Mozambique is in the process of finalising an agreement to supply additional electricity to the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The initiative aims to help the neighbouring country minimise the energy crisis it has been facing, opening up new opportunities for cooperation and regional development.
According to a publication in the newspaper Noticias, a team led by Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, recently met with his South African counterpart to speed up the operationalisation of the agreement.
On the occasion, Zacarias said that the governments of both countries have already signed the document formalising the increase in electricity supply, and that the final adjustments are now underway to make the deal a reality.
‘It is important to make the implementation of ongoing projects in Mozambique more flexible, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the energy market, which is why we are urging South Africa to encourage companies in the energy sector to invest in Mozambique.’
For his part, the South African Minister of Energy and Electricity, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, emphasised the importance of the partnership with Mozambique, especially in the use of natural gas as an alternative to fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
Ramokgopa emphasised that Mozambique is one of the most lucrative gas markets in Africa and believes that the agreement could be crucial for South Africa’s energy transition.
‘We will sign the document, but the most important thing is to change the lives of our people. Mozambique can help guarantee increased universal access to energy, allowing more people to have electricity and sustain industry,’ said Ramokgopa.
The agreement, in addition to alleviating the energy crisis, is also seen as a solution to the load shortage in South Africa. Ramokgopa also emphasised the need to convert natural gas into electricity, stressing Mozambique’s fundamental role in this transition.
In recent times, other southern African countries have also asked Mozambique to increase its electricity supply in order to meet growing economic demand. Additional energy will be crucial to help South Africa face the crisis and boost regional development.
