- Pretoria and Maputo are set to significantly expand their energy cooperation as both governments strengthen economic and strategic ties under the fourth South Africa–Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC).
Speaking in Maputo on Wednesday as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ministerial delegation, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the long-standing energy relationship between the neighbouring countries remains central to regional growth and stability.
Ramokgopa noted that Mozambique is South Africa’s fourth-largest global trading partner, underscoring what he called a “deep-rooted cultural and economic relationship” that both sides intend to enhance.
Electricity cooperation continues to anchor these ties, with South Africa importing more than 1 000 megawatts from the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric scheme — a decades-old arrangement that plays a key role in stabilising South Africa’s power supply. South Africa also supplies electricity to the South32 smelter in Mozambique.
Looking ahead, Ramokgopa said future collaboration will increasingly centre on Mozambique’s expanding natural gas sector. Both governments are exploring opportunities to convert new gas discoveries into electricity to support industrialisation across the region.
“We intend on working together on their new finds, so that we get to convert the gas into electricity,” he said, adding that the partnership is firmly grounded in mutual benefit.
He emphasised that energy cooperation forms part of a broader effort to secure economic stability and shared development: “There’s no better way of doing that than ensuring that the lights are on and the economy is powered.”
During the BNC deliberations, the two countries signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation. Ramokgopa described the agreement as a demonstration of confidence in the partnership and its future prospects.
“The MOU is an indication of the strength of that relationship. We’re looking forward to a productive day and ensuring that we grow the economy of both countries,” he said.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
