Yesterday, Mozambique and Zambia signed an Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding 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).

The Memorandum was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, António Manda, on behalf of the Mozambican government, and by Zambia through the Minister of Energy, Makoze Chikote.

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.

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.

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.

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, regional cooperation is no longer an option but a necessity. As Africa moves towards greater energy integration, projects like this pave the way for a more connected and self-sufficient continent," said Ou-chim. (AIM)