On June 17, 2024, the Mwangaza Network reviewed the past decade since the enactment of the electricity law in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The law was intended to overhaul the energy landscape, stimulate economic development, and enhance millions of Congolese lives. However, the outcomes have been mixed, marked by persistent challenges and insufficient progress, as highlighted today during Mwangaza Network’s press conference.
Despite initial ambitions, Mwangaza observers report significant shortcomings. The National Agency for Electricity and Rural and Peri-urban Energy Services (ANSER), crucial through the “Fonds Mwinda” project, has struggled to take off due to perceived inadequate government support. This initiative aimed to catalyze electrification in rural and peri-urban areas but has been hindered by ineffective support.
Furthermore, the operationalization of the Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ARE) has not met expected goals either. Created to oversee the sector, ensure compliance with standards, and encourage investments, its efforts are hampered by regulatory gaps and persistent challenges in managing existing infrastructure.
Private investments, essential for boosting electricity production and distribution, have fallen short of expectations. Despite attempts by private operators to enter the market, they face overwhelming taxation and regulatory uncertainties that limit their engagement and effective investment.
Electric infrastructure remains critical, with unresolved issues regarding regional and national interconnections between private actors and the Snel networks, thereby hindering significant improvements in electricity access nationwide.
For this civil society platform in the electricity sector, the current regulatory framework predominantly favors hydroelectricity over other potential sources like solar and wind energy. This restrictive approach limits the full exploitation of the DRC’s diverse energy potential.
Lastly, oppressive taxation, with multiple levies and ambiguous pricing, continues to pose major challenges, contributing to fragile public confidence in electricity sector progress.
As the next decade approaches, Mwangaza Network offers recommendations to Congolese authorities to reconsider their approach in overcoming these persistent challenges. Enhanced inter-institutional coordination, clarified regulations, and a more favorable fiscal environment are needed to attract sustainable investments. Achieving universal electricity access by 2030, in line with sustainable development goals, will require robust political commitment and increased transparency.
by Iddy KASONGO