DRC and Republic of Congo Sign MoU to Develop Hydroelectric Projects on the Congo River
DRC and Republic of Congo Partner on Congo River Hydropower to Boost Electricity Supply and Regional Integration
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kinshasa on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to jointly develop hydroelectric infrastructure along the Congo River.
Authorities described the initiative as a strategic shared asset that could transform energy availability and support economic growth in both countries.
Planned Hydroelectric Projects
According to the DRC’s Ministry of Hydroelectric Resources, the agreement covers several major projects on both sides of the river:
DRC side: The Pioka-Tombé site is expected to deliver approximately 6,120 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
Republic of Congo side: Projects at Linzolo, Mbanza-Ndounga, and Kintélé are projected to provide a cumulative capacity of 2,710 MW.
These investments are aimed primarily at addressing persistent electricity shortages in major urban centers, particularly Kinshasa, where the energy deficit is estimated at around 1,000 MW. Limited electricity supply has long constrained industrial activity, economic growth, and living standards.
Goals and Benefits of the Partnership
Through this collaboration, the two governments aim to:
Increase electricity production and stabilize supply to households.
Support industrial and economic development.
Promote regional energy integration, pooling resources across Central Africa.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation described as “sovereign, balanced, and sustainable,” including:
Coordination of technical studies.
Joint mobilization of funding.
Shared governance mechanisms for infrastructure management.
The Congo River, second only to the Amazon in flow rate, offers enormous hydroelectric potential that remains largely untapped. Both governments see its coordinated development as a major lever for economic transformation.
Next Steps
No detailed construction schedule has been released. The upcoming phase is expected to focus on feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and financial structuring of the projects.
By embarking on this joint initiative, Kinshasa and Brazzaville are emphasizing the Congo River as a vehicle for cooperation and shared development, addressing electricity access as a key factor for competitiveness and improved living standards in the region.
