Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Mozambique

Mozambique’s electricity company since 1977, EDM services 28 percent of the country’s population. Of EDM’s 3,340 staff, 16 percent are women. USAID is proud to work with EDM in their commitment to improve gender equality in the energy sector as part of their path to long-term success.

Mozambique has the largest power generation potential in Southern Africa, with an estimated 187 gigawatts (GW) of untapped coal, hydro, gas, wind and solar resources. Hydropower currently accounts for around 81 percent of installed capacity, but natural gas and renewable energy sources are growing within the country’s energy mix. Despite Mozambique’s energy potential, only 29 percent of the population has access to electricity, due to limited transmission and distribution networks and unfavorable market conditions for new generation.

Mozambique’s energy sector remains male-dominated. Though women account for around 45 percent of Mozambique’s labor market, women are not well represented in the energy sector. Indeed, only roughly three percent of women work in industry. Moreover, while there are a sizable share of women engineers in Mozambique (34 percent), only 29 percent of researchers and 30 percent of technicians and equivalent staff are women.

USAID is partnering with EDM through the Engendering Industries program to assist in the development of their tailored action plan to incorporate gender equity into their business practices. EDM is committed to improving gender equity and, prior to working with Engendering Industries, had already incorporated gender as a key pillar of their overall business strategy. Through Engendering Industries, USAID is providing tailored coaching to EDM staff on gender equity and business best practices, and select utility personnel are participating in the Gender Equity Executive Leadership Program (GEELP) in collaboration with Georgetown University. A dedicated change management coach provided by the Engendering Industries program is supporting the creation of a tailor-made Gender Strategy and Action Plan to support EDM’s goal of achieving a workforce that is at least 40 percent female by 2030.

About Engendering Industries

GridCo Technicians

Ryan Kilpatrick / USAID

Launched in 2015, USAID’s Engendering Industries program supports organizations in developing countries to increase economic opportunities for women and improve gender equality in the workplace. Expanding women’s participation in male-dominated sectors leads to tangible economic empowerment outcomes for women, such as formal employment opportunities and higher income. Increased gender equality also improves an organization’s business performance, helping companies meet their bottom-line by enhancing employee satisfaction, reducing turnover, and driving productivity. Well-functioning organizations are also vital in supporting stronger and more resilient economies. Through a customized best practices framework, demand-driven coaching, and a Gender Equity Executive Leadership Program, Engendering Industries builds the capacity of leaders to implement gender equality interventions that increase the professional participation of women and improve business performance.

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