Mozambique exported nearly 80% of its electricity output to South Africa in 2023, solidifying its position as a leading energy producer in southern Africa.
The country supplied electricity to six other neighboring nations, setting a new record for energy exports.
According to the 2023 annual report from the National Statistics Institute, Mozambique exported a total of 11,585 GWh of electricity last year.
South Africa, the largest buyer, accounted for 9,079 GWh. Other key recipients included Zimbabwe (878 GWh), Botswana (396 GWh), and Zambia (235 GWh). Smaller importers included Eswatini (132 GWh), Lesotho (97 GWh), and Malawi (4 GWh).
In addition to bilateral exports, Mozambique supplied 765 GWh to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), a regional electricity network.
Although this represents a decline from the annual average of over 1,000 GWh since 2019, the overall electricity exports grew by 9% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), the state-owned utility, highlighted these achievements in its 2023 annual report. “Our performance in the southern African region is quite encouraging,” stated Marcelino Gildo Alberto, the former Chairman of the Board.
Mozambique’s growing influence as a regional energy hub was underscored by increased exports and milestones such as boosting energy sales to Botswana and recovering $22 million in debt from ZESCO, its Zambian counterpart.
These advancements reflect Mozambique’s steady progress in consolidating its role as a key energy provider in the region.
