Maputo, June 11, 2026 (Lusa) - Mozambique’s minister for mineral resources and energy on Thursday called for a “fair, balanced and inclusive” energy transition, emphasising the important role of natural gas as a bridging fuel and highlighting the private sector’s role in this process.
“Mozambique believes in a fair, balanced and inclusive energy transition. We recognise the fundamental role of renewable energy in expanding access to energy and reducing emissions, but we also understand that different countries start from different realities," said Estêvão Pale.
The minister was speaking at the opening of the 5th Mozambique Renewable Energy Business Conference (RENMOZ 2026), which brings together representatives from the energy sector, including from Portugal and the European Union, for two days in Maputo, to discuss investment opportunities in Mozambique’s energy sector. He argued that natural gas will continue to play a significant role as a transition fuel in the country, contributing, amongst other things, to energy security, generating revenue for national development and the gradual integration of renewable sources into our energy mix.
“Our energy resources are abundant and diverse. Over 18 gigawatts of hydroelectric potential, 23 gigawatts of solar potential, and significant wind resources in various coastal and inland regions. These resources represent a solid foundation upon which the government is building a diversified portfolio of energy projects, creating concrete opportunities for national and international private investment,” he explained.
Mozambique has some of the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, and the minister went on to say that he believes the active participation of the private sector is essential to accelerate the expansion of the electricity grid’s generation capacity, decentralised solutions and industrialisation linked to the energy sector.
"Our electrification rate has risen from 30% in 2018 to 66% in 2026. Achieving universal access to energy, promoting industrialisation, creating jobs and increasing the economy’s competitiveness require large-scale investments that the State cannot undertake alone," he said.
He also noted that the government is determined to continue creating a business environment that is “increasingly stable, transparent and competitive”, capable of attracting capital, promoting innovation and establishing long-term partnerships that contribute to the sustainable development of the country and the region, reiterating that RENMOZ 2026 could also boost the mobilisation of investment in the context of the energy transition in Mozambique.
Ricardo Pereira, president of the Mozambican Renewable Energy Association (AMER), highlighted on the occasion that the country is no longer merely a promise in the energy sector but has established itself as an emerging market, although he acknowledged that the energy transition is still “a path that is forged as we walk it; it is not a linear path”.
“There will be technological choices that only time will tell whether they were the best, and there will be others where we must have the humility and courage to admit if we have made a mistake, to correct it and to learn,” he said.
Mayra Pereira, president of the Lusophone Renewable Energy Association (ALER), said that the conference exists to create the conditions for decisions in the energy sector to be made, to establish channels for ongoing dialogue between institutions, so that “the right players come together” and so that the confidence necessary for investment is built.
"The energy transition requires technology, financing and a regulatory framework, but it also requires something that is often less visible: collaboration," emphasised Mayra Pereira, adding that this transition requires the government, communities and the various entities involved in the national energy chain – including partners and investors – to work towards a common agenda.
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