South Africa and Mozambique have signed a landmark energy cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating joint infrastructure projects and boosting energy trade in what officials hailed as a major step toward regional energy security.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Maputo on Wednesday during the 4th Bi‑National Commission (BNC) between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by South Africa’s Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Mozambique’s Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Estevão Pale during a ceremony attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Mozambican counterpart Daniel Chapo.
“The MoU lays the foundation for strategic partnerships in energy trading and development, with a focus on electricity and natural gas resources,” the Department of Electricity and Energy said in a statement.
“Minister Ramokgopa’s signature of the MoU highlights the South African government’s commitment to fostering energy cooperation in the region, contributing to mutual benefits and enhanced energy security.”
Mozambique is already a critical partner for South Africa, providing power imports through the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric scheme, which has long helped stabilise South Africa’s grid amid domestic generation shortfalls.
The MoU comes as South Africa grapples with persistent electricity shortages and seeks to diversify supply sources.
By expanding collaboration with Mozambique, Pretoria aims to secure reliable imports while supporting regional industrial growth.
The agreement will be formally reviewed at the 5th Bi‑National Commission, scheduled to take place in South Africa, where both governments expect to report on progress in implementing joint energy initiatives.
Ramaphosa noted that South Africa’s state‑owned enterprises, development finance institutions and private companies are ready to partner in implementing joint projects.
Ramaphosa and Chapo were due to jointly launch a gas facility built by South African energy and chemical company Sasol in Mozambique’s Inhambane province.
“This is another shining example of how two friendly neighbours can collaborate effectively,” Ramaphosa told journalists on Wednesday.
“The project also illustrates how public-private sector partnerships can be used to great effect.”
