Mozambique Unveils Comprehensive Cloud and Data Centre Regulations, Redefining Digital Infrastructure Compliance
Mozambique has enacted a significant regulatory overhaul for its digital infrastructure, introducing the Cloud Computing Regulation (Decree No. 72/2025) and the Data Centres Regulation (Decree No. 71/2025). This new framework mandates stringent requirements for registration, licensing, security, operational continuity, and data protection, marking a pivotal shift for businesses reliant on cloud services and data centre operations. The regulations underscore that cloud computing is no longer an optional IT strategy but a critical enabler of digital transformation, driving efficiency, resilience, and agility across all sectors.
These decrees, as reported by 360 Mozambique on October 15, 2026, fundamentally alter the compliance landscape. Organisations must now adopt an integrated approach, scrutinising not only their chosen technology and supplier reputation but also the intricate interplay of data, applications, service providers, technological architecture, security protocols, contractual agreements, operational processes, and business continuity mechanisms. The regulations introduce specific classifications for cloud providers and data centres, with heightened scrutiny applied based on the sensitivity of the information processed.
A key implication for legal and compliance professionals is the expanded scope of responsibility. Compliance is no longer confined to internal organisational adherence; it now extends to ensuring that cloud services and data centres supporting operations meet all applicable regulatory mandates. This necessitates a thorough due diligence process, including verifying the legal standing of cloud providers, confirming their appropriate classification, implementing enhanced security measures, and ensuring that primary data centres are located within Mozambique. Secondary data centres must also meet defined continuity and recovery standards.
For organisations operating in essential sectors, the new framework imposes even more rigorous obligations. These include specific mandates regarding the geographical location of primary data centres, the utilisation of appropriately classified infrastructure, and the implementation of robust security and operational continuity measures. The regulations also introduce new requirements for evidence maintenance, record updating, contractual stipulations, and oversight by the regulatory authority, demanding a proactive and comprehensive understanding of technical, operational, and legal implications.
While presenting compliance challenges, this regulatory evolution offers a strategic opportunity. Businesses that leverage this period to review their technological architectures, bolster security, enhance operational resilience, and strengthen governance models will not only achieve regulatory alignment but also position themselves for accelerated and sustainable digital transformation. Ultimately, adherence to these new regulations is crucial for fostering digital trust and ensuring that technology continues to serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
