Creation of the National Artificial Intelligence Commission

The Council of Ministers approved Decree No. 14/2026, dated April 17, creating the National Commission on Artificial Intelligence (“CNIA”), a body responsible for providing consultation and technical advice to the Government on matters related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), technological innovation, information security, and scientific development.

The creation of the CNIA represents a significant step in defining the institutional and regulatory framework for AI in Mozambique, in a context where governments and regulators have been strengthening mechanisms for governance, ethical oversight, and the promotion of technological innovation.

Under the terms of the Decree, the CNIA’s primary objective is to ensure:

• the adoption and dissemination of best practices for the responsible and ethical use of AI;

• the development of an appropriate regulatory framework;

• the promotion of scientific research, education, and technological innovation; and

• the strengthening of cybersecurity related to the use of AI.

Key Responsibilities

Among the responsibilities assigned to CNIA are the following:

• issuing opinions on policies, strategies, and legislative instruments related to AI;

• assessing ethical, legal, and security issues associated with the use of AI;

• promoting investment and strategic partnerships in the sector;

• monitoring initiatives and recommendations from the African Union, UNESCO, the United Nations, and other international organizations;

• providing advice on the financing of strategic AI programs and projects; and

• promoting studies on the economic, technological, and social impact of AI in Mozambique.

The Decree also provides for the biannual publication of reports, opinions, and recommendations on a publicly accessible digital platform, reinforcing principles of transparency and social participation.

Structure and Composition

The CNIA will be chaired by the Minister responsible for Information and Communication Technologies, with the Ministers of National Defense and Education serving as Vice-Chairs.

The Commission includes representatives from various public sectors, regulatory bodies, academia, civil society, and the private sector, including the Supreme Court, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and regulatory authorities related to ICT, communications, the financial sector, and scientific research.

The Executive Secretariat of the CNIA will be provided by the Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies, namely the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (“INTIC”).

Conclusion

The establishment of the CNIA represents a significant step towards defining the future institutional and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence in Mozambique and is likely to have a significant impact on sectors such as telecommunications and technology, banking and financial services, mining and energy, healthcare, public administration, data protection and cybersecurity.

In this context, companies that develop, use or integrate AI solutions should closely monitor regulatory and institutional developments in this area, particularly with regard to ethical requirements, technology governance, compliance and information security.

It is also important to note that the public consultation process on the draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Mozambique, organized by INTIC, is currently underway and will run until 4 June 2026.

The initiative highlights the Mozambican authorities’ intention to adopt a progressive, participatory and structured approach to defining the national artificial intelligence policy, providing a significant opportunity for economic operators, academic institutions, regulated entities and other stakeholders to actively contribute to the development of the future strategic and regulatory framework for AI in Mozambique.

Newsletter_Criação da CNIA_EN.pdf

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