The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embarking on an ambitious project to revolutionize its energy sector.
At the Council of Ministers meeting on November 8, 2024, the Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba, unveiled details of the National Energy Compact, a plan to radically transform access to electricity in the country.
The main objective of this initiative is to increase the rate of access to electricity from the current 21.5% to 62.5% by 2030.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo plans to significantly accelerate the annual rate of electrification from 1% to 6% per year.
The plan requires a colossal investment of 36 billion US dollars, divided between the public sector (16.5 billion USD) and the private sector (19.5 billion USD).
These funds will be devoted to the development of power generation infrastructure and associated transmission networks.
In parallel, the National Energy Compact also aims to improve access to clean cooking. The DRC government plans to increase the annual rate of adoption of clean cooking solutions from 1% to 6% per year, with a planned investment of $18.66 million.
These funds will be dedicated to the development of power generation infrastructure and associated transmission networks.
In parallel, the National Energy Compact also aims to improve access to clean cooking. The DRC government plans to increase the annual rate of adoption of clean cooking solutions from 1% to 6% per year, with a planned investment of $18.66 million.
This project is part of a broader drive for the country’s economic and social development.
Access to reliable, affordable energy is crucial to stimulating economic growth, improving citizens’ quality of life and attracting foreign investment.
Despite its immense hydroelectric potential, the DRC has long suffered from a chronic energy deficit, which is holding back its development. This new plan could mark a decisive turning point in the country’s energy history.
However, the implementation of this ambitious project will not be without its challenges. Mobilizing the necessary funds, coordinating the public and private sectors, and building the infrastructure in a country as vast as the DRC represent considerable obstacles.
The success of this plan will also depend on the ability of the country’s government to create a favorable environment for private investment.
Regulatory reforms and improved governance of the energy sector will probably be necessary to attract the $19.5 billion expected from the private sector.
Furthermore, the emphasis on access to clean cooking is particularly important in a country where dependence on wood fuel contributes to deforestation.
The adoption of more sustainable cooking solutions could have significant positive impacts on the environment and public health.
The DRC’s National Energy Compact represents a unique opportunity to transform the country’s energy landscape.If successfully implemented, this plan could not only significantly improve access to electricity, but also boost the economic and social development of the entire nation.
Mitterrand MASAMUNA