Mozambique is positioning itself to become a regional artificial intelligence hub, with plans to establish a data center capable of serving countries across Southern Africa.

Communications and Digital Transformation Minister Américo Muchanga said the proposed facility could help make major digital investments more sustainable while supporting the growth of the region’s digital economy.

Muchanga outlined the vision during a panel discussion on Africa’s digital infrastructure at a recently held Infra for Africa Forum 2026 and the Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting.

He said Mozambique’s digital transformation strategy is built around five key priorities: expanding connectivity, strengthening energy infrastructure, establishing a regional AI data center, increasing public access to digital devices and creating a regulatory environment that attracts private investment.

The minister stressed that Africa’s digital transformation requires reliable infrastructure, particularly electricity and high-speed connectivity.

He said the private sector should take the lead in infrastructure investment, while governments have a responsibility to create policies and regulations that encourage businesses to invest.

Muchanga also called for greater regional cooperation to expand access to electricity and digital services, noting that around 600 million people across Africa still lack access to electricity.

For Mozambique, the proposed AI data center could create opportunities in cloud computing, data services, digital innovation and technology investment, while strengthening the country’s role in Southern Africa’s emerging digital economy.

The initiative comes as African countries increasingly seek to develop local digital infrastructure and reduce dependence on overseas data and technology services.