DRC moves forward with plans to finance the world's largest hydropower project

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is pushing ahead with plans to build the Grand Inga Dam, a massive hydropower project that has the potential to power much of Africa.

Estimated at $80 billion, the dam could produce up to 44,000 megawatts of electricity, making it the largest hydropower facility in the world once completed.

For years, construction has been delayed due to disagreements over transparency between the former DRC government and the World Bank.

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However, the current administration has revived talks with the World Bank and other financial institutions to secure funding, aiming to resolve the country’s persistent energy shortages.

The project site, situated near a series of powerful waterfalls on the Congo River, has already fueled optimism among local leaders, investors, and business stakeholders who attended the recent Makutano international forum.

They are eager to see the dam operational, viewing it as a significant opportunity to drive economic growth and improve energy access across the DRC.

Although much of the generated electricity will be directed to the country’s mining sector—particularly in the resource-rich Katanga region—nations like South Africa and Nigeria have also expressed interest in purchasing power from the Grand Inga Dam.

While critics argue the project prioritizes the mining industry’s needs over those of local communities, DRC authorities are confident that the project will benefit the entire nation in the long term.

Ben Munanga, Chairman of the Board at KAMOA Copper S.A., emphasized that while mining companies are critical stakeholders, the national electricity utility also serves the general population.

For now, most Congolese people live in energy poverty, with limited or no access to electricity. Yet, industry leaders like Eric Monga, vice-president of the Congo Business Federation, believe that this landmark project will ultimately uplift communities and businesses alike. “Whether it’s here at Inga or anywhere in the country, even if it’s a small dam, it must be built,” Monga stated.