Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
The project involves conducting the feasibility studies in respect of the design, development, operation and maintenance of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission scheme that will deliver 5,000 MW of electricity to South Africa under the Inga 3 Low Head Project. The HVDC transmission Scheme will traverse Zambia, Zimbabwe and/or Botswana (Transit Countries).
Objectives
Undertake feasibility studies in respect of the design, development, operation and maintenance of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission scheme from DRC to South Africa, going through Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Strategic Importance
Strategic transmission infrastructure to enable the export of clean hydropower from DRC to South Africa, supporting regional economic development and clean energy transition.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system spanning multiple countries.
Capacity & Size
5000 MW transmission capacity over approximately 3000 km
Technical Details
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission scheme to transfer 5,000 MW of power from DRC to South Africa through transit countries.
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies to be conducted 2024-2026, with project structuring by 2027.
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-06-20: World Bank Board approved a USD 2 billion financing package including Inga 3 – https://www.reuters.com/article/worldbank-energy-idUSKBN2YB0IE
2025-07: Current Status: Early stage project preparation (Pre-Feasibility/Feasibility Studies);
Milestones Achieved: Request for finance sent to AfDB, AfD & World Bank, corridor MoU drafted;
Financing Status: Funding requested for project preparation;
Next Steps: Finalize Transmission Corridor MoU and conduct pre-feasibility study;
Additional Doc: https://pp2.au-pida.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/4/GEC_Resource-Matters_Inga-III_FR_final_2-3.pdf
2025-06-03 — World Bank approves the first $250m phase of a $1bn Inga 3 Development Program to fund local infrastructure, jobs and safeguards, laying groundwork for future PPP investment and transmission planning. [https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/06/03/new-inga-3-development-program-to-start-with-investments-in-local-afe-congolese-communities]
2025-07-01 — World Bank explainer/video details program pillars and next steps for laying the foundations for Inga 3 and associated network upgrades. [https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2025/07/01/inga-3-afe-unlocking-economic-opportunity]
Financing Structure
Likely to be financed through a combination of public funding, development finance, and potential private sector participation.
Capital Structure
70% debt, 30% equity
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2024
Expected Completion
December 2032
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies to be conducted 2024-2026, with project structuring by 2027.
Project Status History
Status 2020
Initial Assessment
Status 2022
Initial Assessment
Status 2024
Project Definition
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 25.00M
Construction Timeline
Construction expected to take 4-5 years after financial close.
Legal & Financial Advisors
To be appointed
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
South Africa faces power shortages and seeks to diversify its energy mix with clean sources.
Market Demand
Strong demand for power in South Africa with limited domestic generation capacity additions.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
SNEL (DRC), Southern African Power Pool
Key Parties
SNEL (DRC), Eskom (South Africa), ZESCO (Zambia), ZESA (Zimbabwe), BPC (Botswana)
Investors
Governments of participating countries, development finance institutions, potential private investors
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through competitive procurement
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Significant risks include political coordination across multiple countries, financing complexity, and technical challenges.
Regulatory Risks
Complex regulatory environment spanning multiple countries, requiring harmonization of approaches.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Environmental impacts along the transmission corridor will require assessment and mitigation.
Social Impact
Enhanced energy security, economic benefits from power trade, support for industrial development.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
There is private sector interest in power projects hence the possibility of PPPs in implementation are good if the enabling environment is in place.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Conduct feasibility studies, develop project structure, secure agreements from transit countries
Offtake Agreements
Transmission service agreements to be established with utilities in all participating countries.
Contact Information
SNEL (DRC), Southern African Power Pool
