The Governor of the Banco de Moçambique, Felisberto Navalha, brought the institution’s 51st Advisory Board Meeting (CCBM) to a close on Friday. The meeting, held from 28 to 30 October in Tete City, known as the “City of Quininas”, brought together provincial authorities, former Governors, a former Deputy Governor, members of the Board of Directors, former Board Members, advisers, managers and staff members of the central bank, as well as representatives of credit institutions and financial companies, public and private institutions, academia, civil society and partner organisations.

The theme selected for the public session of this year’s Advisory Board Meeting was “Challenges and Opportunities in Harnessing Tete’s Energy Potential for Mozambique’s Energy Security”, which prompted discussion and contributions from participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Felisberto Navalha explained the rationale behind the choice of theme, noting that “the choice reflects Tete’s unique position in the national energy landscape, not only because of coal and the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant, but also because of its considerable hydropower and solar potential, as well as its geographical location, which enables it to supply energy to various countries in the hinterland and to the provinces of this beautiful Mozambique.”

“Today,” the Governor added, “we want to go beyond recognising this potential and discuss the extent to which it is being transformed into tangible benefits for businesses, households and the economy. This is where the real challenge lies: transforming this energy potential into sufficient, reliable and affordable energy capable of supporting production, accelerating the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation, improving business competitiveness and raising the well-being of the population.”

Navalha expressed the expectation that dialogue on the subject among the various stakeholders would generate outcomes that benefit the country.

“That is why we have brought together representatives of the financial system, the energy sector, public institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society today. We want this dialogue to help us identify ways of making better use of Tete’s energy resources and establishing the province as an important energy hub for Mozambique and the SADC region,” the Governor said.

The Governor expressed the hope that the study would provide a useful basis for objective, solution-oriented reflection and generate contributions towards strengthening Mozambique’s energy security.

During the Advisory Board Meeting, the Banco de Moçambique also took the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into Tete’s economic and social dynamics through visits to a number of business ventures, including Vulcan International, the Canelfood Industrial Abattoir and Fábrica de Explosivos de Moçambique.

Under its Social Responsibility Policy, the Banco de Moçambique provided support in the form of donations to the São José de Cluny Orphanage and Associação Avó Teresa, two Tete-based institutions that support children and communities in vulnerable situations.

In closing, Governor Navalha expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Tete Province, Domingos Viola, as well as to the representative of the President of the Municipal Council, for their warm welcome and hospitality during the preparation and holding of the CCBM. He also thanked the Organising Committee for its commitment to the preparation and delivery of the event.

PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES COMMEND THE 51^ST CCBM

The Governor of Tete Province, Domingos Viola, commended the Banco de Moçambique for the initiative, reaffirming Tete’s considerable potential in natural, energy, agricultural and tourism resources, which can contribute to the province’s development and improve the living conditions of its population.

Similarly, Arnaldo Charimba, Councillor of the Tete City Municipal Council, speaking on behalf of the Mayor, expressed his satisfaction at the city hosting the event.

“CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN HARNESSING TETE’S ENERGY POTENTIAL FOR MOZAMBIQUE’S ENERGY SECURITY”

The theme of the public session was presented by Banco de Moçambique Director Hélder Armando.

Drawing on evidence and international experience from Angola, Egypt, South Africa and India, the presenter stated that, given Tete’s considerable energy potential, Mozambique has all the necessary conditions to become an energy hub for both the country and the region, provided that it addresses investment and infrastructure challenges and ensures effective inter-institutional coordination and regulation.