Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are weighing the option of acquiring a stake in a $270 million cross-border electricity project with Zambia, as worsening power shortages begin to threaten production in a key global copper hub.
Officials from the finance ministry say the investment would allow Kinshasa to participate directly in a 200-kilometre high-voltage transmission line connecting Kalumbila in north-western Zambia to Kolwezi, located in Congo’s copper-rich region. The project is expected to supply an initial 460 megawatts, with capacity that could increase to 550 MW, though construction timelines have not yet been finalized.
The initiative highlights rising strain within the country’s mining industry, where electricity demand is growing more quickly than supply. As companies expand local processing to align with government efforts to retain more value domestically, limited grid capacity has pushed many operators to depend on diesel generators and self-financed backup systems.
Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba noted that research suggests an additional 1 gigawatt of power could potentially double mining production. He emphasized that strengthening energy infrastructure is essential for advancing industrialisation and expanding manufacturing capacity.
The potential investment is also part of a wider infrastructure drive following the government’s recent $1.25 billion eurobond issuance. Based on standard currency benchmarks, the transmission project remains valued at roughly $270 million, with additional private sector investments developing alongside it.
Despite having the largest untapped hydropower resources in Africa, mainly around the Inga dam complex, the DRC still faces a significant electricity shortfall estimated at over 5,000 MW. The mining-dominated southern region alone is responsible for at least 900 MW of unmet demand.
Industry players warn that the deficit is already disrupting operations. Auguy Bakome, a project manager at the Kamoa-Kakula copper site, described the situation as severe, pointing out that companies are forced to rely on expensive diesel power to sustain production.
At the same time, electricity demand continues to rise as firms expand processing capacity within the country. Ivanhoe Mines has started producing copper anodes at a newly built smelter in Kamoa-Kakula, capable of handling up to 500,000 tonnes annually, significantly increasing energy needs.
Private energy firms are stepping in to help bridge the gap. CrossBoundary Energy is working on a solar and battery storage project valued at around $250 million to support operations at Kamoa-Kakula, with phased rollout expected to reach full capacity later this year.
Looking ahead, the DRC is counting on the development of the Inga III hydropower project on the Congo River. Supported by a World Bank programme worth up to $1 billion, the project could eventually produce between 2 and 11 gigawatts, positioning the country as a major electricity exporter in the region.