Lack of access to electricity represents a fundamental barrier to development. It hinders progress in areas such as health, education, food security and gender equality. In Mozambique, it is estimated that only 30% of the population has access to electricity leaving over 20 million people reliant on inefficient lighting and energy solutions.

The Government of Mozambique is committed to reaching the Sustainable Energy for All target of Universal Energy Access by 2030. To reach this ambitious goal, it is estimated that 373 thousand new connections per year, a more than six-fold increase from the current rate of around 60 thousand, will be required.

The Energy Africa Campaign, which aims to support the African government's efforts in realising their universal energy targets, recognises that to supply the vast number of off-grid households required, private sector companies, with the innovation and investment they bring, are a vital part of the solution. Embodying this vision, a £29.3-million programme entitled BRILHO was launched in July 2019. SNV is leading the implementation of this project with partners Marge, Catalyst Advisors and Practical Action Consulting.

The programme, which is funded by UKAID and Sida, represents the UK and Swedish commitment to the Energy Africa Campaign in Mozambique and is intended to be matched by practical government support to the off-grid energy private sector. BRILHO will target three identified inter-connected areas of energy need in Mozambique: improved cooking solutions, solar home systems and green mini-grids.

BRILHO is committed to achieving the goals of the Energy Africa Compact for Mozambique and is expected) to increase energy access in Mozambique for 1.8 million people. It is a comprehensive and innovative five-year programme which will support 17,000 businesses and mobilise GBP 24.6 million in private funding.

For more information, click here to visit BRILHO’s website.