Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) is Mozambique’s state-owned electricity utility, established in 1977. Tasked with the generation, transmission, distribution and commercialisation of electricity, EDM plays a critical role in driving the country’s development. Today, EDM’s bold vision goes beyond infrastructure. They are committed to bringing reliable energy access to every corner of Mozambique, laying the foundation for digital education, innovation and opportunity.
Who Is the EDM Academy?
The EDM Academy’s mission is to drive EDM’s transformation by supporting the company’s long-term strategic objectives. It aims to build the workforce of the future, develop managers capable of leading with professional excellence, and foster a culture of knowledge production and transfer. The Academy is also responsible for creating, modernising and managing EDM’s learning infrastructure. Its training policy is built around four key dimensions: vocational, professional/certification-based, leadership and transversal development. Through this holistic approach, the Academy serves as a strategic partner to both business and support units across the organisation.
The Journey of the EDM Academy in Remote Learning: Challenges and Achievements
Since its establishment, the EDM Academy has been driven by an ambitious dream: to become a reference point in professional development and to support the company in its 2018–2028 strategy. In a sector where technical training is essential, we seek innovation to ensure that knowledge reaches all employees, regardless of their location. Our journey in e-learning is a story of overcoming challenges, growth and a commitment to the future.
The Challenges of Introducing Remote Learning in the Energy Sector
Implementing remote learning in an industrial company such as EDM was no easy task. When we began this journey in 2018, we encountered numerous obstacles: low levels of digital literacy, unstable internet connectivity and a corporate culture rooted in traditional training methods. Many of our employees were over 40 years old, which further increased resistance to adopting new learning technologies.
In the first year, we recorded fewer than 500 logins to our platform, highlighting the difficulty in convincing staff of the benefits of e-learning. In addition, there were no local companies specialising in learning management systems (LMS) to support us, which required a significant internal effort.
Building Our Own Solution and Overcoming Barriers
Faced with these challenges, we decided to develop our own solution. In 2023, we launched EDM’s internal LMS platform, built in-house, and trained a dedicated team specialising in instructional design. This marked a significant milestone, as we began creating fully customised content tailored to the company’s specific needs. We also invested in training a staff member in multimedia production to ensure the courses were interactive and engaging.
The impact of this work quickly became evident. In the second year, we saw a substantial increase in participation, with the platform recording over 2,500 logins. This demonstrated that, with the right strategy and effective communication, it was possible to transform EDM’s learning culture.
Results and Vision for the Future
Currently, our platform hosts 19 courses, all fully developed in-house and accessible remotely. Just a few years ago, our team had no experience in e-learning. Today, it excels in digital content development and continues to build its capabilities. This growth reflects our resilience and commitment to excellence.
In 2023, we also began developing the country’s first substation simulator, which will be launched and operated using virtual reality headsets in June 2025.
Challenges remain, such as establishing digital access rooms across all our units, improving internet connectivity and continuing to overcome resistance to change. Nevertheless, we are committed to positioning the EDM Academy as a digital training centre of excellence within the energy sector.
Our vision extends beyond EDM. We aim to contribute to the advancement of digital learning in Mozambique and across Africa, demonstrating that innovation can transform not only a company, but an entire industry.
The world is starting to take notice – and we are ready to share our passion for education and our vision for the future.
