Mozambique is taking another important step toward building a safer and more digitally aware society through a new partnership between the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) and Vodacom Mozambique. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a nationwide Privacy and Data Protection Literacy Programme in schools, reinforcing their shared commitment to preparing young people for an increasingly connected digital world. Signed at Josina Machel Secondary School in Maputo, the initiative reflects a growing recognition that digital transformation must be accompanied by strong digital education, privacy awareness, and responsible technology use.
The partnership is designed to equip students with essential knowledge about personal data protection, digital privacy, online safety, and the responsible use of information and communication technologies. As internet access and social media usage continue to expand among young people, the programme seeks to bridge critical digital literacy gaps by teaching learners how to navigate the online environment safely. Students will receive practical guidance on topics such as secure password creation, responsible social media engagement, cyberbullying prevention, online grooming, cyber sexual abuse, phishing, smishing, online dating scams, social engineering, and other emerging cyber threats that continue to evolve in today’s digital landscape.
The collaboration also brings together technical expertise from both institutions to ensure the programme delivers meaningful and impactful learning experiences. Under the agreement, INTIC will provide specialists in personal data protection, digital law, online safety, and emerging digital risks to support educational activities across participating schools. By combining regulatory expertise with Vodacom Mozambique’s commitment to digital inclusion, the initiative aims to empower students with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions while protecting their personal information in an increasingly digital society.
According to INTIC President Lourino Chemane, digital education has become one of the strongest tools for preventing cybercrime and protecting young people from online risks. He emphasized that while digital technologies create enormous opportunities for learning, communication, and innovation, they also expose users to significant challenges that require awareness, responsibility, and continuous education. By helping students understand both the opportunities and risks of the digital world, the programme seeks to cultivate a lasting culture of cybersecurity, digital responsibility, and privacy awareness from an early age.
The Privacy and Data Protection Literacy Programme is expected to expand progressively to schools across Mozambique’s provinces, giving more students access to critical digital safety education. As the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda, initiatives like this demonstrate the importance of combining connectivity with education, ensuring that future generations not only benefit from technology but also understand how to use it securely and responsibly. Through collaboration between government institutions and the private sector, Mozambique is laying the foundation for a safer, more inclusive, and resilient digital future where informed digital citizens become the cornerstone of sustainable technological growth.
