Which institutions regulate media services and digital platforms in Mozambique?

GABINFO handles media registration, licensing and foreign-correspondent accreditation; INCM handles frequencies, technical licences and consumer protection; CSCS supervises media conduct; and INTIC deals with digital platforms, electronic services and digital security.

What determines access to television, streaming and social media in Mozambique?

Access depends on electricity, a suitable device, signal or internet coverage, digital skills and the cost of subscriptions or mobile data. Rural and provincial access can differ substantially from urban access.

How can a person request public information in Mozambique?

Under Lei 34/2014, a person may request public information orally, in writing or through gestures and may seek inspection, copies or a certidão. Consultation is generally free, although reproduction or certified copies may involve fees.

What role does community radio play in media access in Mozambique?

Rádio comunitária provides local information, multilingual programming and opportunities for participation, especially where national media or internet services have limited reach. Its continuity depends on local resources, equipment and financial sustainability.

Media in Mozambique

Q: When will the 2026 media and broadcasting laws fully apply in Mozambique?

Lei 3/2026 on Comunicação Social, Lei 4/2026 on Radiodifusão and Lei 5/2026 on CSCS are scheduled for full application from 22 November 2026. Until then, the previous regime and applicable transitional rules remain relevant.

Media in Mozambique includes newspapers, radio, television, streaming services, social platforms and access to public information. Radio and mobile services have the widest practical reach, while television remains significant and streaming or social video use is growing. Access depends strongly on electricity, network coverage, devices, digital skills and the cost of data or subscriptions. Article 48 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression, information and the press, while Lei 34/2014 gives every person a right to request and receive public information.

byAna&Joao

Mozambique's media system is commonly described through terms such as Comunicação Social, Imprensa and Radiodifusão. It includes established print, radio, television and online news, as well as community media and digital platforms. Rádio Moçambique-E.P. provides public radio through 15 channels in Portuguese, English and 19 Mozambican Bantu languages. TVM provides public television through terrestrial, satellite, digital terrestrial and pay-TV distribution, and also has a digital portal. Community radio, or rádio comunitária, supplies local information, supports several languages and creates participation opportunities, particularly where national services or internet access are limited. Its practical reach depends on local funding, equipment and long-term financial stability. Private, community and public broadcasters operate alongside satellite and pay-TV services. Providers include TMT, StarTimes, DStv and GOtv, ZAP, MSTAR and TVCABO, while internet platforms add further streaming and video choices. Pay-TV had 1,378,846 active subscriptions in 2024, but no single nationwide media or streaming fee applies. Users normally need a suitable device, electricity, signal or internet connection, and either a subscription or mobile data. Mozambique had about 17 million active mobile subscriptions in 2024 and about 7 million internet users, representing roughly 19.8% penetration in 2025. These figures do not mean equal access: provincial and rural availability, power supply, affordability, literacy and digital skills vary widely. GABINFO handles media registration and licensing, accreditation of foreign correspondents and support for public press. INCM manages frequencies, technical broadcasting and telecommunications licences, and consumer protection. CSCS provides media supervision, discipline and consultation under the applicable legal framework. INTIC deals with digital platforms, electronic services and digital security. Lei 34/2014 allows a person to request public information orally, in writing or through gestures, and to receive inspection, copies or a certidão; consultation is generally free, while reproduction or certified copies may carry fees. A legal transition is underway: Lei 3/2026 concerns Comunicação Social, Lei 4/2026 concerns Radiodifusão and Lei 5/2026 concerns CSCS. These laws were published in BR 98/2026 on 26 May 2026 and are scheduled for full application from 22 November 2026; the previous regime and transitional rules remain relevant until then. Digital users also face risks such as cyberbullying, grooming, privacy violations, fraud, disinformation, identity misuse, sextortion and AI-manipulated content. INTIC and Centro de Internet Segura provide awareness, education, prevention and referral support. Lei 13/2026 on cybersecurity and Lei 14/2026 on cybercrime were published on 1 July 2026 and are scheduled to enter into force on 29 September 2026. A general data-protection law was still a proposal in the available research and should not be treated as confirmed law. Internet nas Escolas and Praças Digitais expand access for education and participation, but there is no verified nationwide minimum age for social-media use in Mozambique.

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