MOTRACO 

MOTRACO, SARL: Powering Southern Africa's Energy Future

MOTRACO, SARL (Mozambique Transmission Company SARL) is a cornerstone of the electricity sector in Southern Africa. Established in 1998, this joint venture brings together three national electricity utilities: Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Eskom Holdings Limited of South Africa, and Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC). Headquartered in Maputo, Mozambique, MOTRACO plays a pivotal role in managing and maintaining a reliable electricity transmission network, ensuring energy security across borders.

Key Functions and Operations

Power Transmission:
MOTRACO purchases electricity from Eskom in South Africa—primarily sourced from the Cahora Bassa Dam—and supplies it to key clients, including the Mozal Aluminium Smelter in Maputo, as well as EDM and EEC for distribution in Mozambique and Eswatini. Its infrastructure comprises two 400kV substations and 565 km of 132kV and 400kV transmission lines, enabling efficient delivery of high-voltage electricity.

Digital Communications:
The company also manages a cross-border high-speed digital telecommunications network, supporting seamless connectivity between Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa.

Economic Impact:
By powering the Mozal Aluminium Smelter—which consumes 34–40% of Mozambique's electricity production and contributes 30% of the country's exports—MOTRACO is a critical driver of industrial growth and economic development.

Historical Context

MOTRACO was created to meet the power demands of the Mozal project, a major aluminium smelter requiring dedicated transmission infrastructure. The company was officially approved by the Mozambican government in 1998, with tax incentives to facilitate its operations. Since then, MOTRACO has become a symbol of regional energy cooperation.

Strategic Importance

MOTRACO is a key player in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), enabling cross-border electricity flows and enhancing grid stability. Its network covers 32.3% of Mozambique's transmission infrastructure, complementing EDM's national grid. MOTRACO's mission is to provide efficient power transmission while delivering sustainable returns to shareholders, aiming to be the preferred partner in power transmission and interconnection across Southern Africa.

Recent Developments

• Recognized for outstanding performance for the 15th consecutive year during the May 2025 Shareholders General Meeting.

• Participated in the 3rd G20 Energy Transitions Working Group in August 2025, highlighting its operational and financial expertise.

• Continues investing in infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansion to meet rising regional energy demand.

Key Facts & Figures

• Transmission Network: 565+ km of high-voltage lines

• Transmission Capacity: 1.3+ GW

• Primary Clients: Mozal Aluminium Smelter, EDM

• Shareholding Structure: EDM 33%, Eskom 33%, EEC 33%

• Headquarters: Maputo, Mozambique

• Website: www.motraco.co.mz

MOTRACO's reliable infrastructure not only supports industrial and economic growth in Mozambique but also strengthens regional energy integration, making it a linchpin of Southern Africa's electricity landscape.