Market Intelligence
Cloud Computing Cybersecurity Wireless Mozambique Data Localization Information Technology

Mozambique’s Digital Transformation

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online platforms and remote work systems.

Broadband

There is major discrepancy in connectivity between urban and rural areas in Mozambique. Maputo is the largest and best-connected city although challenges in infrastructure, market maturity and affordability cripple connectivity throughout the country. Additionally, data traffic is expensive to carry out of Maputo. This has resulted in data becoming more expensive in the north of the country than in the south.

Mozambique aims to tackle this discrepancy by establishing digital villages, an infrastructure scheme which will improve connectivity and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) access in rural areas. Mozambique is currently connected to two subsea cables, and Facebook has announced plans to land 2Africa cable system in the north of the country between 2023 and early 2024. 

Cybersecurity

Digital transformation poses threats to end-users including the Mozambican Government and the private sector. Public entities face severe consequences due to big data storage of citizens who depend public services. As a result, the Government of Mozambique has identified cybersecurity as a priority segment to the country’s digital transformation process. 

The National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to implement 25 projects by 2025 and establish a multi-sectoral council with a mandate to coordinate a governance framework. The Government tends to include minimum cybersecurity requirements in public procurement contracts to meet minimum ICT requirements but with the digital transition there is a demand for outsourced solutions, such as encryption for network access, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), advanced persistent threat (APT), email phishing security and cybersecurity training.

Cloud Computing

The Government of Mozambique operates Maluana Park and four other data centers in the country. As part of the e-governance strategy, Maluana Park is set to centralize and host the Government’s public administration computing systems. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Heroku, and Microsoft Azure are among many international companies that offer cloud services to Mozambique, but do not operate their own in-country data centers. 

Flagship Projects

A pool of opportunities exists for U.S. companies that can develop a secure and resilient critical information infrastructure (CII) in Mozambique with the following upcoming projects:

  • $150 million grant from the World Bank to support the Digital Governance and Economy Project to improve digital public services and digital business opportunities 
  • Establishment of two data centers in the north of Mozambique (Mocuba and Nacala city)
  • Infrastructure improvement for its E-Government Network 
  • Multimedia Community Centers 
  • Digital Villages

For more information contact us at office.maputo@trade.gov