BRILHO Programme Transforms Mozambique’s Energy Market and supports 3 million Mozambicans with access to off-grid electrification and improved cooking solutions

BRILHO Programme Transforms Mozambique’s Energy Market and supports 3 million Mozambicans with access to off-grid electrification and improved cooking solutions

9 December 2024: Since its launch in 2019, the BRILHO programme, funded by the governments of the United Kingdom (FCDO) and Sweden (Sida) and implemented by SNV, has reached a historic milestone by delivering off-grid energy solutions to 3 million Mozambicans. This impact includes solar home systems, mini-grids, and improved cooking solutions, transforming lives and fostering a sustainable future in Mozambique.

The BRILHO programme was launched with the vision of catalysing Mozambique’s off-grid energy market by promoting affordable, efficient, and clean technologies to meet the needs of communities without access to the national electricity grid. This innovative initiative has been essential in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and firewood, improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and protecting the environment.

Key Achievements of the BRILHO Programme in Five Years (2019–2024):

Energy access for 3 million people: Significant impact on off-grid communities previously reliant on polluting and unsafe energy sources.
Supporting the Government of Mozambique in the development of the first off-grid energy regulatory framework.
Over 350,000 connections through solar home systems and mini-grids: providing reliable electricity in off-grid areas.
Distribution of more than 250,000 improved cooking solutions: Reducing firewood and charcoal use in average by up to 70%, with positive effects on public health and environmental preservation.
Over £39.6 million in private co-investment: Stimulating local entrepreneurship and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to distribute and maintain clean energy technologies.
Carbon emissions reduction: Avoiding more than 763,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, directly contributing to national and global climate mitigation efforts.

To highlight its impact and outline the next steps, BRILHO has recently launched the report Transforming Off-Grid Energy Access in Mozambique: The BRILHO Programme Contribution. This publication showcases the programme’s results and introduces market “game-changers” and enablers that are fundamental for achieving universal energy access in Mozambique by 2030.

BRILHO reaffirms its commitment to continue transforming lives and promoting economic and social inclusion in Mozambique. With the goal of benefiting even more communities by 2026, the programme will continue fostering the adoption of clean and accessible energy technologies, aligned with the goals of the Government of Mozambique and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy for All.

Partnerships between funders, implementers, and local communities have been the driving force behind BRILHO’s success. As the programme progresses, it will remain a catalyst for sustainable development in Mozambique.

For more information about the BRILHO programme and its results, read the full report here.