On Monday (27), Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, called for unity among Portuguese-speaking countries to accelerate the digital transformation of communities. The minister also advocated for more active participation by the private sector in this process, which he considers essential for development.
“We have a responsibility to work together to develop our countries. We face the challenge of making the technologies and resources under our purview accessible to the population,” the minister stated, emphasizing the importance of ensuring digital inclusion.
Américo Muchanga was speaking in Maputo during the opening of the 33rd Forum of the Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP) for Portuguese-speaking communities. On that occasion, he acknowledged the role of communications in keeping a country “united and informed.”
The minister emphasized that digital transformation is crucial for democratizing access to information. As he explained, this process enables greater democratic participation within the Portuguese-speaking world, bringing citizens and institutions closer together.
“We have a very important responsibility in this process,” emphasized Américo Muchanga, advocating for the need to accelerate digitization. For the minister, technological progress must benefit the entire population, without exception.
Américo Muchanga also highlighted the sector’s importance to the economy, noting that a country’s competitiveness depends on the strength of its digital infrastructure. He therefore called for private-sector involvement, particularly in expanding services to rural areas.
“You are a cornerstone of the digital transformation, especially the digital infrastructure pillar,” he said, adding that without these conditions, it is not possible to connect citizens, even with digital systems installed in data centers.
During the two-day event, the minister acknowledged difficulties in expanding quality digital services to rural areas. Nevertheless, he argued that with effective communications, it will be possible to reduce inequalities in access.
“It is not possible to ensure that someone in a rural district can have the same type of service,” admitted Américo Muchanga, adding that, with improvements, citizens in those regions will be able to enjoy the same benefits as those in the city.
Source: Lusa
