On 24 June 2026, the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) and Vodacom Mozambique signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement a Data Privacy and Protection Literacy Programme for students. The launch took place at Josina Machel Secondary School in Maputo. The programme is intended to promote knowledge of personal data protection, safer use of the internet and social media, and awareness of risks including social engineering, phishing and smishing. INTIC and Vodacom stated that the initiative would progressively extend to other provinces, potentially expanding access to digital rights and safety education beyond Maputo.
The initiative takes place while Mozambique has not yet enacted a comprehensive personal data protection law. The initiative is potentially positive. However, its contribution to the enabling environment will depend on the content, methodology, transparency and inclusion of civil society. Without independent civic input and a rights-based approach, the programme could present privacy mainly as individual online caution while giving insufficient attention to institutional accountability, surveillance, corporate data practices and the rights of data subjects. Civil society participation would help safeguard the independence of pedagogical content, ensure that commercial interests are clearly separated from civic education, and include discussion of freedom of expression, association, privacy and access to information.
