The political economy of electricity access in Mozambique : Supporting sustainable and inclusive investment

The Indian Ocean nation of Mozambique has a wealth of energy resources through a combination of hydropower (20GW), solar (23TW), and wind (1.1 GW) capacity at coastal locations, as well as considerable fossil fuel reserves, including natural gas in the provinces of Inhambane (estimated 3.5 trillion cubic feet) and Cabo Delgado (128 trillion cubic feet). Mozambique is currently developing one of the largest gas fields in Africa, situated off the coast of the northernmost province of Cabo Delgado. The total project cost is estimated between US$50-$100 billion over a decade, making it one of the largest investment projects in Africa. The U.S. oil company Exxon Mobil heads the consortium developing the gas resources in areas operated by France's Total and Italy's ENI, with stakes held by Indian and Chinese oil and gas firms.