The government of Mozambique has expressed its intention to integrate Artificial Intelligence into the technical and vocational education system, emphasizing that the process should be gradual, structured, and aligned with national realities.

“It is not just about introducing new subjects, but about promoting a paradigm shift by embedding digital skills into existing courses, including areas such as programming, automation, data analysis, and data systems maintenance,” said Edson Macuácua at the opening of a seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Educational Transformation in Maputo.

At the event, which brought together local academics and representatives from Portuguese universities, the official stressed that transforming the education system cannot happen abruptly, but requires a collaborative and sustainable approach involving the government, educational institutions, the private sector, and development partners.

To support this effort, Mozambique is updating its curricula to include digital transformation content, ensuring that young people are not just passive users of technology, but professionals capable of understanding and applying technological solutions suited to the country’s context.

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“It is important to emphasize that integrating artificial intelligence into the technical and vocational education ecosystem is a goal that must be pursued gradually, in a structured way, and in line with Mozambique’s reality,” he reiterated.

Looking ahead, the country plans to prioritize key skills such as advanced digital literacy, specialized technical competencies in programming, automation, data analysis, and cybersecurity, as well as transversal skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital ethics. “Artificial intelligence, beyond technical capability, also requires responsibility,” he added.

Macuácua acknowledged existing challenges, including infrastructure limitations, workforce capacity, and resource constraints, but highlighted the government’s strong political will to move forward.

“We believe that Mozambique can not only keep pace with this global transformation but also position itself as a country capable of developing talent and leading innovative solutions in the African context,” he said.

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Paulo Serra, a guest lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco and one of the seminar speakers, noted that Mozambique—like many countries—faces the challenge of creating an integrated and inclusive environment for AI development.

“The transformation must align with culture; there is no one-size-fits-all model. We can adapt approaches according to cultural context and societal vision,” he explained.

Serra also pointed to social inequalities and infrastructure gaps as key issues to address, ensuring that AI development benefits all segments of society.

According to him, investing in youth could enable Mozambique to make a “qualitative leap” in adopting these technologies, as this is an advantage many countries do not have.


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