Mozambique Launches Rural Connectivity Pilot Under ‘Internet for All by 2030’

The pilot project  for connectivity in rural areas was officially launched, an initiative of the Government, through the Communications Regulatory Authority INCM, and the private sector, through BDQ Mobile, Movitel, VANU and Spacecom, within the scope of the Internet for All by 2030 Project. The ceremony took place on April 28, 2025, in Xinavane, Maputo Province.

The project, which will facilitate the expansion of mobile phone network infrastructures at relatively low costs, aims to ensure digital inclusion and provide access to communications to all communities in rural areas where investment is not favourable.

The new antenna model, with satellite solution, has the capacity to benefit around 15 thousand people and reach a radius of around 50 km. Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga, praised the involvement and engagement of the private sector in creating a partnership, which resulted in the development and implementation of telecommunications base stations and technologies that will reduce investment costs in the expansion of services, guaranteeing the right to communicate to rural communities.

This historic moment represents a giant step forward for the connectivity project, as the right of every citizen to communicate in this digital age. It is a digital inclusion project that seeks to guarantee access and opportunities for technologies in any geographic location.

We intend to bring quality and affordable Internet to all communities, especially those that cannot afford to pay for the service. We must ensure that we are planting a seed today and we must ensure that we have many of these antennas in the near future.

– Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, 

Said the Minister, adding that the rural connectivity project represents more than just connectivity, but also the development and creation of access to education, technology, health, markets, among others.

The president of the INCM Board of Directors, Helena Fernandes, said that the project began last year (2024), when the Internet for All in 2030 project was presented to potential partners.

In the process, strategic partners were invited to invest in telecommunications and connectivity in rural areas, aiming to create pillars for Digital Transformation and provide greater connectivity for all citizens, regardless of their location.

– Said the PCA

The commitment of the Government and operators is to ensure that no community, town or region is left out of connectivity. Therefore, the biggest challenge presented by operators is to overcome the cost barrier to ensure expansion. In this sense, it is suggested that the Government create mechanisms to facilitate the payment of fees and licenses.

So far, two antennas of this type have been installed, one in Xinavane, Magude district, and the other in Pessene, Moamba district.