EU's continued commitment to supporting Mozambique through Renewables

The Council of the European Union (EU) concluded in January the need to step up efforts in the combat of climate change that remains an existential threat to humanity. Worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remain on an unsustainable trajectory despite short-term emission reductions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Global climate action still falls short of what is required to achieve the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and thus the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The EU is showing leadership and is setting an example: guided by science, it has stepped up its domestic commitments,adopting the objective of climate-neutrality by 2050, and enhancing its short-term GHG emission reduction target, and thus the EU’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), to at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990.

The EU will implement its ambitious goals through the European Green Deal that will also be at the forefront of the Covid-19 crisis recovery efforts. In addition, the EU will step up efforts to reinforce its leadership to support global energy transition in a just and inclusive manner. The EU is committed to achieve this objective by deploying all its tools from green funding to research from cooperation to trade.

In Sub-Saharan Africa and in particular in Mozambique, one of the most exposed countries to the consequences of climate change, the EU leads and supports the country to combat climate change by focusing in adaptation and resilience. Recurrent climate disasters such as recent droughts and cyclones (Idai, Chalane, Eloise) are reminders of how important is to act quickly to avoid social and economic disastrous impacts.  EU current and future cooperation programmes will continue to build resilience and adaptation by giving special attention to the promotion and development of renewable energy. The latest account for 25% of the EU total contribution to the country development: equivalent to EUR 180 million and with the capacity to leverage up to EUR 1 billion of public and private funds. The Renewable energy auction programme (PROLER), the Electrification Financial programme (ElectriFi), the Renewable energy access fund (FASER) or the GET.invest  are among the initiatives the EU is proud to support in Mozambique in order to raise participation of the private sector.

In this context and in an effort to further promote renewable energy solutions in Mozambique, the coming Europe-Mozambique Investment Forum: Renewables in Mozambique 2021 to be held from the 22 to 24 March and organized by the Lusophone and Mozambican associations for renewable energy, ALER and AMER, with the support of the European sponsored GET.invest programme is most welcomed.  The forum is as a perfect opportunity to present the potential for renewable energy in Mozambique and the funding mechanisms made available for this sector by the Government of Mozambique, the European Union and other development partners. It is also the best platform for the interactions between European, African and local investors and companies.

Please join us in this forum and be part of the global effort to achieve energy transition, revert climate change impacts and achieve the Sustainable development goals. 

António Sánches-Benedito Gaspar

Ambassador of the European Union to Mozambique