Mozambique achieved an impressive clean electricity share in 2023: about 84% of its electricity came from low-carbon sources, overwhelmingly hydropower, which supplied roughly 83%. Fossil fuels accounted for the remaining 16%, almost entirely gas. Mozambique is also a significant net exporter of electricity, helping neighboring regions lower their emissions. The next challenge is to build on this achievement by generating much more clean electricity to electrify transport, heating and industry, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and their associated climate impacts and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Mozambique?

The latest figures show that electricity consumption per person remains far below Mozambique’s historical peak, rather than demonstrating sustained growth. In 2023, consumption was about 582 kWh per person, compared with nearly 1,250 kWh in 1980—a decline of roughly 667 kWh, or more than half. Low-carbon electricity generation was about 487 kWh per person, down from around 1,147 kWh in 1980, a reduction of about 660 kWh. These substantial shortfalls are concerning: Mozambique needs strong growth in clean electricity to support wider electrification and future demand. However, comparisons with historical records alone do not establish whether total electricity consumption is currently rising or falling.

Suggestions

Mozambique can increase low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar power alongside its substantial hydropower base. Large solar projects and distributed installations could help supply growing demand, while stronger grids, storage and regional interconnections would help deliver that electricity to households and businesses. Mozambique should also consider nuclear electricity as a long-term option, developing the expertise, institutions and international partnerships needed to assess and pursue it. Together, solar, nuclear and hydropower could support a larger, more diversified clean electricity supply for domestic electrification and regional exports.

History

Mozambique’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by changes in hydropower. The early 1980s brought steep setbacks: generation fell by 9.7 TWh in 1981 and another 4.4 TWh in 1984, despite a 2 TWh recovery in 1983. A strong expansion followed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with increases totaling about 12 TWh across the listed years from 1998 to 2002. After a 1.8 TWh decline in 2003, the listed gains during 2005–2007 and 2009 totaled about 6 TWh, interrupted by a smaller decline in 2008. The 2010s were mixed: declines in 2012, 2016 and 2017 offset gains in 2014, 2015 and 2019. This uneven history underscores the importance of sustained expansion in clean electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade