The Democratic Republic of the Congo is evaluating an equity investment in a proposed $270 million cross-border power transmission project with Zambia as electricity shortages continue to pressure one of the world’s most significant copper-producing regions.
According to the country’s finance ministry, the project involves the construction of a 200 km high-voltage transmission line connecting Kalumbila in northwestern Zambia to Kolwezi in the DRC’s copper-rich Lualaba province. The line is expected to deliver an initial 460 MW of electricity, with the possibility of increasing capacity to 550 MW in future phases.
Mining sector under energy strain
The initiative comes as rising electricity demand increasingly challenges the DRC’s mining industry. Expanding local mineral processing activities, encouraged by government industrialisation policies, are placing additional pressure on an already constrained power network.
Limited grid capacity has forced many mining companies to depend on diesel generators and privately funded backup systems, increasing operational costs and affecting efficiency.
Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba stated that studies suggest adding 1 GW of power capacity could potentially double mining output, highlighting the direct relationship between energy availability and copper production growth.
Infrastructure and investment drive
The proposed power investment forms part of a broader infrastructure strategy following the government’s recent $1.25 billion eurobond issuance. At the same time, private energy investments are accelerating to help close the country’s widening electricity gap.
Despite possessing Africa’s largest untapped hydropower resources, particularly around the Inga Dam system, the DRC still faces an estimated national power deficit exceeding 5,000 MW. The mining-intensive southern region alone reportedly accounts for around 900 MW of unmet demand.
Growing demand from copper processing
Energy demand is expected to rise further as mining companies expand downstream processing operations. Ivanhoe Mines has already started producing copper anodes at a new smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, designed to process up to 500,000 tonnes annually.
To support operations, CrossBoundary Energy is developing a $250 million solar and battery storage project at the site, with phased commissioning planned through the year.
Long-term hydropower ambitions
Over the longer term, the DRC is looking to large-scale hydropower projects to resolve its structural energy shortages. The planned Inga III Hydropower Project, backed by potential World Bank financing of up to $1 billion, could eventually generate between 2 GW and 11 GW of electricity.
If realised, the project could significantly strengthen the country’s industrial capacity while positioning the DRC as a major regional electricity exporter.
