The governments of Mozambique and Zambia, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, António Manda, and the Minister of Energy, Makoze Chikote, respectively, signed an Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday for the Interconnection of the Energy Systems of the two countries, through the companies Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and its Zambian counterpart, ZESCO (Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation).

For Manda, the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a testament to the shared vision for a stronger, more interconnected and energy-secure region.

"Mozambique is proud to play a central role in promoting regional energy integration. We are committed to ensuring that our vast energy resources contribute to the prosperity of our country and the Southern African region," said MIEREME's Permanent Secretary.

On the occasion, the Memorandum of Understanding between the respective electricity companies was also initialed and signed by EDM's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Joaquim Ou-chim, and ZESCO's CEO, Justin Loongo.

This instrument establishes the framework for the development of the Energy Systems Interconnection Project between Mozambique and Zambia, through a 400 kV power transmission line that will extend for approximately 376 km, linking the Matambo substation in Mozambique to the Chipata West substation in Zambia.

EDM's CEO, Joaquim Ou-chim, said on the occasion that the act marks the transition from planning to execution of this long-awaited project.

"In the current global energy scenario, energy cooperation is no longer an option but a necessity. As Africa moves towards greater energy interaction, projects like these pave the way for a more connected and self-sufficient continent," said Ou-chim.

With an estimated investment cost of 411.5 million US dollars, the project aims not only to increase energy supply capacity between the two countries, but also to strengthen Mozambique's position as a relevant player in the regional energy market.

The interconnection will facilitate the exchange of energy, promoting trade with other members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and generating additional revenue for Mozambique.

The project, called the Mozambique-Zambia Regional Interconnector (MOZA), has already

has a Technical and Economic Feasibility Study completed, and the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has been approved by funding institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank (WB).

According to the EDM PCA's explanation, to ensure effective implementation, an Executive Committee (EXCO) and a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established to coordinate the commitments made in the Memorandum.

"These teams will be responsible for the technical, environmental, financial and operational aspects of the project, ensuring that progress remains on track and that challenges are addressed proactively," explained Joaquim Ou-chim.

The energy partnership between Mozambique and Zambia has strengthened over the years, and in 2024 around 60% of the total export volume was destined for the Zambian market.

Indeed, the signing of the IGMoU is a decisive step that reaffirms Mozambique's commitment to being a regional center for generating quality electricity for the country and the southern African region.