Solar key to Mozambique’s renewables ambitions

Investor interest grows as government prioritises diversification of energy sources and development of clean power

Mozambique’s electricity sector is marked by contradictions: it is a major exporter of power to its neighbours yet under half of its population enjoy access; it is blessed with vast resources of sunshine and wind but has less than 100MW of installed non-hydro renewables. However, the situation is changing. Numerous independent solar power projects (IPPs) are at varying stages of development, backed by an array of international development finance institutions compensating for the wariness of commercial banks to become involved with a heavily indebted government. Recently appointed economy minister Max Tonela—previously holder of the energy portfolio and one-time finance director at state-own