EDM - Electricidade de Moçambique

EDM – Electricidade de Moçambique: Powering a Nation's Future

Electricidade de Moçambique, E.P. (EDM) is the backbone of Mozambique's electricity sector. As the state-owned utility, EDM is responsible for generating, transmitting, distributing, and selling electricity across the country. Since its establishment in 1977, the company has been at the heart of Mozambique's electrification drive, fueling industry, supporting households, and connecting the country to regional power markets.

Overview and Strategic Importance

Created just two years after Mozambique's independence, EDM was formed through the merger of 25 separate energy providers. Today, it operates as a fully state-owned enterprise, with headquarters in Maputo. Its mission is clear: achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 under the Energia Para Todos ("Energy for All") program.

EDM is more than a utility company—it is a strategic enabler of economic growth, providing electricity to households, industry, and key exporters like the Mozal Aluminium Smelter, while also exporting power to neighboring SADC countries.

Ownership and Structure

• Founded: 1977 (restructured as E.P. in 1995)

• Ownership: 100% Government of Mozambique

• Employees: 3,486 (2021, with continued growth since)

• Headquarters: Maputo, Mozambique

• Leadership: Marcelino Gildo Alberto, President of the Board (since 2020)

Operations and Infrastructure

EDM manages a vast energy system that includes:

• Generation: Hydroelectric, thermal, and renewable projects, with reliance on the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant (HCB) as a key supply source.

• Transmission: Around 5,000 km of high-voltage transmission lines, complemented by regional projects like MOTRACO.

• Distribution: Expanding both urban and rural networks, with ambitious plans to reach every Mozambican household by 2030.

Financial Performance

Despite challenges such as natural disasters, vandalism, and public sector debt, EDM remains financially resilient.

• Revenue (2021): $751.78 million (≈ 47.8 billion meticais)

• Net Income (2021): $32.06 million (≈ 2.04 billion meticais)

• Annual Production (2022): 8,146 GWh

  • Of which 1,730 GWh (27%) was exported to regional markets

Electrification and Access

EDM's progress in electrification is one of its most significant achievements:

• Access Rate:

  • 39% in 2021

  • 61% in 2024

  • Goal: 100% by 2030

• New Connections:

  • 412,363 in 2024 (exceeding targets by 3%)

  • Target of 600,000 in 2025, with 150,000 achieved in Q1 alone

These milestones show EDM's crucial role in bringing power to rural communities, improving living standards, and driving economic inclusion.

Recent Developments (2025)

• World Bank Financing: Secured $131 million for the ASCENT project, aiming to connect 146,000 new consumers with over 5,500 km of new lines.

• Renewables Drive: Investment in solar power and off-grid solutions to complement hydropower and reduce climate risk.

• Challenges: Ongoing battles with vandalism, infrastructure theft, and unpaid debts from public institutions (e.g., hospitals, defense).

Economic and Social Impact

• National Growth: EDM powers industries, from small businesses to megaprojects like Mozal Aluminium.

• Exports: By selling electricity regionally, EDM positions Mozambique as a future regional energy hub.

• Community Impact: Rural electrification projects have connected new administrative posts and schools, bridging the urban-rural divide.