The Mozambican government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital transformation as a strategic pillar for national development, the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga, said at an International Conference on Digitalisation for Inclusive Communities, held in Maputo on Friday.
Minister Muchanga described digitalisation as a cross-cutting priority for the 2025–2029 governance cycle, with significant potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve citizens’ quality of life.
The conference, which brought together senior government officials, international development partners, civil society organisations, private sector stakeholders, and academia, was opened by the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga. Also in attendance were the Minister of State Administration and Civil Service, Inocêncio Impissa, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mozambique, Catherine Sozi.
Highlighting notable achievements, Muchanga pointed to the implementation of public sector digital platforms such as the Government Portal, electronic appointment booking systems, the e-SISTAFE financial management platform, the e-Visa system, and the Social Security Information System. These tools, he said, are helping to make public services more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred.
Yet, Muchanga acknowledged that the rapid spread of digitalisation comes with new risks, especially in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, and digital inequality.
He outlined the government’s efforts to address these issues, including the creation of a National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT), sector-specific CSIRTs, and the launch of a national Safer Internet Centre.
The Minister also announced the ongoing development of key policy instruments to guide the country’s digital future, including a National Digital Transformation Strategy, a Digital Government Strategy, a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and a Data Governance Policy. These strategies are being developed in collaboration with partners such as the World Bank, UNESCO, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Union.
“The government is determined to align public policy with global digital trends, while ensuring no one is left behind,” Muchanga said.
Echoing these sentiments, Minister Inocêncio Impissa underscored the importance of digitalisation as a cornerstone of public sector reform and state modernisation.
He called for deeper institutional transformation, especially at the district and municipal levels, to ensure that technology translates into real and inclusive service delivery.
“There are still persistent challenges in districts and localities, particularly in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, and digital literacy,” said Impissa.
“We remain committed to accelerating reforms and introducing innovative, citizen-responsive solutions,” he said.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Catherine Sozi commended Mozambique’s digitalisation agenda as a catalyst for inclusion, development, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She highlighted in particular the government’s progress in expanding access to the internet and essential online services.
“Inclusive and ethical digitalisation, when done right, can reduce inequality and transform lives,” Sozi said, reaffirming the UN’s support in building a resilient and people-centred digital ecosystem in Mozambique.
The conference will conclude with actionable recommendations to strengthen national policies for digital transformation, with a strong focus on social justice, inclusion, and institutional resilience.
