These mechanisms involve various authorities with competencies in the areas of the environment, agriculture, health, trade, border control, and sanitary and phytosanitary control.

Angola has an institutional and regulatory framework that establishes requirements related to the handling, transport, storage, use and control of genetically modified organisms, including genetically modified seeds. The country also has institutions with inspection, border control, laboratory analysis and risk management skills. Despite this progress, the full implementation of the requirements of Article 18 of the Cartagena Protocol, particularly with regard to specific documentation for different categories of LMOs, shipment identification, sampling, detection and laboratory identification, still needs to be strengthened. Key needs include strengthening the capacity of customs and enforcement authorities, specialized training of officials responsible for border control, establishing and harmonizing sampling and detection procedures, availability of certified reference materials, and strengthening national laboratory infrastructure. Angola considers it a priority to ensure greater coordination between authorities responsible for the environment, agriculture, seeds, health, trade, customs and border control, in order to guarantee the effective implementation of the identification, documentation and security requirements set out in the Protocol.

Angola has an institutional system involving different sectors with responsibilities related to biosafety, including the environment, agriculture, seeds, health, trade, scientific research, and border control and enforcement. The National Focal Point of the Cartagena Protocol plays a central role in coordination and communication related to the implementation of the Protocol, including liaison with the Biosafety Clearing-House. During the reporting period, inter-institutional coordination initiatives were developed, including technical meetings and consultations with relevant sectors for the preparation of the Fifth National Report on the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol. These activities allowed for the collection of sectoral information, the promotion of knowledge sharing, and the identification of needs for strengthening national capacity. Despite progress, Angola still needs to strengthen institutional capacity, specialized human resources, formal inter-institutional coordination mechanisms, laboratory capacity, financial resources, and biosafety management and information sharing systems. Strengthening these elements is considered essential to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of the Cartagena Protocol.

Some information relevant to the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol is available at the national level, but has not yet been fully submitted or updated in the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH). This situation is related, among other aspects, to the need to consolidate information from different competent national institutions, update national registries, and strengthen coordination between the National Focal Point of the Protocol, the National Focal Point of the BCH, and the competent national authorities. The country recognizes the need to improve the regularity, completeness, and updating of the information available in the BCH.

Angola has been strengthening the implementation of Article 20 of the Cartagena Protocol, notably through the maintenance of national focal points and participation in the Biosafety Clearing-House. The country possesses relevant normative and institutional information on biosafety, including recently approved legislation on the management of genetically modified seeds. However, challenges remain related to the consolidation, updating, and systematic availability of national information in the BCH. Strengthening inter-institutional coordination, technical capacity, and information management is a priority to improve Angola's participation in the BCH. The CBD currently identifies the national contacts for the Cartagena Protocol, including the National Focal Point, the emergency contact, and the BCH Focal Point.

Angola has general mechanisms in place for the protection of confidential information within its administrative and institutional procedures. However, it is necessary to continue strengthening and formalizing specific procedures applicable to confidential information received under the Cartagena Protocol, including criteria for the identification, processing, access, storage, and disclosure of such information, in accordance with the provisions of Article 21.

Angola has made progress in developing and strengthening capacities to implement the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety through participation in training activities, technical workshops, regional and international exchanges, and initiatives supported by development partners. The country has designated national focal points and institutions with biosafety-related responsibilities and has participated in capacity-building activities concerning the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH). However, needs for institutional and technical strengthening persist, particularly in the areas of risk assessment and management, detection and identification of LMOs, information management and sharing, use and updating of the BCH, documentation, public awareness, scientific research, inter-institutional coordination, and effective enforcement of the national regulatory framework. Regarding funding, Angola has benefited from support through multilateral mechanisms and GEF-backed initiatives to strengthen biosafety capacities. Nevertheless, the availability of predictable and sustainable national funding remains a challenge for ensuring the continuity of capacity-building activities and the full implementation of obligations under the Protocol. The GEF recognizes biosafety capacity-building—including the strengthening of national frameworks, risk assessment and management, and participation in the BCH—as key areas for supporting countries. Angola prioritizes strengthening inter-institutional coordination, developing a functional national biosafety capacity-building mechanism, systematically updating and making information available on the BCH, and mobilizing sustainable financial resources for capacity development.

Angola has made progress in strengthening public awareness and participation regarding biosafety. Presidential Decree No. 81/26 of April 29, which approves biosafety regulations concerning the management of genetically modified seeds, establishes specific provisions for awareness-raising, public participation, and access to information in decision-making processes related to genetically modified seeds. The legal framework stipulates that the public be informed in an adequate, timely, and effective manner, enabling participation through the submission of comments, information, and opinions during public consultation processes. It also provides for the results of decisions to be made accessible to the public, without prejudice to the protection of information deemed confidential. Despite these advances, needs remain regarding the operationalization of public participation mechanisms, the systematic dissemination of participation modalities, the strengthening of awareness-raising and educational activities, and the development of a structured national biosafety communication strategy. Angola will continue to promote access to information and the participation of various stakeholder groups in processes related to the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol.

During the reporting period, no specific agreements entered into by Angola with non-Parties regarding the transboundary movement of living modified organisms were identified. Likewise, no information was reported confirming transboundary movements of LMOs between Angola and non-Parties within the framework of national procedures for implementing the Protocol. Angola will continue to ensure that any potential transboundary movement involving LMOs is handled in accordance with the objectives and safety requirements established by the Cartagena Protocol and applicable national legislation.

Angola has legal and administrative measures in place to prevent and sanction activities carried out in violation of national regulations applicable to genetically modified organisms and seeds. Presidential Decree No. 81/26 establishes biosafety standards, oversight mechanisms, and a sanctions regime applicable to specific infractions related to the import, transit, research, release into the environment, cultivation, handling, and use of genetically modified seeds. During the reporting period, no officially reported cases of illegal transboundary movements of LMOs were identified. However, it remains necessary to strengthen border monitoring and control capacities, including the training of competent officials, sampling and detection mechanisms, and coordination among institutions responsible for biosafety, agriculture, the environment, trade, and customs control.

Angola has a legal framework that allows for the consideration of relevant factors in decision-making regarding genetically modified organisms. Presidential Decree No. 81/26 strengthens the national biosafety framework applicable to genetically modified seeds and establishes procedures for assessment and decision-making. Despite these advances, the systematic consideration of socioeconomic aspects associated with LMOs remains an area requiring further development. In particular, Angola identifies a future need to develop guidelines, methodologies, and technical criteria for assessing socioeconomic impacts, complementing environmental risk assessments and the consideration of potential risks to human health.

Angola has participated in national, regional, and international cooperation initiatives related to the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This cooperation has included the exchange of scientific, technical, and institutional knowledge; participation in workshops and capacity-building activities; the use of materials and technical guidelines provided under the Protocol; and collaboration with international institutions and partners. At the national level, collaboration has been strengthened among the Cartagena Protocol National Focal Point, competent authorities, and institutions across various sectors. During the preparation of the Fifth National Report, technical sessions and inter-institutional consultations were held to gather information, identify gaps, and assess the status of the Protocol's implementation. Angola considers scientific, technical, and institutional cooperation to be an essential component for strengthening national biosafety capacity, particularly in areas such as risk assessment and management, detection and identification of LMOs, monitoring, information management, public participation, human resource capacity building, and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms. Despite the progress achieved, there remains a need to enhance cooperation and mobilize resources, especially for developing laboratory capacity, specialized training, socio-economic assessment, risk management, and the operationalization of national information-sharing mechanisms.

Angola currently possesses various regulatory and administrative instruments for the management and control of genetically modified organisms, particularly genetically modified seeds. Presidential Decree No. 81/26 of April 29, 2026, establishes procedures for authorization and licensing, risk assessment and management, quarantine, monitoring and inspection, identification, labeling and traceability, and transport and transit, as well as control measures and a sanctions regime. The decree also sets out specific requirements for research, use under contained conditions, confined trials, release into the environment, and cultivation. The instruments provided for include risk assessment forms and documentation, monitoring and risk management plans, authorizations, transit certificates, activity logs and reports, identification and labeling documentation, and mechanisms for inspection and incident response.

During the reporting period, Angola undertook activities to strengthen its national biosafety framework that are relevant to the liability and redress principles set out in the Nagoya–Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol. Key activities included the review and consolidation of the national biosafety legal framework, the strengthening of mechanisms to prevent and respond to incidents involving genetically modified seeds, and the establishment of provisions regarding liability for damage and the costs of assessment and redress. Efforts were also made to foster institutional coordination and consultation among relevant sectors. These initiatives contribute to building the national capacity required to implement the principles of liability and redress, although further development of specific regulatory and institutional mechanisms remains necessary.