Africa50, the well-known pan-African infrastructure investment platform, and Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), the Mozambican utility, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to actively collaborate on pioneering clean energy initiatives. The partnership seeks to tackle Mozambique’s energy access gap by implementing innovative and sustainable projects.
Under the MoU, Africa50 and EDM will work together to develop three solar plants, including a unique floating solar plant, along with transmission line Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. These ventures are strategically designed to enhance green generation capacity, delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective clean energy to areas with pressing energy needs.
The projects will be undertaken within the framework of the $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative, a flagship initiative announced during COP28, for which Africa 50 serves as a strategic partner. This initiative seeks to accelerate and expand green projects across the African continent, fostering climate mitigation and adaptation and driving economic growth.
Among the highlighted projects are the 100 MW Montepuez solar power plant in Cabo Delgado Province, the 60 MW Angoche solar power plant in Nampula Province with an integrated battery energy storage system, and the pioneering 100 MW floating solar photovoltaic project in Manica Province. The latter project utilises the surface of the Chicamba hydropower plant reservoir for power generation.
Beyond generation-focused initiatives, Africa50 and EDM have also committed to transmission line PPPs. The initial phase will involve the development of high-voltage lines spanning nearly 400km. Leveraging Africa’s experience in developing the first transmission PPP in Kenya, these lines will form a green corridor, facilitating the efficient distribution of green power to consumption centres.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, stated, “We are pleased to partner with Mozambique to harness its significant renewable energy potential and translate it into tangible and impactful power projects. This includes spearheading the adoption of innovative floating solar technology. We anticipate collaborating closely with EDM to expedite the implementation of green power infrastructure in both generation and transmission. Leveraging private sector capital and our alliance with the UAE’s Africa Green Investment Initiative, we aim to deliver substantial investments in Mozambique.”
