Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) has reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and transparency in public and corporate management by holding, on 9 December in the city of Nampula, a seminar dedicated to combating corruption, as part of the celebrations of the International Anti-Corruption Day, according to an official statement.
According to the document, the event — which brought together company employees, representatives of the electricity sector, members of civil society, customers and the general public — served to share good practices and present institutional mechanisms aimed at strengthening internal controls across all areas of EDM’s value chain.
On the occasion, Executive Administrator Anastácio Inácio stated that EDM is determined to cultivate an organisational culture based on ethical values, with emphasis on accountability and responsible corporate governance. “EDM, as the State’s corporate arm in the electricity sector, is committed to modernising services and ensuring quality energy supply, supported by prudent and transparent management,” the executive said.
Among the measures underway, Anastácio Inácio highlighted the implementation of the Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Anti-Corruption Policies, as well as the Gifts and Gratuities Policy, as instruments that consolidate the institution’s commitment to legality and integrity in the conduct of public affairs.
Magistrate Aristides Manuel Maizana, from the Provincial Office for Combating Corruption, argued that individual accountability is central to preventing illicit practices within public institutions. “Each technician must refuse gifts, favours or external pressure, strictly comply with internal rules and the Public Probity Law. It is also the duty of each individual to report irregularities and adopt exemplary conduct in the exercise of public functions,” urged the representative of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The digitalisation of processes, particularly in billing and payment services, was identified as one of the solutions to reduce direct contact between users and staff, thereby preventing situations of bribery and favouritism. Strengthening internal and external reporting channels, with guarantees of anonymity, was also defended as a strategy to mitigate corruption.
Rui Domingos Ramos, representing the Secretary of State of Nampula Province, encouraged EDM to promote greater speed in responding to citizens’ concerns, warning that delays and excessive bureaucracy can foster illicit practices. “Slowness in public services creates space for corruption. EDM must remain focused on efficiency and respect for users,” he stressed.
The seminar took place at a time when EDM is intensifying its internal anti-corruption campaign, with actions focused mainly on commercial, operational and customer service areas, which are more vulnerable to ethical misconduct.
The Executive Administrator was categorical in stating that the Board of Directors will adopt an uncompromising stance towards any illicit acts committed by employees. “Fraud negotiations, meter manipulation or demands for commissions to perform tasks will be treated with ‘zero tolerance’. No employee involved in such acts will go unpunished,” Anastácio Inácio assured.
