The rural electrification initiative aims to provide electricity to more than one million individuals residing in 60 communes spread across Malanje, Bié, Moxico, Lunda-Norte, and Lunda-Sul provinces. On November 15th, a significant milestone was marked with the ceremony for the Rural Electrification Project of Lunda-Norte province in Cafunfo, Cuango Municipality. This event, presided over by Minister João Baptista Borges, saw the attendance of Provincial Governor Deolinda Vilarinho, as well as ambassadors from Portugal and Germany, alongside key figures from the energy sector such as DNEER, PRODEL, and ENDE.
The Consignment Document was signed by company representatives, with PRODEL overseeing the project on behalf of the Angolan Government, and the Portuguese group MCA appointed as the main contractor.
Minister Borges underscored the project’s significance in advancing the country’s electrification efforts, aligning with President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s commitment to ensuring access to clean and affordable energy for all Angolan families, even in remote regions. The objective is to achieve a renewable energy share of approximately 70% in the national energy mix by 2027, thereby enhancing the quality of life for those currently without access to the public power grid.
In Lunda-Norte province alone, the project will benefit 74,368 families across 15 communes. Cafunfo, where the project was officially initiated, will witness the installation of 29,150 household connections featuring pre-paid systems. Additionally, a photovoltaic park equipped with 72,000 panels will be constructed, capable of generating 41.4 megawatts of power and storing 111.45 MW in batteries for nocturnal usage.
Valued at 1.027 billion euros, the construction of the Cafunfo photovoltaic park is slated for completion over a three-year period. Angola’s ample solar resources, with an annual solar radiation ranging between 1,370 and 2,100 kWh/m²/year, make it an ideal location for solar energy utilization. Photovoltaic technology, known for its swift installation process (less than a year) and minimal maintenance costs, is deemed optimal for harnessing this abundant resource.
The project benefits from strategic partnerships and financing of 1.2 billion euros from the German company Euler Hermes. It forms a pivotal component of the Angola 2025 Plan, which aims to extend clean energy access to both urban and rural areas, expand the national power grid, and establish photovoltaic parks. This comprehensive strategy aims to position Angola as a thriving and modern nation, fostering greater integration into the global and regional economy.
Moreover, the Angolan government is committed to environmental stewardship, targeting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 4.2 to 8.0 million tons of CO2. Minister João Baptista Borges concluded by urging local communities to safeguard public assets and report instances of vandalism, which have unfortunately been observed in various parts of the country.
