Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the political economy of energy in Mozambique amid recent efforts to expand energy access in the country, persistent energy poverty, and growing conflict.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the political economy of energy in Mozambique amid recent efforts to expand energy access in the country. Monopolization of the political and economic system by the ruling party, Frelimo, in league with domestic and transnational business elites, has marginalized large segments of the population, especially the poor, and provoked organized resistance, led by the opposition party, Renamo. The paper will analyse how the conflict shapes the political economy of energy, including inward investment in untapped fossil fuel resources, namely coal and gas, along with grid expansion and electricity exports. The paper examines these investments and initiatives in relation to decisions about the location of new energy generation projects and access to energy by local populations affected by the conflict.