Mozambique highlighted its central role in energy and climate cooperation within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) on Monday, October 20, in Maputo, emphasizing ongoing reforms and the government’s commitment to promoting a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy transition. This position was expressed by the National Director of Energy, Marcelina Matavele, during the opening of the 5th CPLP Energy and Climate Seminar, held in Maputo until October 24 under the theme “Energy Planning and Financing.”
Matavele stated that the seminar comes at a crucial moment for Portuguese-speaking countries amid growing environmental challenges and represents a strategic platform to strengthen technical cooperation, exchange experiences, and mobilize resources.
“The CPLP has the potential to establish itself as a platform for knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and joint solutions development. To achieve this, it is necessary to enhance technical cooperation between our institutions, promote research and professional training, and create conditions for cross-border investments among member states,” she emphasized.
According to Matavele, energy planning cannot be separated from climate action, especially for countries like Mozambique that are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. “Our geography cyclically exposes us to floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones. Therefore, we need more resilient energy systems capable of withstanding and adapting to extreme events without compromising economic and social development,” she warned.
During her speech, the director highlighted the progress of key reforms in the national energy sector, noting the new Electricity Law approved in 2022, the Energy Transition Strategy adopted in 2023, and the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Strategy. She also mentioned the imminent creation of an Integrated Planning and Coordination Unit for the Electricity Sector, aimed at accelerating universal energy access by 2030. Matavele announced that Mozambique is updating its Integrated Master Plan for Electric Infrastructure, a fundamental tool to guide the development of the country’s generation, transmission, and distribution networks. She added that the government is also investing in off-grid electrification through renewable-based solutions, which already account for 10% of the current national energy access rate of 62%.
The director emphasized the role of international partnerships in building a modern, stable, and sustainable sector. “Technical partnerships have been crucial in strengthening sector planning and resilience,” she stated. In this context, she announced the presentation of two studies conducted by the International Energy Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy: one on national energy policies and another on the country’s climate resilience assessment.
Marcelina Matavele called on CPLP countries to prioritize energy interconnection, digitalization of systems, and promotion of decentralized renewable energy as foundations for a just energy transition. “We firmly believe that through Lusophone solidarity and cooperation, we can face the challenges of energy transition and climate change with greater strength and determination,” she declared.
At the same seminar, Albano Manjate, National Director of the Climate Financing Office, reinforced that climate and energy are pillars of sustainable development for CPLP economies, urging coordinated action in mobilizing financing. “Climate affects the environment, the economy, and society, constituting one of the greatest threats to our existence,” he warned.
Official data reveal that Mozambique experienced over 75 extreme climate events between 2000 and 2023, causing economic losses exceeding 285.2 billion meticais (4.1 billion USD), placing the country among the ten most vulnerable worldwide. The government recently approved the contingency plan for the 2025-26 rainy season, which could affect up to 1.2 million people, but currently has less than half of the 14 billion meticais (201.2 million USD) considered necessary.
Organized by the Lusophone Association of Renewable Energies (ALER) and the Association of Energy Regulators of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (RELOP), with support from the government, the European Union, ENABEL, and the GET.Transform program, the event brings together decision-makers, technicians, regulators, financiers, and partners from nine CPLP countries. It features 29 speakers and over 120 participants, aiming to discuss public policies, financing strategies, and shared solutions to ensure energy and environmental progress within the Lusophone community.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
