Energy Reform and Access Programme Underway

Mozambique is one of the largest power producers in Southern Africa. The Cahora Bassa dam, built some 30 years ago in the Tete province, is Africa's second largest hydroelectric plant and supplies South Africa with what is considered to be the cheapest electricity in the world.

Despite the country's significant hydropower potential, however, only 7% of Mozambique households have access to electricity. To remedy this situation, major plans are underway to develop the country's electricity sector at all levels, the most important of which is the World Bank-sponsored Energy Reform and Access Programme (ERAP).

ERAP is a seven-year electrification programme which aims to facilitate the transition from a traditional fuel-based energy system to a system capable of providing modern energy services to a significant portion of the population. In developing countries such as Mozambique, it is crucial to improve the electricity capacity of public institutions in rural areas,