Maputu, Mazambique, 5 August 2025 (ECA) - Towards advancing the inclusive and harmonized implementation of the African Union’s digital and data policy framework, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with GIZ, and the Government of Mozambique, convened a Data Governance Capacity Building Workshop and a stakeholder engagement Meeting on the development of Mozambique’s National Data Governance Strategy from 28th July 2025 to 1st of August 2025 in Maputo, Mozambique.
The capacity building workshop held from 30 to 31 July 2025, involved government officials and technical experts from various ministries and regulatory authorities as well as Civil Society Organizations, infrastructure providers and experts from the private sector and academia. The workshop aimed to foster hands-on skill development, encourage cross-sector collaboration and equip participants with essential knowledge and tools for effective enforcement of data protection laws and the management of cross-border data flows.
The stakeholder engagement Meeting held on August 1st aimed to engage national and international stakeholders in advancing the development of Mozambique’s National Data Governance Strategy and strengthening its National Data Policy. The goal is to create a data governance ecosystem that is inclusive and reflective of national priorities as well as the diverse socio-economic context.
The opening ceremony of the stakeholder engagement featured Mr. Américo Muchanga, Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, and representatives from the European Union, the German Embassy, GIZ, and ECA. In his remarks, Minister Muchanga emphasized the structural challenges that limit the full use of digital technologies to improve public service delivery and productivity across Mozambique’s economy. These challenges include i) Isolated information systems with weak interoperability, ii) Lack of clear data governance policies to ensure ethical, strategic, and secure use of data, iii) Shortage of qualified personnel in data analysis and management, and iv) Need to improve the population’s digital literacy.
“In response to these challenges, the government has prioritised the development of a National Data Governance Policy and Strategy to position Mozambique to use data as a driver of economic and social development,” said the Minister.
In this regard, William Muhwava, Chief of Section, Information Systems, underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive National Data Governance Strategy and Policy for Mozambique. “Over the past two days, participants have actively engaged in hands-on sessions focused on key data governance principles, institutional frameworks, and policy approaches tailored to the country's national development priorities. This effort is further strengthened by its alignment with a broader continental effort to advance data governance across Africa,” said Mr. William.
ECA, as a major player in implementing the AU Data Governance Framework, is partnering with the EU and GIZ to bridge gaps in national data protection policies, which lead to data breaches, regulatory inconsistencies, and unequal access to data-driven opportunities across the continent. These efforts contribute to the broader objective of establishing a unified and inclusive African data market.
The expected outcomes from these data governance initiatives in Member States include:
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A comprehensive, evidence-based blueprint of the digital ecosystem and data governance landscape;
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An inclusive and context-sensitive National Data Governance Framework implementation roadmap and;
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Practical competencies and institutional capacities of government officials and technical personnel strengthened in strategic areas.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org