The Government of Mozambique is committed to advancing its digital transformation strategy, focusing on projects that enhance connectivity, e-governance, and private sector inclusion. In 2021, the World Bank approved a $150 million grant to support investment and provide technical assistance through Mozambique’s Digital Governance and Economy Project (EDGE). With an end date in 2027, this project is crucial to the development of the Digital Economy, supported by the National Strategy for Broadband and the pressing need to develop regulations in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and e-commerce.

In October 2023, the Council of Ministers approved the Regulatory Framework for the Registry and Licensing of Electronic Services Providers and Digital Platforms Operators. This framework will help companies adopt registry and licensing practices in line with global standards. In addition, the National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to implement 25 projects by 2025 and has established a multi-sectoral council to oversee the governance framework. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) continues to play an integral role in national development plans, with clear benchmarks and targets to guide progress.

According to Data Reportal, internet penetration in Mozambique was 20.7% at the start of 2023, and nearly half of the population had mobile phone accounts. Many individuals hold multiple SIM cards due to the higher cost of cross-network calls compared to same-network calls, as well as varying network quality and coverage, particularly in remote areas. In line with this, new legislation passed in 2023 mandates that all subscribers must have a Unique Telecommunications Number (NUTEL) issued by the National Communications Institute (INCM), ensuring the unique identification of subscribers across operators. Furthermore, during the first quarter of the year 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the National Telecommunications Roaming Law which will guarantee full coverage to subscribers despite of its Sim card network.  Moreover, telecommunications operators were enabled to share infrastructure and extend the benefits of connectivity to all citizens, especially in underserved areas. 

The mobile money market in Mozambique is experiencing significant growth, fueled by apps from licensed mobile operators: Tmcel-Moçambique Telecom, SA (Tmcel), Vodacom Moçambique, SARL (Vodacom), and Viettel-backed Movitel. These operators offer digital services such as transfers, payments, and withdrawals via mobile phones, all regulated by the Central Bank of Mozambique. No bank account is required to use these services, and users can conduct financial transactions through human agents stationed at key locations throughout the country, even without smartphones. As of the first quarter of 2021, 65% of the adult population in Mozambique had a mobile money account, according to Statista.

In partnership with U.S.-based Euronet, Sociedade Interbancária de Moçambique (SIMO) operates the national card switch, a platform that facilitates a unified payment clearance network for all commercial banks and electronic money institutions. The Bank of Mozambique has emphasized that SIMO complies with international standards for payment systems, including the requirement for contactless technology on all bank cards and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. In addition, larger banks in Mozambique offer mobile wallets linked to bank accounts, further driving digital financial inclusion.

Key Government Bodies

•    National Institute for Information and Communication Technology (INTIC)
The regulatory body to support the development and implementation of regulatory frameworks for national information and communication technology, including cybersecurity and cybercrime.
•    National Communications Institute (INCM)
Regulates and supervises the communications sector and spectrum management of radio frequencies. It also grants licenses to communication services and monitors compliance with legislation.
•    National Institute for E-Governance (INAGE)
The institution with primary responsibility to deliver government information and services to the public and other agencies in addition to bringing about improvements in government digital operations.
•    Bank of Mozambique (BOM)
Mozambique’s supervisory public institution of financial institutions including mobile payment platforms.

Market Challenges 

Regulatory Environment

Currently, Mozambique lacks specific legislation on cybercrime, data protection, and privacy. However, various laws, such as the Civil Code, the Electronic Transactions Law, and the Telecommunications Law, provide a legal framework that governs aspects of the digital economy.

As Mozambique undergoes its digital migration, it faces new threats to both government and private sector entities, particularly in financial services and critical infrastructure. These sectors are most vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can disrupt economic activities and weaken national security. Government agencies also face growing risks related to the online storage of citizens’ personal information, which is increasingly used in public service delivery. In response to these challenges, the Government of Mozambique has prioritized cybersecurity as a crucial element of its digital transformation agenda.

To address these concerns, the National Institute for Information and Communications Technology (INTIC) is leading consultations on the proposed Law on Cybersecurity and Cyber Crimes. In addition, the National Institute of Electronic Governance (INAGE) and the Mozambique Research and Education Networks (MoRENET) have established Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) to support academic and public institutions in mitigating cyber threats. However, these teams face significant challenges, including a lack of technical expertise and financial resources, limiting their ability to provide effective responses.

The Bank of Mozambique is the primary regulator for e-commerce payments and is working with commercial banks to establish a national payment platform that will facilitate online transactions for local businesses. Despite starting the process in 2018, the country has yet to approve a comprehensive e-commerce regulatory framework, which continues to hinder the growth of the digital commerce sector.

Digital Trade Barriers

There is a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas in Mozambique. According to  the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation, over half of the population cannot afford internet services nor basic electronic devices. In addition to high costs, rural areas face limited access due to a lack of mobile or broadband coverage. Data traffic is also expensive to transmit outside of Maputo, contributing to cost disparities between the northern and southern regions. Inadequate power supply further delays the deployment of essential digital infrastructure, raising costs and impeding connectivity efforts.

Several public institutions have entered into agreements with Chinese vendors for equipment and services, and private sector buyers tend to favor Chinese suppliers due to their lower costs and strong customer service. For instance, the Chinese government funded a Digital Forensic Laboratory for the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) to enhance criminal case investigations. Huawei, which entered the Mozambican market in 2015, has secured significant public contracts, including a $23 million deal with Tmcel (the state-owned telecommunications company) and the installation of an integrated communications system for Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM). 

The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), which works alongside the existing Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) system, is a step toward preparing the country’s railway communications infrastructure for the 5G transition by 2030.

Despite the increasing reliance on technology, government spending on ICT infrastructure remains insufficient to meet national needs. This lack of funding hinders the approval of solutions for vendors without sufficient financial backing. According to the World Bank, about 50% of the population lacks official proof of identity, creating barriers to accessing essential public services and limiting financial inclusion. Digital startups struggle to attract investment, while traditional businesses are slow to adopt digital technologies and platforms that could enhance productivity and sales.

In terms of financial inclusion, fewer than 35% of Mozambique’s adults have a bank account, and many lack access to credit or debit cards, meaning only a small segment of the population can engage in online shopping. In addition, SMEs are discouraged from setting up online retail operations due to inadequate road infrastructure and unreliable postal services, which hamper product delivery and logistics.

Digital Trade Opportunities 

There is significant demand for enhancing Mozambique’s digital ecosystem, with development partners like the World Bank playing a pivotal role in financing transformative projects through funding and technical assistance. Broadband connectivity is steadily improving, driven by major investments such as the Land2Africa Consortium (supported by Meta), which has installed two key submarine cable systems to boost connectivity in southern and northern Mozambique. Additionally, the launch of Starlink services has expanded internet access to more rural areas, leading to a reduction in market prices. Telecommunications companies are also exploring Open RAN technology to further extend connectivity to underserved regions.

Cyber Security

The growth of Mozambique’s digital economy brings new challenges and risks, including cyber-attacks, fraud, privacy threats, and market disruptions. Led by INTIC National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to build a secure, resilient digital ecosystem by protecting critical infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and strengthening legal frameworks. . The government has also started to incorporate minimum cybersecurity requirements into all public procurement contracts. Mozambique’s digital transition is largely driven by the private sector, which is increasingly seeking outsourced solutions like encryption for network access, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), advanced persistent threat (APT) detection, email phishing security, and comprehensive cybersecurity training.

As the need to safeguard critical infrastructure grows, there is a heightened demand to protect against disruptions that could impact productivity. To address these concerns, national Computer Incident Response and Security Teams (CIRSTs) are working to establish sector-specific teams, create a national cybersecurity network, and develop a Center for the Analysis of Internet Traffic (CATI) to improve monitoring and defense capabilities.

Cloud Computing

Mozambique currently does not have a data localization policy, allowing international companies to provide cloud services in the country. Over recent years, the number of data centers managed by private companies has been steadily increasing. The Government of Mozambique operates Maluana Park as part of its broader e-governance strategy. On the private sector front, Roha, a U.S.-based investment firm, has launched Mozambique’s first carrier-neutral, tier 3 data center in partnership with the regional high-tech group Raxio, marking a significant milestone for the country’s digital infrastructure.

E-Commerce

The e-commerce market in Mozambique is still in its early stages. Domestic online transactions remain limited but are expected to grow as improvements in IT infrastructure and the expansion of the urban middle class take hold. Despite bureaucratic challenges, several retailers have begun offering e-commerce services, including home delivery options. Many businesses are leveraging social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, in combination with mobile money services, to facilitate online sales. For instance, Yango, owned by Russian multinational Yandex, offers ridesharing, parcel delivery, and e-grocery services. Yango and Portador Diario are relied upon channels for the movement of goods in and through the Maputo capital region.

FINTECHs/Payment Platforms

Mozambique’s financial sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the rapid expansion of digital services. FINTECHs are at the forefront of this change, fostering innovation and modernization in both banking and non-banking sectors. Key areas of growth include e-money, insurance, and capital markets, all of which are contributing to the evolution of payment instruments. The Mozambique FinTech Association has been established to promote financial inclusion by strengthening the digital financial ecosystem, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and encouraging technology and investment partnerships with international entities. FINTECHs also serve as aggregators for mobile wallets and bank accounts, facilitating e-commerce transactions and offering money transfer services, including international remittances.

In 2018, U.S.-based EURONET signed an agreement with the Bank of Mozambique to modernize the national payment clearance network. The solution, delivered via Sociedade Interbancária de Moçambique (SIMO)—a joint-stock company partly owned by the Bank of Mozambique—uses Ren Technology. EURONET’s solution provides a range of services including transaction processing, connectivity with major card associations, ATM and POS device integration, card issuance, bill payments, and digital wallet management.  

E-Government and Digital Services 

The Government of Mozambique plans to leverage technology to modernize government operations, reduce bureaucratic processes, and improve the citizen services. Flagship projects include:  
•    Digital Signatures: The Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation introduced digital signatures to improve government systems and shorten bureaucratic procedures.
•    Integration of all e-government systems: The Government of Mozambique will integrate all government systems and unify data management to improve operational performance and limit security breaches.
•    E-Gov payment gateway: The Ministry of Finance will lead the deployment of a secure, centralized system that facilitates electronic transactions between citizens/ businesses and government entities enabling online payment for public services, taxes and fees.
•    E-Gov procurement platform: On April 2025, the Government of Mozambique launched the project to set an Electronic Procurement System (e-GP) with the goal of public procurement processes more transparent, efficient and traceable.
•    Citizen Portal: This portal will provide access to all government services ranging from:  digital ID, civil registration, Tax Number and more.

Trade shows

•    RSA Conference March 23-26, 2026 San Francisco, CA
•    Africa Tech Festival, Nov 17-19, 2026 Cape Town, South Africa