The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME), launched today in Maputo, the Tender for the Selection of the Strategic Partner for the Development of the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower Project.  

"We are fully committed to conducting an open and transparent process that allows the selection of investors through criteria based on technical capacity, financial strength and proven experience in developing similar projects," said Max Tonela, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, during the launch of the tender.

According to Tonela, the project will play a key role in achieving the government's vision of providing universal access to energy, stimulating industrialization and diversification of the national energy matrix, ensuring security of supply of quality energy at the lowest cost and "strengthening Mozambique's position as a regional energy hub.

The first stage of selection of the strategic partner is expected to take place by April 2022 and will conclude with a short list of investors selected through a pre-qualification process based on technical and financial criteria.

Mphanda Nkuwa will also be "a key element in the energy transition process of Mozambique and the Region, through the provision of clean energy, emerging also as an important solution for mitigating climate change aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement," assures the governor.

World Bank director Idah Z. Pswarayi-Riddihough, present at the launch, said that the Mphanda Nkuwa project has a potential to transform and bring renewable energy to the country and the region at large.

According to this, access to electricity ensures security for communities, helps small farmers grow, guarantees basic services such as education and health. It also "helps create a favorable environment for investment, innovation, and the emergence of new industries that can stimulate growth and create jobs.

Importantly, the strategic partner will be responsible for investing between $500 million and $600 million in the venture.

Max Tonela ended his speech by appealing to the business community to reinforce their investment in energy projects by participating in the contest.

Participating in the event were members of the government, entities from the energy sector, the diplomatic corps accredited in Mozambique, financiers, and the private sector, among others.