The National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM), through the Universal Access Service Fund (FSAU), announced plans to install 60 new mobile phone towers in rural areas across nine provinces: Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Sofala, Tete, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado. The initiative aims to expand telecommunications coverage to remote communities, promoting digital inclusion and reducing regional inequalities.
According to TechAfrica News, with this expansion, INCM seeks to reaffirm its role in driving Mozambique’s digital transformation and to ensure connectivity becomes an accessible right for all citizens, regardless of location.
The project will be implemented by Vodacom Mozambique, the winner of public tender n.º INCM/CP/117/2025, launched under the government’s “Rural Connectivity Project.” Initially, the tender planned for 30 towers, but the number was later doubled to 60 after Vodacom expressed willingness to expand the rollout.
“The expansion will allow greater optimization of technical and logistical resources, enabling more efficient implementation and maximizing the project’s reach and impact. The new sites will feature 2G and 4G mobile network infrastructure, multimedia centers with public Wi-Fi access, and solar power systems to sustainably supply the facilities,” the news platform reported.
In addition, each community will receive a prepaid public telephone system and 100 mobile phones to enhance local communication and connectivity. The initiative is expected to create an inclusive digital ecosystem, improve access to public services, support local entrepreneurship, and strengthen community development. It is also projected to boost indicators in education, health, and digital literacy, contributing to balanced regional growth.
Currently, the penetration rate of information and communication technologies in Mozambique’s urban areas is around 80%, compared to just 20% in rural areas.
Source: Diário Económico
