Maputo: Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced that Pretoria and Maputo are set to significantly deepen their energy cooperation as both countries aim to enhance economic and strategic ties under the fourth South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC).
According to South African Government News Agency, Ramokgopa, speaking in Maputo as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's ministerial delegation, emphasized that the energy partnership between the neighboring states is historic, mutually beneficial, and crucial for powering regional growth. "We are joining the President in the Bi-National Commission, chaired by both Heads of State, to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Mozambique is our fourth-largest trading partner globally, so we have a deep-rooted cultural and economic relationship that we want to build on and enhance," Ramokgopa stated.
He highlighted that electricity cooperation remains a cornerstone of bilateral ties. South Africa currently imports over 1,000 megawatts from the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric scheme, a long-standing arrangement that provides critical support to the country's energy supply. "There's a lot of collaboration. We are getting electricity from Cahora Bassa, contracted for over 1,000 megawatts. We are also providing electricity to South32, the smeltery in Mozambique," the Minister explained.
Future cooperation will focus on Mozambique's growing natural gas potential, with both countries exploring ways to convert new gas finds into electricity to support industrialization on both sides of the border. "We intend on working together on their new finds, so that we get to convert the gas into electricity. We're building the relationship, and it's on the back of mutual benefit for both countries," he added.
Ramokgopa emphasized that expanding energy collaboration goes beyond technical arrangements; it is part of a broader mission to ensure 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," he said.
As part of the BNC engagements, South Africa and Mozambique signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation, which Ramokgopa described as a marker of confidence in the relationship and its future potential. "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," the Minister concluded.