INCM Expands Rural Connectivity Initiative
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (INCM), through the Universal Access Service Fund (FSAU), has announced an ambitious plan to install 60 new mobile phone stations in rural areas across nine provinces, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Sofala, Tete, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
This initiative aims to extend telecommunications coverage to remote communities, strengthen digital inclusion, and reduce regional inequalities in access to ICT services.
Part of Mozambique’s Rural Connectivity Project
The installations form part of the government’s Rural Connectivity Project, designed to bridge the digital gap between urban and rural populations.
Implementation will be carried out by Vodacom Mozambique, S.A., which won the contract through public tender no. INCM/CP/117/2025.
Initially, the tender called for 30 stations, but the figure was later doubled to 60 after Vodacom confirmed its readiness to expand the rollout. This adjustment will help optimize technical and logistical resources, ensuring broader coverage and more efficient deployment.
“This expansion marks another milestone in our mission to ensure that no Mozambican is excluded from the digital era,” the INCM stated.
Transforming Lives Through Digital Access
Each of the 60 new mobile sites will include 2G and 4G network infrastructure, multimedia centers with public Wi-Fi access, and solar-powered systems to ensure sustainability in off-grid communities.
Additionally, each beneficiary community will receive a prepaid public telephone system and 100 mobile phones to promote local communication.
The initiative is expected to create an inclusive digital ecosystem, enabling better access to education, healthcare, public services, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It will also enhance digital literacy and contribute to balanced regional development.
Bridging Mozambique’s Digital Divide
According to INCM, ICT penetration in Mozambique’s urban areas is around 80%, compared to just 20% in rural regions. This stark contrast highlights the country’s digital divide, a challenge the Rural Connectivity Project directly seeks to address.
By expanding mobile coverage and digital access, the project aligns with the government’s vision for sustainable and inclusive national development, ensuring that digital transformation benefits all Mozambicans, regardless of their location.
Conclusion
Through this expansion, INCM reaffirms its commitment to driving Mozambique’s digital transformation and promoting universal access to telecommunications services.
As new mobile stations go live, millions of rural residents stand to gain access to reliable connectivity, a vital step toward achieving economic inclusion, social empowerment, and nationwide digital equality.
