Inga 3 to Surpass China’s Three Gorges Dam and Power Congo’s Industrial Ambitions
The World Bank is throwing its full support behind the Inga 3 hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aiming to transform it into the world’s largest hydroelectric facility—outshining even China’s iconic Three Gorges Dam.
Speaking on Radio Okapi’s Parole aux Auditeurs on July 2, 2025, World Bank Country Director Albert Zeufack called Inga 3 a “landmark project” poised to unlock the DRC’s immense energy potential and drive industrial growth across the region.
“We’ve been discussing Inga 3 for decades—since Inga 2 was completed in 1982,” said Zeufack. “Now, we have a plan that starts with Inga 3 and expands through Inga 8, ultimately producing up to 42,000 megawatts—more than twice the output of Three Gorges.”
The project will be rolled out in phases to ensure long-term sustainability and to avoid the missteps of Inga 1 and Inga 2, which left nearby communities with little benefit despite their scale.
To address this, Zeufack outlined a community-centered approach:
- Vocational training programs
- Urban infrastructure upgrades
- Local economic development initiatives
“This isn’t just a dam—it’s a catalyst for industrialization, particularly in Kongo-Central and surrounding provinces. Affordable power will enable mineral processing and job creation on a massive scale,” he noted.
The World Bank approved $250 million in initial funding for Inga 3 on June 3, 2025, marking a major milestone in the project’s journey. Once operational, Inga 3 is expected to dramatically boost energy access, fuel regional economic growth, and strengthen climate resilience in Central Africa.
Zeufack added that the Inga model could serve as a blueprint for future hydropower projects across the continent—emphasizing integration, sustainability, and local impact.
