CBAM Impact on Mozambique: Aluminium, Energy, and the Mozal Smelter

Mozambique's primary CBAM exposure is aluminium exports from the Mozal smelter near Maputo. This guide explains Mozambique's CBAM liability, the electricity emission factor challenge, and the compliance pathway for Mozambican exporters.

Published April 2026·Last updated April 2026·carbonborderadjustment.co.za

Mozambique and CBAM: The Mozal Aluminium Story

Mozambique's engagement with CBAM is dominated by one asset: the Mozal aluminium smelter near Maputo. Mozal is one of Africa's largest aluminium producers and a significant exporter to EU markets.

The Mozal Smelter: Africa's CBAM Flagship

The Mozal aluminium smelter has a production capacity of approximately 560,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per year. It draws power primarily from the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam — one of Africa's largest hydroelectric facilities. Hydropower has a near-zero emission factor, meaning Mozal's Scope 2 (electricity) emissions are very low.

This is a critical CBAM advantage. Aluminium smelting requires approximately 13,000–15,000 kWh per tonne. At a coal-fired grid emission factor of 0.9 tCO₂/MWh (South Africa's grid), this would generate 11.7–13.5 tCO₂/tonne from electricity alone. At Cahora Bassa's near-zero emission factor, Mozal's electricity emissions are a fraction of this.

The Compliance Pathway for Mozambican Exporters

▸Calculate actual embedded carbon using the EU CBAM methodology
▸Engage an accredited verifier (ISO 14065 or EU ETS verification standards)
▸Register at the DPP Registry to produce a verified carbon report
▸Provide verified data to EU buyers before the May 31 annual declaration deadline

For Mozal, providing actual data is strongly in its commercial interest.

For a complete CBAM compliance registration pathway, visit the Digital Product Passport Registry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mozambican exports are subject to CBAM?

Mozambique's primary CBAM-covered export is primary aluminium from the Mozal aluminium smelter near Maputo. Mozal is one of Africa's largest aluminium smelters and exports primarily to EU markets under CN codes 7601 (unwrought aluminium) and certain downstream products.

What is Mozal's CBAM advantage?

Mozal's electricity comes primarily from the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam, which has a near-zero emission factor. This gives Mozal a significant carbon advantage over aluminium smelters using coal or gas-fired electricity. Mozal's actual embedded carbon is likely well below the EU default value for aluminium.

Does Mozambique have a carbon tax?

As of 2026, Mozambique does not have a national carbon tax or emissions trading system. This means Mozambican exporters cannot claim a carbon price credit against their CBAM liability. However, Mozambique's low-carbon electricity means Mozal's actual embedded carbon is significantly lower than the EU default.

What should Mozambican exporters do to prepare for CBAM?

Mozambican exporters should: (1) calculate their actual embedded carbon; (2) engage an accredited third-party verifier; (3) register at the Digital Product Passport Registry; and (4) provide verified data to EU buyers before the May 31 annual declaration deadline.

How does CBAM affect Mozambique's economic development?

CBAM creates both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is compliance cost and administrative burden. The opportunity is that Mozambique's hydropower-based electricity gives its aluminium industry a structural carbon advantage that, if properly documented, translates directly into lower CBAM costs for EU buyers.

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