Policy Analysis for the Adoption of Mycelium-Based Wound Dressings in Angola: A Case Study on *Ganoderma* Cultivation Using Lagos Waste for Diabetic Ulcer Care

Diabetic ulcers present a major clinical and economic challenge in Angola, associated with high complication rates. Conventional advanced wound care is often prohibitively expensive. Simultaneously, the disposal of agricultural waste constitutes a persistent environmental issue. This creates an opportunity for locally produced, sustainable biomaterials, such as wound dressings derived from the mycelium of Ganoderma fungi cultivated on agricultural waste from Lagos. This policy analysis aims to examine the feasibility and policy requirements for adopting locally produced mycelium-based wound dressings in Angola. Its objectives are to map the relevant policy landscape, identify critical barriers and enablers for adoption, and assess the viability of a cultivation framework using imported agricultural waste, informed by clinical healing data. A qualitative case study methodology was employed, analysing technical, economic, and regulatory dimensions. This involved a review of Angolan health and industrial policy frameworks, synthesis of stakeholder perspectives from healthcare, agriculture, and industry, and consideration of secondary clinical data on wound healing rates. The analysis identified a significant policy void concerning support for locally developed biotechnological health products. A central finding was the misalignment between waste management policies and incentives for bio-based manufacturing. Clinical data suggested mycelium dressings could reduce healing times for certain diabetic ulcers. Principal barriers include fragmented regulatory oversight for novel biomaterials and insufficient investment in domestic biotechnology infrastructure. The adoption of mycelium-based wound dressings in Angola is technically feasible and aligns with public health needs and circular economy principles. However, its realisation is dependent on coherent policy integration across health, industry, and environmental sectors to foster a supportive ecosystem for local bio-innovation. Establish a cross-ministerial taskforce to develop a unified regulatory pathway for novel biomaterials. Implement targeted pilot programmes for local mycelium cultivation and product evaluation. Integrate support for such biotechnology into national health procurement and industrial development strategies. policy analysis, mycelium, wound dressing, Ganoderma, Angola, diabetic ulcer, agricultural waste, biotechnology, circular economy. This analysis provides a structured policy framework for integrating a locally producible, sustainable biomedical technology into Angola's health system, highlighting the necessary intersections between industrial biotechnology, waste valorisation, and healthcare access.