Democratic Republic of the Congo is considering taking an equity stake in a major cross border electricity project with Zambia as mounting energy shortages threaten operations in one of the world’s most critical copper producing regions.
The proposed project, valued at about US$270 million, involves the construction of a 200 kilometre high voltage transmission line linking Kalumbila in north western Zambia to Kolwezi, the heart of Congo’s copper belt. The line is expected to initially deliver 460 megawatts of electricity, with capacity potentially increasing to 550 megawatts over time.
The move highlights the growing urgency surrounding energy infrastructure in the DRC, where mining expansion and industrial ambitions are rapidly outpacing available electricity supply. Authorities in Kinshasa see direct participation in the project as a strategic step toward securing more stable power for the country’s mining driven economy.
According to Congolese officials, rising electricity demand is increasingly linked to government efforts to encourage local mineral processing instead of simply exporting raw materials. As mining firms invest in smelters and processing facilities, the pressure on the already fragile national grid has intensified.
Doudou Fwamba stated that studies suggest adding just one gigawatt of electricity capacity could potentially double current mining output. That projection reflects how deeply energy constraints are limiting industrial productivity in the country.
The DRC is home to some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt reserves, minerals that are essential to electric vehicles, battery production, and global energy transition technologies. However, despite this mineral wealth, inadequate infrastructure continues to undermine the country’s ability to maximise value from its resources.
The scale of the electricity deficit is severe. Estimates suggest the country faces a shortfall of more than 5,000 megawatts, with the mining intensive southern region alone accounting for at least 900 megawatts in unmet demand.
Mining operators say the situation is already affecting operations and increasing costs. Companies are being forced to rely heavily on diesel generators and privately funded backup systems to sustain production, significantly raising operational expenses.
The challenge is becoming more visible as firms deepen local industrial activity. At the Kamoa Kakula mining complex, operated by Ivanhoe Mines, a new smelter capable of processing up to 500,000 tonnes of copper annually has added another layer of electricity demand.
Private energy firms are also moving to fill the gap. CrossBoundary Energy is developing a solar and battery storage project valued at around $250 million to support mining operations at Kamoa Kakula. The project is expected to reach full capacity later this year.
Beyond immediate solutions, the DRC continues to place long term hopes on the massive Inga III hydropower project on the Congo River. Backed by a World Bank supported programme worth up to $1 billion, Inga III could eventually generate between 2 and 11 gigawatts of electricity, potentially transforming the DRC into a regional energy powerhouse.
Still, delays and financing challenges have slowed progress on Inga III for years, meaning cross border projects like the Zambia transmission link are becoming increasingly important as interim solutions.
The proposed equity stake also reflects a broader shift in how African governments are approaching infrastructure development. Rather than relying solely on external operators, states are seeking more direct ownership and strategic control over critical projects tied to national economic interests.
For the DRC, securing reliable electricity is no longer just an infrastructure issue. It has become central to industrial policy, mining competitiveness, and long term economic transformation.
As global demand for copper and battery minerals continues to rise, the pressure on Congo’s energy system will only intensify. The success of projects like the Zambia power link could therefore play a major role in determining whether the country can fully capitalise on its vast mineral potential.
