Mozambique Off-Grid Electrification Accelerator (+SOL)

+SOL is a four-year programme (2024–2028) that supports businesses in delivering off-grid energy and clean cooking solutions in Niassa, Tete, and Zambézia through green mini-grids, solar systems, and improved cookstoves.

Funded by the Embassy of Sweden and in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, SNV will combine performance-based financing with targeted technical assistance to support the delivery of Green Mini-Grids (GMGs), Solar Home Systems (SHS), and Clean Cooking Solutions (CCS) in underserved off-grid areas.

Mozambique faces ongoing challenges in achieving equitable energy access, with many rural communities lacking reliable or affordable electricity and clean cooking options. In 2019, the country was ranked as having the seventh largest off-grid population in Sub-Saharan Africa, with only 37% of people connected to the national grid and over 95% depending on traditional biomass for cooking. At that time, the off-grid energy sector remained largely undeveloped, with limited business ventures, no supportive regulatory framework to attract private investment, and little recognition of its potential to help achieve universal energy access. This lack of access continues to hinder economic growth, health, education, and climate resilience, especially in underserved and off-grid regions, while limiting the long-term transformation of the energy system.

To address this critical gap, the programme will support the development of a commercially viable off-grid energy market. Through performance-based financing and tailored technical assistance, this initiative will foster private sector involvement, enhance institutional capacity, and harmonise policy to create a supportive environment for long-term, sustainable energy solutions aligned with government priorities.

The +SOL programme adopts a market-driven, system-strengthening approach structured around four key pillars:

1. Pipeline Development: Enhancing the readiness of private sector MSMEs to deliver Green Mini-Grids (GMG), Solar Home Systems (SHS), and Clean Cooking Solutions (CCS).

2. Clean Energy Fund: Providing reliable, performance-based financing to strengthen the commercial sustainability of MSMEs in off-grid energy markets.

3. Climate Asset Aggregator: Streamlining carbon financing to support asset recapitalisation and scale clean energy investments.

4. Technical Assistance and Sector Strengthening (TASS): Enhancing the enabling environment and ensuring strong government leadership to promote a sustainable off-grid energy sector.

Connected, these pillars support the development of a resilient and inclusive off-grid energy market, increasing access to clean, affordable energy in underserved communities across Mozambique. More rural households and businesses will gain from improved access to reliable energy, resulting in cost savings, enhanced well-being, and better livelihood opportunities for those reliant on off-grid energy.