Mozambique has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Zambia and Zimbabwe to enhance regional energy integration and address Southern Africa’s energy challenges. Formalized in Maputo (Capital of Mozambique), these agreements strengthen cooperation in energy infrastructure, renewable energy development, and power trading, aligning with the region’s green economy goals.
The MoUs focus on expanding cross-border electricity trade through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Leveraging its hydropower and natural gas resources, including the Cahora Bassa dam (Tete Province, western Mozambique), Mozambique plans to export surplus energy to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Both countries face power deficits due to hydropower limitations caused by prolonged drought and aging infrastructure. The agreements also support collaborative renewable energy initiatives, such as solar and wind, to diversify the energy portfolio and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
Zimbabwe’s MoU prioritizes upgrading transmission infrastructure to enable energy imports from Mozambique, addressing its ongoing energy crisis worsened by low water levels at Kariba Dam (Zambezi River, border of Zimbabwe and Zambia). Zambia’s agreement emphasizes technical collaboration, including knowledge sharing on renewable energy technologies and grid modernization. These partnerships are intended to enhance energy security, stabilize regional power supply, and support sustainable development.
The initiatives align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, promoting regional integration and green growth. By tapping into Mozambique’s energy potential, the agreements help drive the transition to cleaner energy systems, stimulate economic opportunities, and build resilience to climate change impacts. Stakeholders, including government officials and energy experts, view these MoUs as a step toward a unified energy market in Southern Africa that could attract investment in green technologies. These collaborative efforts highlight the importance of regional solidarity in overcoming energy challenges and lay the foundation for a sustainable, interconnected energy future.
