Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
The overall objective of the project is to generate 11,050 MW at the Inga site by building a hydropower plant with transmissions lines within DRC and across borders. Transmission lines are designed to connect with South Africa through SAPP power lines. In the western part of the DRC, transmission lines could link with Nigeria and Angola.
Objectives
Contribute to increased power interconnections across Africa. Facilitate trade in power between SAPP and DRC. Promote economic development in the DRC, SAPP, Central African Power Pool and WAPP. Contribute to job creation in DRC and all powerful countries involved in the project.
Strategic Importance
Flagship energy project for Africa, representing the continent's largest hydropower potential and a critical clean energy resource for regional development.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
Large-scale hydropower development at the Inga Falls site on the Congo River.
Capacity & Size
11,050 MW generation capacity
Technical Details
Hydropower plant with 11,050 MW generation capacity at the Inga site on the Congo River, with associated transmission infrastructure to connect with regional power pools.
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Transaction support and financial close targeted for 2025-2026.
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-07: Current Status: Project requires update of previous feasibility studies and establishment of the project steering committee at AU level;
Milestones Achieved: Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025 for Japanese assistance;
Financing Status: World Bank committed about $1 B;
Next Steps: Local infrastructure & capacity development, technical studies, project preparation, institutional strengthening;
Additional Doc: https://pp2.au-pida.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/4/Cellule-de-Gestion-du-Projet-Inga3.pdf
Financing Structure
Complex financing structure involving public funding, development finance institutions, and potential private sector participation.
Capital Structure
60% debt, 40% equity
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2023
Expected Completion
December 2035
Development Timeline
Transaction support and financial close targeted for 2025-2026.
Project Status History
Status 2020
Transaction Support
Status 2022
Transaction Support
Status 2024
Transaction Support
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 50.00M
Construction Timeline
Construction expected to take 8-10 years after financial close.
Legal & Financial Advisors
To be appointed
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Significant power deficits across multiple African regions that could be served by the project.
Market Demand
Strong demand for power across Africa, with limited generation capacity in many markets.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Government of DRC, Agency for the Development of Inga
Key Parties
SNEL (DRC), Agency for the Development of Inga
Investors
Government of DRC, development finance institutions, potential private investors
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Major risks include financing challenges, technical complexity, political risks, and coordination of multiple off-takers.
Regulatory Risks
Regulatory framework in DRC may require strengthening to support project of this scale.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Comprehensive environmental impact assessment required, with focus on river flow management and ecosystem impacts.
Social Impact
Significant job creation during construction and operation, support for industrial development, improved energy access.
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
Finalize transaction structure, secure financing commitments, establish off-take agreements
Offtake Agreements
Power purchase agreements to be established with multiple off-takers across different regions.
Contact Information
Agency for the Development of Inga, DRC
