Mozambique Eyes Regional Tech Hub Role

As Africa accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence, a strategic shift is underway to build sovereign compute infrastructure rather than relying on foreign models. Professor Lourino Chemane, President of the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) in Mozambique, envisions his nation becoming a key AI hub for Southern Africa.

During GITEX Nigeria, Chemane emphasized that Mozambique isn’t seeking competition with established tech centers like Cape Town or Johannesburg. Instead, he proposes a complementary approach where multiple countries share the burden of compute infrastructure to reduce costs and enhance resilience.

“We want to explore the possibility of Mozambique being another country that can complement the compute power that is in Cape Town or South Africa,” Chemane stated firmly.

Leveraging Natural Advantages

Mozambique possesses unique assets that position it for success: abundant renewable energy sources (hydro, solar, gas), ample water for cooling data centers, and a long coastline ideal for submarine fiber optic cables. By attracting hyperscalers beyond major urban areas, the nation aims to transform into a regional digital hub.

Balancing Sovereignty with Cooperation

Chemane acknowledged regulatory challenges – particularly data localization laws that could hinder cross-border collaboration. He pointed to the African Union’s data governance strategy as a framework for ensuring interoperability while protecting national interests.

“Data is regarded as the gold of this century, and Africa should take that into consideration when building its AI infrastructure,” he noted.

Mozambique is also prioritizing local innovation by working with telecom operators like Vodacom to align policy with commercial realities. The government plans to establish an AI regulatory sandbox where startups can access compute resources and test international models before deployment in sensitive sectors.

By fostering a vibrant ecosystem that caters to local needs, Mozambique aims to ensure its digital future is defined by Africans, for Africa.