On August 22, 2024, the 2nd edition of the National Civil Society Forum on Energy (FNSCE) in Kinshasa concluded. The event solidified its role as a crucial platform for debate and reflection on the energy future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As the country faces major energy challenges, the forum provided an opportunity to discuss strategies, obstacles, and opportunities to improve the energy sector, while offering an optimistic outlook on possible solutions.
The Forum brought together local, national, and regional actors to address vital issues such as the state of energy infrastructure in the DRC, the legal and institutional framework, and major projects like Grand Inga. The discussions highlighted current challenges and ongoing efforts to improve energy access, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. The Minister of Energy’s chief of staff praised the quality of the exchanges and acknowledged the efforts made, while emphasizing persistent challenges, including the low electricity access rate and difficulties.
“The quality of this forum is a positive sign for the future of energy in the DRC. We recognize the efforts made by the government and are ready to support civil society initiatives. This allows us to develop ideas and recommendations to improve energy access and create a well-planned energy policy,” said Emmanuel Musuyu, Executive Secretary of CORAP.
Musuyu also expressed satisfaction, stating, “We were pleasantly surprised by the participants’ commitment. This forum, which started modestly, revealed a genuine interest in the country’s energy issues. The discussions highlighted the sector’s flaws and the need for integrated planning, both energy and development.”
The discussions revealed several concerning observations. The low electricity access rate remains a major issue, with only 7.4% of the population having access to this service in 2024, and less than 1% in rural areas. Additionally, the electricity sector law, enacted in 2014, needs revision to include renewable energies and simplify licensing procedures. Moreover, the lack of a clear vision and the absence of a master plan for national electrification continue to hinder the development of the Grand Inga project.
Floribert Nyamoga, a Congolese expert, highlighted, “There is a huge contrast between the DRC’s energy potential and the current reality. This contrast clearly shows that policies need to focus on harnessing this potential to address development issues. Energy is the engine of all other sectors.”
Finally, the forum’s final communiqué recommended that stakeholders implement necessary measures to transform the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of a concerted approach and increased mobilization to address the country’s energy challenges.
To the President of the Republic:
- Declare an energy state of emergency to realize the sector’s development intentions.
- Prioritize competency in appointing sector leaders to avoid politicization and achieve significant results.
- Engage in the adaptation of the institutional framework for more effective impact.
- Establish a fund for scientific research in the energy sector to address the energy transition.
- Develop a clear and Congolese vision for the Grand Inga project, ensuring developers follow national guidelines.
To the Government:
- Increase the energy sector’s budget share and ensure its disbursement for energy projects.
- Adapt the institutional framework to harmonize the roles of structures and institutions in the electricity sector.
- Accelerate the implementation of ongoing and upcoming energy projects.
- Improve access to information on energy in the DRC.
- Develop a specific fiscal policy for the energy sector to encourage investment.
- Enhance the dissemination of Law No. 14/011 of June 17, 2014, related to the electricity sector, including its translation into national languages.
- Simplify public procurement procedures in the energy sector.
- Fund environmental and social impact studies of energy sites to make projects bankable.
- Create a fund for scientific research in the energy sector.
- Ensure reliable statistics on energy access in the DRC.
- Promote women’s involvement in the energy sector.
To Parliament:
- Prioritize the revision and adoption of the electricity sector law to improve energy access.
- Increase budget allocations for the energy sector in the finance law.
- Strengthen parliamentary oversight to ensure tangible results in energy access.
To the ARE and ANSER:
- Make sector information more accessible and publicize the achievements of energy projects in terms of costs and results.
- Reform the law to include renewable energies and simplify public procurement procedures.
- Create a fund for scientific research in the sector and enhance the implementation of ongoing projects.
- Reduce sector taxation to encourage investment.
- Ensure reliable statistics on energy supply.
- Clarify the roles of different structures and complete the reform of SNEL.
- Simplify tariff procedures and strengthen the dissemination of the law.
To Congolese Civil Society:
- Establish an observatory to monitor energy access and follow up on forum recommendations.
- Strengthen advocacy for the respect of local communities’ human rights, particularly around the Inga project.
- Develop youth capacities in rural areas for their involvement in national electrification.
- Create more discussion spaces to reflect on the development of the energy sector.
- Promote the involvement of local communities in all phases of energy projects.
The 2nd edition of the FNSCE not only highlighted the urgent challenges in the DRC’s energy sector but also offered concrete and optimistic solutions to address them. Despite the ongoing obstacles, the recommendations provide a clear roadmap for transforming the sector and improving energy access for all Congolese. By implementing these recommendations, the DRC could finally fully harness its energy potential and enhance the living conditions of its citizens while boosting the competitiveness of its businesses and industries.
By the Editorial Team
