Mozambique Inaugurates UEM Data Center to Advance Digital Transformation

Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga, has called on the country’s universities to take a leading role in driving digital transformation following the inauguration of a new Data Center at Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) in Maputo.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Muchanga described the facility as a strategic investment that supports the government’s vision of modernising public services and strengthening the digital economy. He stressed that universities have a critical responsibility to produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

The minister also urged higher education institutions to assume management of the Mozambican Network for Education and Research (MoRENet), which is currently coordinated by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation. He noted that the network has a 60 Gbps bandwidth capacity funded for 15 years and encouraged universities to begin planning for its long-term financial sustainability and future expansion.

Muchanga further emphasised the need for continued investment in emerging technologies, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). He called for stronger collaboration between government, academia and the private sector to ensure these technologies contribute to Mozambique’s economic growth, improved public services and national development.

The minister highlighted the environmental sustainability of the newly inaugurated Data Center, noting that it is powered by solar energy, reducing dependence on the conventional electricity grid. He said the facility should serve as a model for future digital infrastructure projects, particularly as demand for AI-enabled computing continues to grow.

Muchanga also expressed the vision of transforming the UEM Data Center into infrastructure of national significance that could eventually host digital services for other universities, public institutions and strategic platforms within the education sector.

During the ceremony, the Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University said the Data Center forms part of broader investments aimed at strengthening the institution’s scientific and technological capabilities. These include the recent inauguration of a Robotics and Automation Laboratory and the planned launch of an Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Room.

According to the Rector, the new facility will enhance the university’s capacity to host digital systems, strengthen cybersecurity and support research, innovation, artificial intelligence and advanced computing. The university also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation in making the project possible.