Abstract

During the past two years, Mozambique has placed increasing emphasis on the need to become an active participant in the global information society and, especially, to develop an information and communications policy. This project is the culmination of discussions between government, the Centre for Informatics at the University Eduardo Mondlane and the national telecommunications provider, TDM. The proposed policy will be undertaken under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi, with the Minister of Social and Economic Affairs, Minister Eneas Comiche, as deputy. Government support for the project is therefore evident. It will be drafted by a high-level working group consisting of 10-12 national experts with assistance from two international specialists. Members of the group will be appointed by the President and drawn from government ministries, the private sector and civil society. The Mozambique Acacia Advisory Committee will assist in the documentation process and the dissemination of the results. The expected output will be a state policy on information and communication technologies based on extensive consultation between the Government of Mozambique, the telecommunications sector and the public at large.

Post-Project Summary

The information and communications technology (ICT) policy was formulated over 27 months, approved by the Council of Ministers on 30 May 2000 and subject to public scrutiny during national seminars held between 18 June and 28 July 2000. The project was extended slightly to allow work to commence on a draft ICT policy implementation strategy and to prepare for an international symposium to publicize the policy and strategy. An ICT Policy Commission chaired by the Prime Minister of Mozambique was mandated to coordinate policy implementation through various activities supported by a number of donor agencies. The success of this project led to the subsequent funding of Mozambique ICT Policy : Strategic Implementation, Leadership and Promotion (100737).

Recipient Institution(s)