Mini-grids represents a key solution to upscale access to energy, but still require structured, long-term support, says Emmett Costel, Programme Manager of the GET FIT Minigrids tender programme.
Read the full article on AMER blog (in Portuguese) or translated below
Dear Readers,
It is with great pleasure that the GET FiT Mozambique Programme presents this editorial together with AMER, marking an important step forward towards sustainable electrification in Mozambique. In this edition, we celebrate a decisive milestone for access to clean and affordable energy in the country, driven by the launch of the first Mozambican Mini-grids public tender, an initiative that places Mozambique at the forefront of the inclusive energy transition.
The GET FiT Mozambique: Mini-grids Programme is a strategic component of the Green People’s Energy for Africa: Mozambique (GPE) initiative, funded by Germany. Its main objective is to strengthen the role of the private sector in the construction, operation and maintenance of mini-grids based on renewable energy sources, especially in rural areas of Mozambique.
With the technical support of Multiconsult Norge AS, which leads a consortium designated as Programme Implementation Consultant (PIC), GET FiT provides direct support to the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, ensuring effective implementation aligned with national priorities. The programme aims to increase the electrification rate in rural areas of Mozambique through the implementation of solar photovoltaic mini-grids with storage, developed and operated by the private sector. This model relies on the active participation of the private sector and includes three fundamental pillars: technical assistance for a public tender aimed at private mini-grid developers; financial support for investors through Viability Gap Funding; and incentives for the productive use of energy to promote socioeconomic development in te beneficiary communities and the financial and operational sustainability of mini-grids. The programme has a financing fund of 23.8 million euros to subsidize investment within the scope of leveraging the private sector.
Each project will be financed, operated and maintained by mini-grid developers who will supply electricity directly to end consumers. The scope of the program is indicatively defined as a total of 3 MW, divided into 30 to 60 sites. The expectation is to benefit at least 7,000 customers, with priority given to sites with “anchor loads” and communities with potential for productive growth.
Although private mini-grids represent a key solution to achieve universal access to energy, their financial viability still depends on subsidies, requiring continued support through structured and long-term programs.
In this context, the month of April brought a concrete step on this path: on the 14th, the Energy Regulatory Authority (ARENE) officially announced the Invitation for Pre-qualification (No. 39A002441/CP/01/ARENE/2025), signaling the launch of the first public tender (top-down) for the implementation of mini-grids in Mozambique. Two to four experienced and qualified Implementing Entities will be selected through this tender, with the mission of developing, financing, constructing, operating and transferring four lots of mini-grids in the province of Nampula. The prequalification process may select up to eight bidders to develop multiple sub-projects, in four lots totaling up to 3 MWp of aggregate capacity.
This competition is a direct reflection of the vision outlined in the National Action Plan for Off-Grid Electrification approved by the Government of Mozambique (GdM) in December 2023 (Resolution No. 52/2023, 14-12-2023). GET FiT, in close coordination with ARENE, is proud to support this pioneering initiative, contributing not only to the expansion of energy access but also to the strengthening of national institutional capacity.
We invite all interested parties to learn more about this opportunity. The complete set of Pre-qualification Documents — available in Portuguese and English — can be downloaded free of charge by previously registered competitors, via the email address: concursos.miniredes@arene.org.mz . More information is also available in the News section of the ARENE website . The deadline for submission is June 26, 2025.
April was, without a doubt, a month of transformation and renewed hope for thousands of Mozambicans who will soon be able to turn on the lights in their homes and their dreams with clean and sustainable energy.
Author: Emmett Costel – GET FiT Mozambique Programme Manager: Mini-grids
