Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican government approved the draft cybercrime bill on Tuesday, which will now be submitted to parliament. The bill includes both substantive and procedural criminal provisions, including guidelines on collecting electronic evidence related to crimes.
According to a statement issued following the Council of Ministers meeting, the draft bill sets out a legal framework for addressing cybercrime, incorporating provisions for international cooperation on criminal matters within the realm of cybercrime.
The government explained that the bill, once passed by the Assembly of the Republic, will apply to all individuals and entities—both public and private—that use data communication networks and information systems, establishing rules for the collection of electronic evidence.
In the same session, the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) also approved a law designed to establish the legal framework for cybersecurity, which will also be submitted for debate in the parliament.
“This proposed law aims to effectively address the challenges of the Information Society, ensuring the security of the State, institutions, citizens, and critical infrastructure in cyberspace,” the statement read.
On September 22, the Government of Mozambique also discussed joining the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, a move expected to be completed by October. This step is part of the country’s effort to bolster data protection and combat digital crimes.
“This will enhance the country’s capacity to protect citizens’ data and prevent and combat cybercrimes,” said Nilsa Miquidade, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation, on the same date.
Miquidade noted that cyberattacks currently originate from outside Mozambique, exploiting the internet to bypass national jurisdiction, allowing perpetrators to carry out criminal activities from abroad.
Eugénio Macumbe, director of the Digital Governance division at the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, also emphasized that joining international conventions would provide Mozambique with technological resources, training opportunities, and the ability to cooperate across borders in the fight against cybercrime.
Cybercrime cases in Mozambique saw a 16% increase last year, compared to 2023. Deputy Attorney General Amabelia Chuquela highlighted this rise on June 5, noting the country’s limited resources and low public awareness as key challenges.
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