Angola plans to increase its electricity generation capacity by more than 40 percent by 2027, banking on a massive hydropower project and a broader push toward renewable energy as it seeks to meet rising domestic demand and position itself as a regional electricity exporter.
The target was announced by Angola’s Secretary of State for Energy, Arlindo Carlos, during the 2nd International Conference on Energy and Water held in the capital, Luanda.
Under the plan, the southern African nation intends to raise installed generation capacity from 6,400 megawatts (MW) to 9,000 MW within the next year, reflecting growing pressure on the country’s energy infrastructure as its population expands rapidly.
Officials say Angola’s population is increasing by more than 1.5 million people annually, driving demand for electricity from households, businesses and industries. The government views expanded power generation as critical to supporting economic growth, improving living standards and extending access to electricity to underserved communities.
At the centre of the strategy is the Caculo Cabaça Hydroelectric Project, a US-$4.5 billion development on the Kwanza River that is expected to become one of Africa’s largest hydropower facilities when completed.
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The plant is designed to generate 2,172 MW of electricity and is scheduled to enter operation in 2027. Once commissioned, it will significantly boost Angola’s generating capacity and strengthen the national grid.
Authorities describe the project as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
“Caculo Cabaça is a transformative project for Angola’s energy sector,” officials have said, noting that the facility will help improve power supply reliability while supporting the government’s objective of expanding electricity access across the country.
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Although Angola has made progress in electrification over the past decade, access remains uneven. Urban centres such as Luanda generally enjoy better electricity coverage than many rural areas, where infrastructure development has lagged.
The government hopes that increased generation capacity, coupled with investments in transmission and distribution networks, will help narrow that gap.
The expansion also forms part of Angola’s efforts to transition toward cleaner sources of energy.
Hydropower currently accounts for approximately 59 percent of the country’s electricity generation capacity, while thermal power plants contribute about 36 percent. The remainder comes from other sources, including solar energy.
By 2027, authorities aim to increase the share of clean energy in the national electricity mix to 71 percent, supported by the completion of the Caculo Cabaça project and the continued development of solar power installations.
The shift is expected to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while helping Angola meet growing energy demand in a more sustainable manner.
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Beyond domestic needs, the government is also seeking to establish Angola as an important supplier of electricity to neighbouring countries.
Several countries in central and southern Africa continue to face persistent power shortages that have constrained industrial activity and economic development. Angola believes its growing generation capacity could help address some of those deficits.
One of the most significant opportunities lies with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, which is pursuing plans to import electricity from Angola through a proposed cross-border interconnection project.
Congolese authorities have indicated that they could eventually import up to 2,000 MW of electricity to serve households and support industrial operations, particularly in the mining sector, where energy demand continues to rise.
For Angola, such exports could create a new revenue stream while strengthening regional economic integration and cooperation.
Energy analysts say the country’s ambitions are achievable but caution that success will depend on more than generation capacity alone.
The timely completion of the Caculo Cabaça project, along with sustained investment in transmission infrastructure, grid modernization and distribution systems, will be crucial to ensuring that new power supplies reach consumers efficiently.
If the government’s targets are achieved, Angola could consolidate its position among Africa’s leading electricity producers and emerge as a key player in regional energy markets.
The planned expansion marks one of the country’s most significant energy initiatives in recent years and reflects a broader effort to modernize its electricity sector while supporting long-term economic development.
