During the panel dedicated to universal access to modern energy, held as part of the RENMOZ-2025 conference, experts and institutional representatives highlighted the progress of a new approach to accelerate the implementation of green mini-grids in Mozambique. The session, which focused on financing and regulatory mechanisms, revealed the first steps towards structuring public tenders aimed at attracting private operators.
According to the authorities, the goal is to electrify 209 localities by 2030, with an estimated investment of 70 million dollars. To this end, public tenders are being prepared that will include feasibility studies, environmental licensing and land guarantees in order to mitigate risks for operators.
‘The public tender model could be the key to attracting private investment with predictability and scale,’ explained Ludovic Durel, manager of the European Union’s Energy Programme.
The effort is being conducted with a view to inter-institutional coordination. The national platform for mini-grids, currently being structured, should facilitate the harmonisation of criteria between technical and financial partners, reducing transaction costs. Christian Naccache, from the Swedish Embassy, stressed that one of the obstacles has been the multiplicity of requirements and processes that burden local implementers.
In this context, the role of FUNAE (Energy Fund) is also noteworthy, as it has been developing initiatives to strengthen private sector participation.
According to Hermínio Massingue, technical advisor to the institution, around 40 networks have already been transferred to independent operators, with technical support being offered to ensure continuity and quality of service. The creation of a specific division for this purpose aims to respond to the requirements of the new model.
The issue of economic viability was also at the centre of discussions. Nicolas Bugatti, representative of TAF-EU, warned of the need to clarify institutional roles and link projects to productive clusters that can generate income and ensure the sustainability of operations: ‘Without good coordination between the various actors, we will be subsidising inefficient electrification.’
Among the new initiatives highlighted was the MySOL programme, which is preparing to start operating in the provinces of Zambezia, Nampula and Tete. Juan Garcia Montes, representative of the project, explained that the model to be adopted will be top-down, combining technical support, financing and competitive selection of operators with a view to creating replicable solutions with real impact.
The session concluded with a note of convergence: mini-grids should not be seen solely as electrification infrastructure, but as catalysts for local development. ‘If well designed, they will be drivers of economic and social inclusion in today’s most marginalised areas,’ argued Ludovic Durel, summarising the spirit of the debate.
About the event
The session was part of the programme of the 4th Renewable Energy Business Conference in Mozambique (RENMOZ-2025), which, over two days, brought together government decision-makers, regulators, investors, representatives of cooperation agencies, international financial institutions, energy companies and national and foreign experts.
The main objective of the event in Maputo was to boost the energy transition in the country by aligning political priorities, regulatory instruments and financing models.
This edition also marked the official presentation of Mozambique’s energy transition strategy and promoted discussions on key issues such as green industrialisation, sustainable mobility, universal access to modern energy and the expansion of mini-grids and clean cooking solutions.
The sessions were marked by technical presentations, experience sharing and the building of strategic consensus among the different actors involved in the transformation of the national energy system.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
