Electricity dey quietly transform daily life in Mozambique, bringing light not just to homes but also to businesses. From hair salons using modern clippers to pharmacies keeping medicines chilled, power don open new doors for trade, jobs, and better living. World Bank President Ajay Banga, wey visit some projects around Maputo, talk say: “Electricity isn’t just light, it’s a chance.”
Part of this push is the $6 billion Mphanda Nkuwa hydro project, the biggest in southern Africa for the past 50 years. When completed in 2031, the dam go generate 1,500 megawatts — enough to power millions of homes and even export electricity to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mozambique’s goal be to give all 33 million citizens access to electricity by 2030, using hydro, solar, and other renewables as backbone.
Progress dey, but challenge still big. Access don nearly double from 31% in 2018 to 60% in 2024, yet Sub-Saharan Africa still carry 85% of the world’s population without electricity. Experts say mega-dams no go solve everything because the country too wide; off-grid solar projects must join to reach rural areas.
Meanwhile, questions dey rise about debt. Mozambique already owe $17 billion, spending record amounts just to service loans. Some local voices dey warn: “The World Bank is not a godfather… These are not donations.” They argue smaller, community-driven solar and hydro projects might fit better. Still, for people like Aurélio Arlindo, wey dey wait to open a cold drinks stall once his area connects to light, the hope is clear — electricity means opportunity.
