The Vice President of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), Onório Manuel, called on Wednesday, the 17th, in Maputo, for a coordinated, inclusive, and results-oriented execution of the national digital transformation agenda, stating that the current moment represents a “historic opportunity” to make the country “more competitive, efficient, and integrated.”
Speaking at the opening session of the 3rd edition of the BFSI Mozambique – Banking, Financial Services and Insurance conference, he emphasized that digitalization is no longer optional but has become “a strategic imperative” for the State, businesses, and Mozambican society.
“The real discussion is no longer about the need for digitalization, but about how to digitalize, for whom, and with what impact. The challenge lies in the effective execution of this agenda,” he stated, advocating a transformation model centered on economic efficiency, real inclusion, and regional integration.
Among the priorities, the CTA highlights the need to digitalize public and financial services to reduce bureaucracy, lower operational costs, and allow micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to focus on production and value creation. “Digital inclusion must also be economic, territorial, and social. Without this, we risk deepening inequalities,” he warned.
The private sector also calls for smart and proportional regulation that keeps pace with innovation without hindering competitiveness. “We need clear but flexible rules that do not inhibit the development of solutions such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, or cloud services,” he added. Onório Manuel stressed that it is essential for digital transformation to align with technological sovereignty and Mozambique’s specific reality. “This is not about importing models. We need solutions adapted to our context.”
At the close of his intervention, the CTA reaffirmed the private sector’s willingness to invest, innovate, and collaborate with the government, provided there is a clear implementation agenda with defined priorities and a focus on results. “Digitalization is a means, not an end. It serves to build a more efficient state, a stronger economy, and a fairer society.”
BFSI Mozambique brought together government representatives, the private sector, regulators, financial institutions, and technology companies to discuss pathways for modernizing the financial system, digitalizing public services, and promoting Mozambique’s economic integration at the regional and continental levels.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
