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In a constantly changing world, where the pace of innovation shapes the contours of modern life, it becomes imperative for countries to integrate technology as an essential tool for development. The internet, once a luxury for the few, has become a basic necessity, as fundamental as clean water or electricity. In Mozambique, this transition into the digital era is a national priority — a bridge between the present and a fairer, more inclusive future.

It is within this urgent and ambitious context that a reflection on the concrete role of technology in people’s daily lives becomes necessary. In this light, the importance of placing technology at the service of humanity stands out. This need is even more pressing in Mozambique’s rural areas, where distance from urban centers and lack of infrastructure continue to limit access to information, knowledge, and essential services. In this landscape, innovative solutions like the community tablet and the solar giraffe emerge as important tools for reducing these inequalities. These technologies promote internet access and allow remote connection to education and health services, transforming lives in often-overlooked communities. However, despite such advances, these actions remain insufficient given the vastness of the territory and the complexity of existing challenges. It is essential to scale up efforts, diversify strategies, and expand the number of projects so that digital development becomes a real and accessible right for all Mozambicans.

This transformation is particularly evident in the education and health sectors. In education, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities but also accelerated the adoption of digital tools. Online platforms, television programs, and radio content demonstrated the potential of education that extends beyond the classroom. Despite inequalities in access, a hybrid model is emerging in which digital tools complement and enrich traditional learning, adapting to the realities of each region. In health, digital transformation has produced results in other countries, especially where medical services are scarce. Digital health brings care closer and saves lives. Mobile apps for remote consultations, disease monitoring, and public health alerts have proven effective and could be adapted to the Mozambican reality. Bringing the hospital into the citizen’s pocket is an innovation that combines technology with humanism — and represents a real possibility for our country.

But the influence of technology goes beyond the realms of education and health, also touching the foundations of citizenship. In other contexts, digital inclusion has proven to be a powerful tool for civic participation, allowing people to monitor elections, report corruption, and demand greater transparency. The mobile phone becomes a tool for active citizenship, promoting a more participatory democracy. In Mozambique, this path is still being consolidated, but it holds great potential to bring the state closer to its citizens and reinforce public accountability.

In urban settings, digitalization emerges as a response to the demands of rapidly growing cities. Mozambican cities now face the challenge of digital urbanization. The rapid growth of urban centers brings new demands in terms of mobility, security, planning, and sustainability. The answer lies in so-called smart cities. Maputo, Beira, and Nampula are beginning to adopt technologies like sensors, digital platforms, and data networks for more efficient management of transport, energy use, and waste collection. While there are already some promising initiatives, they remain insufficient. This transformation requires not only technological investment but a shift in mindset that puts the citizen at the center of decision-making. At the same time, daily urban life is increasingly shaped by digital solutions. Apps for transport with geolocation, electronic payment systems, and tools for reporting irregularities are redefining how citizens interact with public services. Digital urbanization is thus proving to be a necessary response to society’s evolving dynamics.

Alongside material progress, it is essential to preserve what defines us as a people: our cultural identity. Technology also plays a crucial role in valuing national identity. The digitalization of Mozambican culture and collective memory is vital to protect oral heritage, local languages, and the traditions that define the country. Through digital databases, virtual exhibitions, and audiovisual archives, it becomes possible to preserve and share this heritage, ensuring access for future generations and the world. In tourism, this potential takes new forms. Tech-enabled tourism, using augmented reality, virtual tours, and artificial intelligence, allows for immersive and personalized experiences. It is now possible, for example, to virtually visit Gorongosa National Park or explore Mozambique Island with a digital guide. These solutions enrich the visitor experience and promote national heritage.

It is at this intersection of tradition and innovation that a new generation of talent emerges, ready to reimagine the future. The growing investment in national talent, especially among youth and startups, has generated innovative responses to local challenges — from educational platforms and risk management apps to technologies that support agriculture and promote access to water and digital literacy. Training programs, incubators, and tech events are driving this new generation that blends knowledge with social commitment. The emergence of artificial intelligence, already present in sectors like education, services, and agriculture, confirms the dynamism of this movement.

The challenge lies in ensuring that this evolution is ethical and inclusive so that the fruits of progress reach everyone. In a developing country, digital transformation represents a real opportunity to reinforce inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. A strategic investment in this field is therefore essential. This commitment must be reflected in public policies that promote creative solutions, encourage e-governance, and strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors. When well-directed, the digital revolution has the power to bring Mozambique closer to the world while projecting its cultural and human richness beyond borders. In this way, technology can become a true engine of national development and a celebration of our collective identity.