Approximately 22.7 million Mozambicans, equivalent to 66.9% of the population, currently have access to electricity, up from 9.8 million recorded in 2019 — representing an increase of 12.9 million beneficiaries over six years.
The growth reflects the expansion of the national electrification network and government efforts to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, according to data presented by António Manda, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME).
“EDM’s journey is cause for recognition, but we must also remember that the mission of building Mozambique is not yet complete. There are still communities awaiting electricity and consumers who demand an increasingly safe, reliable, accessible and quality service,” Manda said.
Manda was speaking on Thursday (27) in Maputo during celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), at which he highlighted advances in the expansion of the national electricity grid and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring universal electricity access by 2030.
All 11 provincial capitals and 154 district headquarters are currently electrified, while work continues to extend access to administrative posts. To date, 361 administrative posts already have electricity.
Despite the progress, Manda cautioned that energy infrastructure must be made more resilient to extreme weather events, which have affected different regions of the country.
According to the MIREME permanent secretary, Mozambique possesses energy resources that must be converted into electricity that is available, competitive, and sustainable, thereby contributing to an energy transition aligned with the country’s development priorities.
“The challenge is precisely to transform that potential into available, competitive and sustainable electricity, promoting an energy transition that is calibrated and fair to the development priorities of our country,” he said.
For his part, EDM Board Chairman Joaquim Henrique Ou-Chim urged the company’s provincial directorates to strengthen efforts to bring services closer to citizens.
Ou-Chim also underscored the importance of operating on the basis of ethics, accountability, and quality service, in order to respond more efficiently to the needs of consumers and communities.
The 49th anniversary celebrations include a workshop focused on EDM’s mission, challenges, and outlook, bringing together current and former executives, employees, cooperation partners, and other stakeholders in the energy sector.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=534876
