The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reinvigorating efforts to finance what could become the world’s largest hydropower facility, the Grand Inga Dam, a project estimated to cost around $80 billion.
With the potential to generate 44,000 megawatts of electricity—enough to supply power across much of Africa—the project has gained renewed attention from major financial entities, including the World Bank.
Located along the powerful Congo River, the Grand Inga Dam aims to address DRC’s chronic energy shortages by adding six additional hydropower stations to the two already in operation. Once completed, the Grand Inga could reshape Africa’s energy landscape, with several nations, including South Africa and Nigeria, showing interest in importing power from the facility. 
The project has faced obstacles over the years, including a decade-long delay due to disputes over transparency between the previous DRC administration and the World Bank. However, recent talks between the current DRC government and the World Bank have rekindled hope, with both sides exploring funding solutions to move forward.
Although some activists argue that the dam’s focus on providing electricity to industrial sectors like mining overlooks the pressing needs of local communities, authorities insist that the energy benefits will eventually reach the broader population.
“The national electricity utility serves both the population and businesses, and while there is priority given to mining companies that have invested, nowhere in the contract does it state that 100 percent of the power should be directed to the mining companies,” explained Ben Munanga, Chairman of KAMOA Copper’s Board of Directors.
Despite Congo’s vast hydropower potential, millions of residents continue to face severe energy poverty, unable to afford electricity. Many hope the dam will help alleviate these conditions. Business leaders at the Makutano international forum, which concludes on November 15, echoed calls for the project’s completion, underscoring its importance for both the DRC and the wider region.
“This project is essential, whether it’s here at Inga or elsewhere in the country,” stated Eric Monga, Vice President of the Congo Business Federation. “Even if it takes years, it must be done.”
Although the Grand Inga Dam may take another decade to fully realize its potential, authorities remain optimistic about its promise of delivering cleaner, more reliable power to the DRC and beyond.
Could this monumental project be the answer to Africa’s energy needs?
