On Wednesday, April 1, Tete Province hosted the launch of the project to build the Nkantha photovoltaic power plant in the district of Chifunde, an infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding access to electricity in rural areas and reinforcing the country’s commitment to renewable energy sources, according to the Mozambique News Agency.
According to the agency, the initiative, to be implemented by the Energy Fund (FUNAE), is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the electrification deficit in the most isolated communities, while simultaneously promoting sustainable socioeconomic development.
According to a statement from FUNAE, the project stems from an agreement signed in February of this year between the Government—represented by the Ministries of Mineral Resources and Energy and Finance—and the Government of South Korea, through the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT).
Budgeted at approximately $12 million, the project is funded by KIAT, with construction scheduled to begin in April. Completion is estimated to take eight months.
The photovoltaic plant will have an installed capacity of 750 kWp and is expected to benefit more than 1,200 households, contributing to expanded access to electricity and the revitalization of local economic activities.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Cristina Mafumo, Secretary of State for Tete Province, highlighted the project’s strategic impact, both in terms of energy and in strengthening cooperative relations between the two countries. On that occasion, she urged those responsible for the project’s implementation to strictly adhere to the established deadlines. “It is essential to ensure that the project is completed on schedule, with high standards of quality and resilience,” she stated.
The official also reiterated the government’s appreciation for the support of the South Korean government, emphasizing that the initiative will have direct effects on local development, particularly in the town of Nkantha.
For his part, South Korea’s ambassador to Mozambique, Bok Won Kang, highlighted the concrete benefits the infrastructure will bring to communities. “This project will provide local populations with more stable access to electricity, with positive impacts on education, health, and economic activities,” he stated.
The diplomat added that his country intends to continue deepening cooperation with Mozambique, with a focus on initiatives that promote sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The construction of the Nkantha power plant is thus part of the national strategy to diversify the energy mix, with a particular focus on expanding clean energy sources and ensuring energy access for rural communities.
