Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s Minister of Planning and Development Salim Valá yesterday presided over the opening of the 12th edition of MozTech, the Mozambique Technology Fair, at Arena 3D, Maputo City. In his speech, Salim Valá highlighted that information and communication technologies (ICTs) are fundamental to the process of national development.
The Minister of Planning and Development explained that the government has therefore invested in technologies to improve public and private services and bring citizens closer to public administration, with comprehensiveness and inclusion.
Salim Valá pointed out that investment in technologies is justified because ICTs have the capacity to change the way people work. In this sense, Valá argued, it is crucial to ensure that these technologies are used properly, ethically and assertively, within the legal framework in matters of law.
One of the strategies advocated by Valá on the issue of digital technologies has to do with the expansion of the digital structure throughout the national territory. This should include data centres; the strengthening of national institutions, with coordination between government Ministries and partners, so that the digital transformation can be inclusive; the improvement of public services; and any transformation that allows citizens, for example, to be served from where they live.
For the Minister of Planning and Development, making Mozambique a middle-income and more competitive country will depend on greater coordination and combination of factors, which include the decisive role of technologies in the modernization of society. For this reason, Valá said, the government had created a ministry to address technological issues, since it is understood that Mozambique is at a crucial stage, in which technologies are shaping society as a whole.
Salim Valá further noted that digital exclusion leaves many disconnected, whereas digital inclusion should serve as a bridge to new business opportunities, Salim Valá stressed.
At the same time, he added, technology in education is enabling more inclusive online learning, allowing students in remote areas to have access to tools that would otherwise be impossible. In health, technology is improving the sector with virtual sessions that allow patients to access health services without having to travel long distances.
In order for the technological ecosystem to continue to improve the lives of Mozambicans, Salim Valá believes that the country must continue to create opportunities for young people to continue launching innovative applications and thus become leaders in the sector.
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