Kinshasa, August 20, 2024 – The Congolese capital is hosting today the second edition of the National Civil Society Forum on Energy (FNSCE). Organized by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for the Monitoring of Reforms and Public Action (CORAP), this event focuses on the crucial issue of energy access in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The forum brings together nearly three hundred participants, including local stakeholders and some representatives from Kenya, to explore the challenges and opportunities related to electrification in the country.
The FNSCE is taking place at the National Institute for Professional Preparation (INPP), a decision praised by Godefroy Tshimanga, the INPP’s General Director. He expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the event at their venue: “Hosting this forum at INPP is a motivation that allows us to further advance in terms of development and certification of skills for public and private companies.” Over the course of four days, participants will discuss the challenges of energy transition, review the current legislative framework, and propose measures to improve electricity access in the DRC.
Ten years after the adoption of Law No. 14/011 of June 17, 2014, aimed at structuring the electricity sector, the situation remains concerning. Emmanuel Musuyu, Executive Secretary of CORAP, highlighted the inefficacy of current policies: “We believe the energy potential is there, but the real question is whether we should continue to talk about potential? We are rich in potential but poor in access to electricity. There needs to be a change and a new dynamic that leads to access to energy for all.”
Current figures are alarming: the electricity access rate does not exceed 10% in urban areas and is below 1% in peri-urban and rural areas. Jean-Marie Beya Kanku, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Energy, expressed his frustration with the situation: “A country is defined by the kilowatt-hours consumed per capita per year. We are around 100 kilowatt-hours on average, per capita, per year. This is ridiculous! The real challenge we face is to develop structuring electrification projects that include industry and the wealth creation that comes with it.”
During the forum, participants will focus on developing new strategies to overcome electrification challenges. They will examine the need for a more coherent national energy policy, accelerated implementation of existing reforms, and the launch of large-scale electrification projects.
The National Civil Society Forum on Energy highlights the disconnect between the DRC’s colossal energy potential and the reality of limited electricity access. The lack of a clear energy policy and delays in implementing reforms are major challenges to address. By bringing together various stakeholders for in-depth discussions, the FNSCE aims to catalyze concrete actions and ensure equitable access to electricity for all Congolese citizens.
By Franck zongwe lukama