The National Director of Energy, Marcelina Matavele, stated this Thursday (27) that the 2nd edition of the Off-Grid Energy Biennial Forum reinforces the national rural electrification agenda. The event, organised by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME) through the National Directorate of Energy (DNE), the Integrated Electrification Planning and Coordination Unit (UIPCE), and the Mozambican Renewable Energy Association (AMER), aims to accelerate access to clean and sustainable energy.
Marcelina Matavele explained that this edition is a continuation of the first one, held on 26 and 27 February, which addressed sector challenges, public policies, mini-grid financing, domestic solar systems, clean cooking, electronic waste, tax incentives, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. The platform allows alignment of policy strategies and mobilisation of financing towards universal access to off-grid energy.
The director added that the event aims to update stakeholders on ongoing activities, discuss strengthening the business and financial capacity of projects, address strategic rural electrification issues, and discuss gender inclusion and tax incentives. The forum also seeks to improve institutional collaboration, resource mobilisation, activity planning and maintain effective long-term coordination mechanisms.
Regarding private investment, Marcelina Matavele highlighted that the Government has created a favourable environment, ensuring transparency and independent power production through competitive processes such as the Renewable Energy Auctions Programme in Mozambique (PROLER). She acknowledged that, despite challenges, the process is exemplary, giving priority to competition in the selection of independent power producers.
The director also recalled the approval of the new Electricity Law and the ongoing work on its regulation. The regulation continues to be refined with partners to ensure a harmonised and effective instrument that enables sector development. Marcelina Matavele also thanked cooperation partners for their continued support, which is essential for progress in Mozambique’s electrification.
Meanwhile, the president of the Mozambican Renewable Energy Association (AMER), Ricardo Pereira, highlighted that this 2nd edition reflects the growing maturity of the National Dialogue and Coordination Platform. He recalled the creation of the forum in 2024 as a technical space for dialogue between the private sector and the Government, and praised MIREME’s vision in implementing the UIPCE, establishing a regular coordination and strategic discussion mechanism.
Ricardo Pereira pointed to advances in the sector, with more than 111 solar and hydro mini-grids managed by the Energy Fund, totalling 11.58 megawatts of installed capacity, and the first private mini-grid operational since November 2023, which has reduced tariffs by almost fourfold. In the segment of domestic solar systems, more than 700,000 systems have been sold, with eight operators providing pay-as-you-go services, consolidating progress through thematic meetings and national subcommittees.
Source: Diário Económico
