Mozambique already gets almost 84% of its electricity from low-carbon sources—a substantial achievement. In 2023, hydropower supplied about 83% of electricity, accounting for nearly all clean electricity, while fossil fuels supplied about 16%, predominantly gas. Mozambique is also a significant net electricity exporter, helping neighboring regions lower their emissions. The next challenge is to build on this clean electricity foundation by electrifying transport, heating and industry, which will require much more electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in Mozambique?

The figures show a worrying shortfall from historical peaks rather than sustained growth in electricity consumption per person. In 2023, consumption was about 582 kWh per person, compared with the record of 1,248 kWh in 1980—a decline of roughly 670 kWh, or more than half. Low-carbon electricity generation was about 487 kWh per person, down from 1,147 kWh in 1980, a fall of about 660 kWh. These comparisons do not establish whether total electricity consumption grew in 2023, but they highlight the need to increase clean electricity availability per person.

Suggestions

Mozambique can expand low-carbon electricity generation by accelerating solar deployment alongside its established hydropower system. Utility-scale solar plants and distributed solar could supply additional electricity to businesses, households and newly electrified communities. Expanded grids, storage and regional interconnections would help deliver this additional output where it is needed. Mozambique should also consider nuclear electricity as a long-term option, developing the skills, institutions and regional partnerships needed to assess and support it. A larger clean electricity supply would support industrial development, electrification and growing digital demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and their associated air pollution and climate emissions.

History

Mozambique’s low-carbon electricity history has been dominated by large changes in hydropower. The early 1980s brought severe setbacks: generation fell by 9.7 TWh in 1981 and, despite a 2 TWh rebound in 1983, dropped another 4.4 TWh in 1984. A strong recovery followed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with gains totaling about 12 TWh across 1998–2002. Further growth during 2005–2009 outweighed the declines recorded in 2003 and 2008. The 2010s were more uneven: declines in 2012, 2016 and 2017 interrupted gains in 2014, 2015 and 2019. This uneven record underlines the importance of sustained expansion and a broader low-carbon electricity mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade