Mozambique: “Digital infrastructure is as strategic as roads and ports” — Américo Muchanga

The minister was speaking during Panel II of BFSI – Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Mozambique 2026, where he addressed the theme “Sustainable Digital Transformation: Critical Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Data Governance”. During the panel, Américo Muchanga highlighted three fundamental aspects for the advancement of the digital economy, beginning with connectivity, stressing that without it there can be no digital economy. He also emphasised that infrastructure is essential and that connectivity must reach all regions, including rural areas, so that people do not have to leave their communities to access the internet.

The second point addressed was the Data Centre for financial services, which, according to him, “without them, there is no digital banking”. He stressed that to provide accessible financial services where people are located, it is essential to invest in robust data centres capable of supporting these services. On the third point, Muchanga highlighted the need for secure networks for digital government, stressing that there is no digital government without them, as security in the use of digital services is vital for citizens’ trust and a condition for their full adoption.

In his intervention, the minister also addressed the issue of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting that without adequate computing capacity, its implementation and benefits could be compromised. Photo: Ministério das Comunicações e Transformação Digital Despite advances in data centres, computers and mobile phones, current infrastructure still lacks the capacity to support more advanced AI models. Muchanga stressed that cybersecurity is now an essential component of national security, particularly in light of conflicts taking place in cyberspace.

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He highlighted that the Mozambican government has approved a series of reforms, including the Cybersecurity Law, the Cybercrime Law, and regulations on radio centres and cloud computing. The implementation of these regulations is mandatory for companies operating critical infrastructure, with the aim of protecting assets, user data and ensuring the continuity of essential services. According to Minister Muchanga, these regulatory instruments will create a safer, more reliable and more attractive digital environment for investment. “Mozambique, known for its natural resources, now needs to transform them into sustainable development through technologies such as AI, intelligent sensors and digital platforms, which optimise resource management, increase transparency and combat illicit activities,” he said.

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