The Mozambican government and the Republic of Angola signed two memorandums of understanding on Monday (22) in Maputo, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of communications, information and communication technologies, meteorology, and the space sector, as part of an initiative to deepen digital integration between the two countries.
The signing of the agreements took place on the sidelines of the 5th National Communications Conference, chaired by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, and attended by government representatives from both countries. The memorandums were initialed by Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga, and Angola’s Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Media, Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira.
On that occasion, the President of the Republic highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in accelerating digital transformation and strengthening technological infrastructure, arguing that connectivity now plays a central role in the functioning of the economy, the delivery of public services, and the ability of states to respond to crisis situations.
The agreements signed aim to promote the exchange of experiences, the development of joint projects, and technical cooperation in strategic areas related to electronic communications, digital technologies, meteorology, and space activities. During the ceremony, the head of state also revealed that “the Nacala-Lobito submarine cable project is currently in the design phase; this infrastructure is expected to connect Mozambique and Angola and strengthen regional connectivity.”
According to Chapo, the project will increase international internet access capacity, reduce communication costs, and position Mozambique as a key digital corridor in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The President further emphasized that investments in connectivity and digital transformation should translate into tangible benefits for the population, helping to improve sectors such as education, health, agriculture, trade, and entrepreneurship.
The 5th National Communications Conference will take place on June 22 and 23 and is organized by the Mozambican Communications Regulatory Authority, bringing together policymakers, regulators, telecommunications operators, academics, investors, cooperation partners, and national and international experts. The conference aims to analyze the main challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in Mozambique, with a focus on expanding connectivity, developing digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, emergency communications, and new technologies such as 5G and satellite services.
The event will feature approximately 60 national and international speakers, as well as representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), global technology operators, and regulatory authorities from various African and European countries. The conference also aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation by promoting the sharing of experiences and the development of strategies to accelerate digital transformation and sustainable development on the African continent.
Source: Diário Económico
