It is with great sadness that we share with you that Venancio Massingue, tireless internet advocate and National Coordinator of the A4AI-Mozambique Coalition, has passed away. One of A4AI’s earliest supporters, Venancio was an invaluable partner to the Alliance and its efforts to advance affordable internet in Mozambique, and was a great friend to all of us.
Venancio was a key player in bringing the internet to Mozambique, and in working to support the promotion and expansion of ICT in the country. An engineer by training, he served as Mozambique’s Minister of Science and Technology from 2005-2012, where he masterminded the development of the country’s ICT Policy and ICT Strategy.
Venancio was dedicated to expanding internet access to all Mozambicans, and we hope that his steadfast commitment to and efforts toward this end will inspire others to carry on the important work that he pioneered. His enthusiasm and infectious smile made working with him a joy, and he will be greatly missed by all of us here at A4AI. Our condolences and thoughts are with Venancio’s friends and family at this difficult time.