The Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa are set to resume discussions on the Inga 3 hydroelectric project in April 2026, according to a statement released by the DRC’s Ministry of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity on Thursday, March 12.
As part of the renewed engagement, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to visit the DRC to review and update existing bilateral energy agreements tied to the project, according to Ecofin Agency.
A memorandum of understanding already exists between both countries, providing for electricity exports of 2,500 megawatts, according to the World Bank.
However, ongoing negotiations aim to renew the agreement and increase export capacity to 5,000 MW.
The World Bank noted that the Inga 3 project has the potential to reposition the DRC as a key regional electricity supplier, capable of meeting domestic energy needs while serving multiple African power pools across southern, eastern, and central regions.
The project is also expected to generate export revenues and strengthen electricity supply for Kinshasa and surrounding industrial areas.
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In parallel, the DRC is preparing to sign an agreement with the Agency for the Development and Promotion of the Grand Inga Project (ADPI) to structure the project’s financing, with support from the World Bank, the ministry added.
Earlier, on February 2, 2026, the French Development Agency and ADPI signed a memorandum of understanding in Kinshasa to support preparations for the project.
Despite these developments, Inga 3 remains in the planning phase. The World Bank indicated that several key aspects are still being defined, including the project’s capacity, which could range from approximately 4,800 MW to 11,000 MW, with estimated costs exceeding $10 billion.
The bank emphasized the importance of preparing both the project and the country for the scale and potential impact of such an undertaking.
This approach underpins the broader Inga 3 Development Program, which is supported by a $1 billion World Bank commitment over a 10-year period.
The funding is structured into four phases of $250 million each, with the first phase approved on June 3, 2025.
Ahead of a final investment decision, current activities largely reflect Kinshasa’s efforts to revive diplomatic, technical, and financial partnerships around a project it considers central to its long-term energy strategy.
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Image Credit: Radio Okapi
