Last week, the government approved the $2.8 billion Kinsuka hydroelectric project, set to become one of the country’s largest new power generation facilities. Designed to deliver roughly 7,450 GWh annually, Kinsuka will expand reliable electricity supply to Kinshasa and surrounding provinces, reducing reliance on costly diesel generation and creating opportunities for international EPC firms, equipment suppliers and long‑term operations partners. Project promoters have indicated that the Kinsuka facility is targeting financial close before construction and could be completed within about five years once fully financed.

Complementing new builds, upgrades at existing hydro infrastructure are already delivering results. Inga II’s Turbine #5, refurbished in late 2025, is now feeding increased renewable power into the national grid, supplying tens of megawatts to industrial users and laying the foundation for broader grid reliability improvements that support mining and industrial clients seeking cleaner, lower‑cost power.

Regional transmission integration also remains a priority. Plans for a $1.5 billion high-voltage line connecting the DRC to Angola’s hydroelectric network are in the feasibility and financing stage. When completed, the 1,200 MW corridor would supply the industrial south, reduce electricity cost volatility for large consumers and support future export-oriented power trade, presenting potential investment and service opportunities for utilities, engineering firms and financiers.

Solar and hybrid energy are emerging as complementary solutions. The 248 MW Kambove solar project, greenlit in October 2025, and 12 MW solar/BESS hybrid installations in Mbuji‑Mayi highlight growing interest in decentralized solutions for municipal and rural energy access. Backed by development bank partnerships, these projects provide opportunities for solar developers, storage providers and grid integration specialists, while the Ministry and the National Rural Electrification Agency are set to distribute $500 million in grants for mini-grids, solar home systems and clean cooking solutions.

Taken together, the sovereign bond issuance, large-scale hydro projects, regional transmission plans and renewable initiatives reflect a more structured approach to energy development in the DRC – integrating investor financing, policy reform and project pipelines. Minister Sakombi’s participation in Paris, alongside senior officials and project leads, offers a rare opportunity for investors to assess momentum, evaluate risk frameworks and explore collaboration avenues that could support the DRC’s transition toward a reliable, commercially viable energy sector.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com