DR Congo Seeks Stake in $270 Million Zambia Power Link Amid Mining Energy Crunch
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is considering acquiring an equity stake in a $270 million cross-border electricity project with Zambia. This initiative aims to address the increasing power shortages that threaten the DRC's copper mining sector, a critical component of its economy. The project involves a 200-kilometer high-voltage transmission line connecting Kalumbila in Zambia to Kolwezi in the DRC, expected to initially deliver 460 megawatts (MW) with potential expansion to 550 MW. The DRC's mining sector is under pressure due to rising electricity demand, driven by the government's push for local mineral processing. This has led to reliance on costly diesel generators due to limited grid capacity. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba highlighted that adding 1 gigawatt (GW) of power could potentially double current mining output, emphasizing the importance of energy infrastructure in the country's industrial strategy. 
