The southern African nation makes significant strides towards its 2030 goal of universal power access with a new Energy For All initiative
Mozambique expands electricity access to two million more people
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Mozambique is accelerating its efforts to provide power to its entire population, with the state-owned utility, Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), announcing a significant initiative to bolster infrastructure. The project aims to integrate at least 420,000 new connections by the conclusion of 2026, which is expected to extend essential electricity access to approximately two million people across the nation according to Mozambique’s official news agency.
This ambitious undertaking forms a core component of the government’s Energy for All Programme, which was first launched in 2018. The primary objective is to secure universal access to electricity by 2030, a critical milestone for a country with an estimated population of 36 million.
Mozambique expands electricity access through the Energy for All Programme
Permanent secretary at the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, António Manda, highlighted the progress made during a ceremony celebrating EDM’s 49th anniversary.
Manda confirmed that the number of beneficiaries has risen significantly over the past six years, increasing by roughly 12.9 million people. Current data indicates that electricity access has reached 22.7 million people, representing 66.9 percent of the total population, a substantial leap from the 9.8 million recorded in 2019.
The strategy to achieve universal reach involves a multi-pronged approach, including the expansion of the national grid, the installation of local mini-grids, and the deployment of solar energy systems throughout rural and peri-urban locations.
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According to officials, all 11 provincial capitals and 154 district headquarters are currently connected to the grid. Furthermore, 361 administrative posts have been electrified, with ongoing efforts directed at reaching the remaining communities that are currently waiting for service. Manda emphasised that the priority is to provide a service that is reliable, safe, affordable, and of a high quality.
Despite these advancements, EDM faces operational challenges, notably the vandalism of electricity infrastructure and power theft. The utility reported that storm damage and acts of vandalism during the most recent rainy season resulted in financial losses of US$2.3 million. Furthermore, repairing the damaged network required an expenditure of approximately US$9.3 million, highlighting the ongoing maintenance costs associated with this nationwide expansion.
