The National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) called on national universities to take a central role in producing scientific knowledge to support public policy development on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in Mozambique.
According to the Mozambique Information Agency, the challenge was issued on Tuesday, October 14, by INTIC’s Board Chairman, Lourino Chemane, during the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and University Transformations at the Pedagogical University of Maputo (UPM).
Universities are seen as key partners in ensuring AI policies are evidence-based and aligned with national development goals.
Chemane emphasized that digital governance should be grounded in scientific evidence, and higher education institutions are best suited to assist in shaping public policies in this area.
INTIC is ready to cooperate with universities to create AI laboratories, regulatory sandboxes, and new courses in data science, ethics, and cybersecurity, essential for developing national skills and promoting responsible use of emerging technologies.
“We want to work with universities to train human resources and introduce courses aligned with the needs of the digital era,” Chemane added. He also revealed that Mozambique, in coordination with UNESCO and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has begun drafting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, guiding the country toward evidence-based digital governance.
Chemane stressed the importance of national data centers to strengthen digital sovereignty and promote data governance. “Data is the gold of the 21st century. We must learn to generate economic value from it, just as major tech companies do,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to increase female participation in AI development, warning against racial and gender biases in algorithms created outside the African context. “It is crucial that women study AI and represent gender sensitivity in algorithm design,” he stated. He quoted President Daniel Chapo, noting that “Artificial Intelligence is a powerful ally for universities and should be used to expand human knowledge, boost scientific productivity, and improve the quality of education.”
The INTIC chairman reaffirmed the commitment to promote ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI, citizen-centered and guided by UNESCO principles such as transparency, fairness, safety, explainability, and accountability.
Youth engagement is essential to shape AI development that benefits all citizens, including children in rural areas.
UPM Rector Jorge Ferrão stressed the importance of reflecting on the technology’s impacts, stating, “The key is to start and consider the effects of Artificial Intelligence.” He emphasized the role of young people in AI usage, advocating for clear regulation and standards, and cited international experiences as potential models for Mozambique.
“The power we have over AI is very limited,” Ferrão warned, urging planning and active academic community participation to ensure technological inclusion that reaches even rural children.
Source: Diário Económico
