DRC Parliament Advances Grand Inga Hydropower Investment Bill
DRC Advances Grand Inga Bill to Strengthen Investment and State Oversight
The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a further step towards establishing a dedicated legal framework for Grand Inga, as authorities seek to attract investment while protecting state interests in the strategic hydropower development.
The National Assembly declared the Government’s Grand Inga implementation bill admissible on 11 November 2026 following its presentation by Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity Aimé Sakombi Molendo.
The decision allows the proposal to proceed to detailed parliamentary scrutiny. It does not constitute final passage into law.
The bill has been referred to the parliamentary committee responsible for spatial planning, infrastructure and information and communication technologies, with contributions expected from other relevant committees.
A dedicated framework for a complex development
Previously approved by the Council of Ministers on 27 March 2026, the proposed legislation would establish legal, financial and institutional arrangements for Grand Inga’s successive development phases.
Its provisions cover concessions, taxation, environmental protection and compensation for affected communities.
The framework also envisages a supervisory council under presidential authority, alongside the Agency for the Development and Promotion of Grand Inga, ADPI-RDC.
The Government argues that the project’s scale, financing requirements and international significance require arrangements beyond the general electricity legislation.
A central objective is to preserve state control over the Inga site while providing investors with clearer rules for participation.
Developing Inga’s remaining potential
Located on the Congo River in Kongo Central Province, the Inga site has an estimated total hydropower potential of approximately 44,000MW, according to figures presented to lawmakers.
That estimate includes the wider site, rather than capacity already installed. Existing Inga 1 and Inga 2 plants have a combined installed capacity of approximately 1,775MW.
The Government envisages developing roughly 42,000MW of additional potential through six successive phases, from Inga 3 to Inga 8.
The ambition is to strengthen electricity supply for households and industry while supporting regional power trade. Realising that potential will require substantial financing, technical preparation and transmission infrastructure.
World Bank support for Inga 3 preparations
In June 2025, the World Bank approved an initial US$250 million credit under a US$1 billion multiphase Inga 3 Development Program.
The first phase supports project preparation, institutional capacity and development in communities near the site. It includes technical studies and improvements to local services and infrastructure.
This funding supports the foundations for Inga 3’s development rather than financing construction of the entire Grand Inga complex.
Electricity access remains a wider challenge
Under its National Energy Compact, developed through the Mission 300 initiative, the DRC aims to increase electricity access from approximately 21.5% in 2024 to at least 62% by 2030.
Grand Inga forms part of the country’s longer-term energy strategy. Meeting near-term access targets will also require investment in transmission, distribution and decentralised electricity systems.
The proposed law now faces detailed scrutiny over how it will balance investment incentives, public oversight, environmental responsibilities and benefits for Congolese communities.
