Mozambique is developing a Strategy and Implementation Plan for its “Internet for All” initiative, with the aim of coordinating ongoing efforts to expand connectivity and digital inclusion across the country.
The proposed strategy was presented on Wednesday, October 7, by the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP), which was engaged by the Communications Regulatory Authority (INCM). The proposal is now being reviewed by representatives from government, the private sector, telecommunications operators, academia, civil society and development partners.
The strategy is intended to establish a common roadmap for connectivity initiatives that have already been implemented or are under development. These include the expansion of mobile base stations into rural areas, Digital Squares, Community Multimedia Centres, public internet access points, ICT laboratories in schools and the extension of Mozambique’s fibre-optic network.
It will also address telecommunications infrastructure mapping, universal access programmes and digital public services, including the Citizen’s Portal. Measures to improve the quality, accessibility and transparency of telecommunications services will also form part of the proposed framework.
Helena Fernandes, Chairman of the Board of Directors of INCM, said Mozambique had made progress in expanding telecommunications networks and digital services, but continued to face challenges linked to the urban-rural digital divide, infrastructure availability, affordability, service quality and digital skills.
Fernandes said the “Internet for All” initiative should extend beyond increasing the number of connected people, highlighting the importance of quality, accessibility, digital skills, security and effective internet use.
INCM is also implementing measures aimed at improving data consumption transparency, service quality and consumer protection. These include working with telecommunications operators to restructure service packages and developing a tariff management system that is currently being tested.
Sónia Jorge, Executive Director of GDIP, said Mozambique’s existing digital initiatives could position the country as a regional reference, while calling for stronger coordination between existing projects and new interventions.
The proposed strategy is expected to provide the government with an implementation roadmap showing how existing connectivity projects contribute to national development, while identifying additional interventions needed to achieve Mozambique’s digital inclusion objectives.
