ENH-Linkar Project Boosts Mozambique's Energy SMEs

The ENH-Linkar Project, backed by the African Development Bank, is helping Mozambique's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access global opportunities in the energy industry. The initiative, implemented by Mozambique's national oil company, Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH), aims to prepare local businesses for opportunities arising from Mozambique's expanding energy industry. Funded by the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA) and Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA), Linkar has a budget of approximately $1.5 million over three years.

The project has made significant progress, developing a database of around 300 businesses interested in opportunities across the energy value chain. Some 159 SMEs are undergoing comprehensive capacity-building training, covering regulatory compliance, financial management, and business development. Another 120 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises have received assistance with training and business formalization. The initiative has also helped facilitate three joint-venture partnerships involving local and international businesses.

For Mozambican entrepreneurs Inácio Guambe and Nassira Carlota José Chitara, African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town offered a platform to access international investors, established industry players, and potential commercial partners. Guambe, Managing Director of ROSCONSULT, LDA, pursued partnerships with international service providers, while Chitara, who heads NAA Transportes e Serviços, explored investment opportunities for her growing logistics company.

The ENH-Linkar Project is seeking to address challenges faced by local enterprises, including difficulties meeting procurement requirements, obtaining financing, securing certification, and establishing relationships with major contractors. By combining business development with industry exposure, Linkar is helping enterprises address practical requirements that often determine whether they can compete for contracts.

ROSCONSULT, a Mozambican energy services company, participated in African Energy Week 2026, advancing existing relationships and exploring new commercial possibilities. The company described its participation as a remarkable and transformational experience, citing productive discussions and the opportunity to engage directly with influential figures in Africa's energy industry.

The experience illustrated the commercial value of Linkar's approach, helping businesses establish direct relationships with companies that may become clients, contractors, or strategic partners. The initiative has also helped ensure that the benefits of Mozambique's natural resources extend beyond major international operators and contribute to the development of a competitive domestic private sector.

Key achievements of the ENH-Linkar Project include 28 SMEs completing ISO 9001 training, with certification audits scheduled for November 2026. The initiative has also facilitated joint-venture partnerships involving local and international businesses, including KKLM Enterprise, TechDrilling, and ROSCONSULT. The project's impact is expected to continue growing, providing opportunities for Mozambican SMEs to access global markets.

Key points

• The ENH-Linkar Project has helped 159 SMEs undergo comprehensive capacity-building training.
• The initiative has facilitated three joint-venture partnerships involving local and international businesses.
• 28 SMEs have completed ISO 9001 training, with certification audits scheduled for November 2026.