E-Government helps Mozambique's online efficiency

The Government of Mozambique has successfully implemented an e-government pilot project connecting 15 national public administration entities in Maputo. The initiative was funded through the Development Gateway Foundation's e-government grants programme in Washington, US in partnership with the Italian government.

Called Government Elecronic Network (GovNet)-Pilot, the project is part of Mozambique's national Information and Communications Technology Policy Implementation Strategy, which aims to improve public services and increase transparency in the public sector.

The pilot has established a communications platform for the Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Technology, giving them a unified e-mail system, intranet, and document management system, as well as cost-effective shared access to the Internet. The network is now being used by over 500 government employees via nearly 400 work stations.

As part of the project, a new government web portal has also been launched at www.govnet.gov.mz, intended to increase public access to information. The site will gradually add content from all government ministries, as well as other information and services to encourage public participation in national policy processes.

"GovNet increases our capacity to co-ordinate national efforts to foster growth and reduce poverty in Mozambique," said H.E. Venancio Massingue, Minister of Science and Technology. "It is the first step but already we are seeing more efficient inter-departmental communication, as well as reduced administrative costs by avoiding a duplication of efforts."

Plans are under way to scale up the GovNet initiative to include up to 150 other public agencies in Maputo and Mozambique's ten provinces. Once complete the network would connect approximately 10,000 government workers and 7,500 work stations.

In addition GovNet is currently being used as the communications platform for a second Development Gateway/Italian-funded initiative to create a national land registry.

The e-government grants programme provides early financing and technical assistance for initiatives, that will enhance the effectiveness and transparency of government operations in partner countries.

The programme was initiated through a co-financing agreement with Italy and is open to additional partners for projects in Africa and around the world.

Alan J. Rossi, Chief Executive Officer said, " This programme is a key component of the Development Gateway's mission to put the Internet into developing countries. It enables partner countries to address their national development issues, while demonstrating the potential for larger initiatives that could be funded by the international community."

The Development Gateway is an independent, none-profit organisation based in Washington, DC. For more information or to join our global online community, please visit www.developmentgateway.org.