Mozambique: Digital technologies crucial for economic diversification

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo believes that digital technologies are crucial for economic diversification as they create new opportunities for young people. According to Chapo, who was speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the European Union-Mozambique Digital Open Day, in Brussels, digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), have transformative impact in the current global context. “AI is profoundly transforming the way we produce, undertake, govern and compete.

It represents the birth of a new, highly developed, digital and globally competitive workforce”, he said. African countries like Mozambique, he said, must regard AI as a strategic opportunity to “accelerate development, diversify the economy and create new opportunities for young people.” According to Chapo, digitalization goes beyond the technological component, and “it is part of the agenda for modernizing the Mozambican state, for economic competitiveness, and for expanding opportunities for all citizens.” Among the main ongoing initiatives, he highlighted the Citizen Portal, the Government Interoperability Platform, the expansion of national connectivity, the Digital Certification System, and the Paper Zero initiative, aimed at minimizing the use of paper in public services. Chapo also stressed the importance of cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy, considering them essential pillars for building digital trust.

“No country travels the path of digital transformation alone. We welcome European support in mobilizing funding and strengthening institutional capacities, as well as the investments announced for rural connectivity and expansion of the government’s electronic network, measures which will bring citizens closer to public services”, he said. Chapo also said that the “Digital Open Day” should serve as a platform for mobilizing investment and establishing partnerships. “This meeting will contribute to the preparation of the Mozambique-European Union Global Business Forum Gateway, scheduled for next June in Maputo”, he added.