Since Monday, October 20, the city of Maputo has been hosting the 5th CPLP Energy and Climate Seminar, a joint initiative by the Lusophone Association for Renewable Energies (ALER) and the Association of Energy Regulators of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (RELOP). The event, under the theme “Energy Planning and Financing,” marks the start of the CPLP Energy and Climate Week and aims to strengthen technical and institutional cooperation among Lusophone countries in promoting a just, sustainable, and inclusive energy transition.
The seminar is supported institutionally by the CPLP and the Government of Mozambique through the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME), with funding from the European GET.Transform program, the European Union, and Belgian cooperation through ENABEL.
In her opening remarks, ALER President Mayra Pereira emphasized that the series of seminars has strengthened collaboration between governments, companies, and civil society, creating synergies across energy, environment, and finance sectors. “Our goal is, of course, to plan better, finance better, and act faster,” she stated, noting that the fifth edition, aligned with the CPLP Energy and Climate 2030 Cooperation Roadmap, demonstrates the collective will to “turn commitments into results.”
Pereira recalled the recent African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, where continental leaders reaffirmed their determination to place Africa “at the center of the global climate solution.” She highlighted that Africa is a solutions powerhouse, capable of attracting investment, innovating, and leading the green transformation.
She also noted the complementary experiences and geographies of the Lusophone space: “Brazil, with its leadership in addressing the climate crisis; Portugal, with its long-term planning and renewable energy integration; and Timor-Leste, with its commitment to good governance, show that cooperation can be a tool for global transformation.” Regarding Mozambique, Pereira stressed that the energy transition is viewed “not only as an environmental necessity but as an opportunity for economic and social development,” creating jobs, strengthening local industry, and improving energy access for millions of citizens.
“With strategic planning and sustainable financing, we are building the foundations for a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive energy system. Our energy transition is underway, and every step counts. The time to act is now,” she declared.
Following Pereira, RELOP Executive Director Artur Trindade highlighted the importance of linking planning and investment to ensure sector sustainability. “To attract investment, effective planning mechanisms are needed. Investors need to know the major objectives and strategic lines of each country,” he said.
Trindade noted that the CPLP has consolidated an energy cooperation platform, whose benefits are becoming visible. “This link between planning and investment is fundamental because the energy sector requires a medium- and long-term vision. It is in this horizon that viable projects are built and financial resources mobilized.”
He also stressed the central role of regulation. “Independent and technically capable regulation provides confidence to investors. Without robust regulation, there is neither security nor predictability in the sector,” he said.
Trindade concluded by highlighting energy security, a topic gaining relevance across Lusophone countries. “Energy security is linked to production sufficiency and supply reliability. It is a challenge that intersects economy, environment, and social welfare and must be prioritized on the common agenda.”
Florian Paffenholz, Director of the GIZ Mozambique Energy and Climate Program, emphasized the need for a regional approach. “Climate change and renewable energy are complex issues. Only with a joint response can we achieve fair and sustainable development,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the European GET.Transform program partners, Paffenholz highlighted the CPLP’s role as a space for shared learning. “The program supports this cooperative endeavor that crosses borders and aims to create collaboration and innovation opportunities among Lusophone countries,” he explained.
He also praised Mozambique’s commitment to a sustainable energy model: “Given its challenges, Mozambique also has the opportunity to advance a low-carbon, resilient energy transition that respects people and nature.”
Meanwhile, ENABEL Mozambique Country Manager Adriaan Tas stressed that this is a decisive moment for linking energy planning to climate financing. “The decisions we make today will shape the development trajectory of CPLP countries for decades,” he said.
Tas highlighted the joint work with MIREME, FUNAE, and ARENE in creating a Country Platform dedicated to mini-grid systems and productive energy uses. “It is a collaborative platform that truly aims to boost investments and ensure no one is left behind,” he explained. He emphasized that all financial instruments—from public investment to private capital—should be coordinated to maximize impact. “This journey must be guided by a robust climate financing strategy that aligns national priorities with global funding flows,” he said.
Citing Mozambican Minister Wallach, Tas noted that “the success of a seminar like this is measured not only by speeches and theories but by the collective ability to turn ideas into commitments and commitments into tangible, measurable results.”
Closing the opening session, Albano Manjate, National Director of the Climate Finance Office, stated that the climate issue “has moved from being purely environmental to becoming economic and social.”
“Climate change affects the environment, but also economies and societies. Therefore, financing climate is financing development,” he said.
Manjate presented the newly approved 2025-34 National Climate Finance Strategy, which guides resource mobilization to implement national development and energy transition strategies. According to him, the plan envisions an estimated $80 billion in funding.
“The energy sector is strategic. It is the sector that should receive the largest volume of financing to make our economy increasingly low-carbon,” he said, calling for cooperation among CPLP countries. “It is essential that we speak the same language and align development priorities to ensure a just and transformative energy transition.”
The 5th CPLP Energy and Climate Seminar, running until October 24, is organized by ALER and RELOP, with support from the CPLP, the Government of Mozambique, GET.Transform, the European Union, and ENABEL. Throughout the week, technical discussions, training sessions, and experience-sharing activities on energy sector planning, financing, and regulation are taking place.
The event reaffirms the commitment of Lusophone countries to strengthen cooperation and build a truly sustainable energy transition, based on shared knowledge, responsible investment, and solidarity among Lusophone nations.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
