In a striking paradox, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country rich in untapped hydraulic resources, finds itself importing electricity to power its mining sector, which is vital for its economy. While the DRC has an estimated hydropower potential of 40,000 MW, it must turn to countries as far away as Kenya and Ethiopia to meet the energy needs of its businesses.
The Congolese mining sector, essential for economic growth, faces an electricity deficit of 500 to 1,000 MW, according to the Chamber of Mines. Power outages are frequent: Placide Nkala, CEO of Gécamines, mentions up to 20 interruptions per month, which not only hinder production but also jeopardize the sustainability of equipment. This situation has led some companies to seek alternatives, including through imports, but this represents a long-term cost of $8 billion, according to Teddy Lwamba, Minister of Water and Electricity Resources.
Managing electricity supply in the DRC is a structural challenge, as acknowledged by Fabrice Lusinde, CEO of the National Electricity Company (SNEL). He emphasizes that low production, caused by aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, fails to meet the growing demand of the mining sector. Hopes for the Inga project, which could transform the country’s energy landscape, are dwindling due to funding constraints and a lack of political will. As the situation appears dire, some companies are beginning to explore innovative solutions to reduce their dependence. Kibali Gold Mines, for example, has invested in a solar farm capable of producing 10 MW, while Sicomines has been operating its own power plant since 2021. These initiatives reflect a desire to break free from the failings of the national system but also raise questions about the future of energy in the DRC. If major projects like Inga do not materialize, will the solution lie in a multitude of small, decentralized installations?
The DRC holds about 13% of the world’s hydraulic reserves, mainly due to the Congo River. Yet, less than 10% of its population has access to electricity. This is alarming, especially in a context where the mining sector, which accounts for 70% of GDP, continues to grow at 15.4% per year. Energy demand is therefore increasing, but institutional responses remain timid and poorly organized. The current situation calls for deep reflection on the DRC’s energy future. Political and economic actors must collaborate to modernize infrastructure, invest in ambitious projects, and ensure energy autonomy. The DRC has the necessary resources to become a beacon of energy in Africa, but this requires moving from theory to practice. The fight for true energy independence starts now. The choices the country makes in the coming years will be crucial for its development and for the lives of millions of Congolese.
By Kilalopress