In an attempt to break the deadlock at the Cahora Bassa dam, Mozambique is stepping up its efforts to acquire the majority of shares in the project. The project is currently controlled by Portugal, which holds an 81.66% interest in the scheme.
Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has stated the 1975 agreement, signed between Portugal and the then Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), established that the dam should be given to Mozambique.
Portugal, which currently operates Cahora Bassa, has been reluctant to set up power lines to supply electricity to Mozambique while it is selling power to South Africa and Zimbabwe.