Agreement secures electricity for schools and hospitals in Mozambique

Minister of International Development Erik Solheim today signed an agreement with Mozambique’s Foreign Minister Alcinda Abreu. The agreement, which totals NOK 200 million over three years, will guarantee electricity supplies in the poor, northern province of Cabo Delgado. 

The aims of the project, which will connect Cabo Delgado to the national electricity grid, include improving social conditions in the province. The project will ensure that electricity is supplied to the 18 schools and 11 health clinics in the project area. Norway has also given support to environmental and social impact assessments of the project.  

- Electricity is essential for economic development, in both the public and the private sector. It affects everyone, said Mr Solheim.  

Norway was an early supporter of Mozambique, and established diplomatic relations in 1977, only two years after the country gained its independence from Portugal in 1975. Although Mozambique remains one of the world’s poorest countries, it is experiencing positive economic development. Infrastructure development, however, is taking a long time, partly because so much was destroyed during Mozambique’s long civil war, which ended 15 years ago. 

Norway and Mozambique’s energy cooperation covers expert assistance related to the management and development of a nationwide electricity supply grid. Energy is central in Norwegian development cooperation. Access to electricity is crucial in the fight against poverty and to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Norway, as an energy nation and significant development actor, can offer expertise, technology and financing. The Government will therefore increase development assistance in the environmental and energy fields. 

The President of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza, and several of his ministers today started a three-day official visit to Norway.