Bringing Policy to Light: Implementation Challenges for Mozambique’s Off-Grid Policy Regulation

Abstract

In 2021, Mozambique approved a new regulation for access to energy in off-grid areas (Decree 93/2021) in December 2021. This chapter explores how the implementation of the regulation creates opportunities and challenges for the uptake of off-grid energy projects in Mozambique and the extent to which the new energy policy contexts facilitate the development of community energy projects.The chapter analysis combines a policy analysis of the regulatory landscape and key informant interviews with energy operators conducted in 2022 in the wake of the adoption of the new regulation. The regulation sets the foundation for off-grid energy uptake through increased confidence and investment in both the off-grid energy market and government institutions. However, challenges remain, such as the transparency of roles and responsibilities of key government institutions and having appropriate resource mechanisms in place—e.g., financial incentives or human capital, to facilitate the regulation’s implementation.