The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), representing the Government of Japan, carried out an assessment mission in Tete province, Mozambique, with the aim of inspecting the implementation of the environmental and social plans for the Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project. During the visit, the Japanese representatives met members of the local community, authorities and the team from the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project Implementation Office (GMNK), where the project's progress and structuring were discussed.
The delegation focused in particular on institutional capacity building, the development of a master plan and the possibilities for technical training for Mozambicans in the energy sector. In addition, Japan showed openness to collaborating closely with Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), with a view to facilitating the construction work on the dam.
This ambitious project is a response to Mozambique's growing energy needs, promising not only the generation of renewable energy but also environmental preservation in the region. The financial investment, estimated at 4.5 billion euros, demonstrates the scale of the project and its capacity to become a central hub in the energy market, attracting both national and foreign investment.
Construction of this undertaking, expected to take five years with operations due to begin in 2031, promises a significant boost to the local economy through job creation and by stimulating regional economies through demand for goods and services. The infrastructure includes a run-of-river dam on the Zambezi and a hydroelectric power station capable of producing up to 1,500 megawatts of power, as well as an extensive high-voltage power transmission line that will link Tete to Maputo.
In addition, in December, the Mozambican Government and a consortium led by Électricité de France (EDF), which includes TotalEnergies and Sumitomo Corporation, signed agreements for the execution of this project, with these international companies holding 70% of the hydroelectric plant and the remaining 30% to be held by HCB and EDM on behalf of the Mozambican State.
