On Monday (the 13th), Parliament heard testimony from Américo Muchanga, Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, as part of its review of proposed laws on cybercrime and cybersecurity. The main objective of the meeting was to deepen the debate on the protection of the digital space in the country, at a time when the digitization of public and private services continues to intensify.
The hearing was held jointly and brought together four committees of the Assembly of the Republic: the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Human Rights, and Legality (1st), the Committee on Social Affairs, Gender, Technology, and Media (3rd), the Committee on Defense, Security, and Public Order (6th), and the Committee on International Relations, Cooperation, and Communities (7th).
During the session, Américo Muchanga advocated for coordinated action among public and private entities and the Defense and Security Forces. According to the minister, this alignment is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity in Mozambique, with cooperation between sectors being a determining factor.
The minister explained that protecting the digital space increasingly depends on institutional cooperation, highlighting the importance of sharing information on threats and strengthening national capabilities. These elements are fundamental to improving the prevention of and response to cyber incidents.
“Despite the differences, cybersecurity in public and private entities, as well as in the defense and security forces, must operate in a complementary and coordinated manner,” stated Américo Muchanga. He also emphasized that the effectiveness of these measures depends directly on cooperation and the development of internal capabilities.
The official clarified that cybersecurity varies depending on the type of institution. In civilian public and private entities, the focus is on protecting information systems, institutional data, and digital services, with priority given to preventing cyberattacks and ensuring operational continuity.
In the Defense and Security Forces, cybersecurity takes on a more strategic dimension, directly linked to state sovereignty, national defense, and public safety. In this context, digital protection becomes a matter of national interest.
The minister also warned of the vulnerability of essential services in the public sector. Areas such as civil registration, finance, health, energy, and transportation depend on digital infrastructure, and any failure could compromise the continuity and quality of services provided to citizens.
In the private sector, he highlighted the central role of telecommunications companies, banks, and digital platforms in the economy. Protecting this infrastructure is essential to ensuring economic stability and user confidence. He concluded that strengthening cybersecurity is a strategic necessity for the country.
Source: Jornal O País
