U.S. and Mozambique Hold Bilateral Discussions on Prosperous and Sustainable Energy Future

MAPUTO, Mozambique – This week, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman met with Mozambican Minister of Mineral Resources Esperanḉa Bias and Vice Minister of Energy Jaime Himede. Their discussions advanced the United States’ and Mozambique’s shared interest in developing energy resources in a responsible and transparent manner and in a way that bolsters domestic economic growth.

“The energy challenges we all face today highlight the importance of building strong partnerships. I look forward to continuing to build on the U.S.-Mozambique energy relationship as our two countries unlock new opportunities for development and business that spur greater prosperity and energy security,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary Poneman.

In Maputo, Deputy Secretary Poneman also met with civil society leaders and industry partners in Mozambique’s electricity and oil and gas sectors. On March 20, Deputy Secretary Poneman delivered remarks at the American Cultural Center, where he discussed the importance of government and industry partnerships to strengthen both U.S. and Mozambican energy security and build a more sustainable energy future.

He invited government, civil society and private industry leaders to the upcoming U.S.-Africa Energy Ministerial, which will showcase African leadership in energy development and highlight ways in which private investment can expand access to electricity, develop new sources of affordable and cleaner energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S.-Africa Energy Ministerial will be co-chaired by U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Ethiopian Minister of Energy and Water Alemayehu Tegenu and will be held in Addis Ababa this June. The Ministerial supports President Obama’s Power Africa initiative to double access to power in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the President’s Climate Action Plan which calls for international cooperation to address the threats of a changing climate.