Kakobola Hydropower Project Nears Final Commissioning in Kwilu Province
DRC Moves to Fast-Track Operation of Kakobola Hydroelectric Plant After Meeting All Technical Requirements
The process leading to the full operation of the Kakobola hydroelectric power station in Kwilu Province has reached a decisive stage. During the Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, December 5, 2025, the Minister of Water Resources and Electricity declared that all technical and financial prerequisites have now been fulfilled, clearing the way for the final commissioning of this strategic facility.
The minister noted that the plant is ready to start operating, but one key step remains: the timely recruitment of an operator to manage the infrastructure sustainably. Securing a qualified operator is considered essential to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
The Kakobola hydropower plant is vital for Kwilu Province, where formal energy infrastructure is severely limited. Its long-awaited commissioning is expected to significantly improve electricity access in a region that has relied heavily on informal or high-cost power sources for years.
Given the urgency, the Minister requested authorization to proceed through a direct agreement procedure to award the management and operation contract. This approach would allow the government to quickly form a consortium of qualified operators and avoid the lengthy delays associated with conventional tendering processes.
According to the information note presented, a direct agreement would secure an experienced operator more rapidly—an essential condition for bringing the plant online within a short timeframe.
The government argues that this exceptional measure protects both the public interest and service quality, particularly for a population that has waited many years for a sustainable energy solution.
Following deliberations, the Council of Ministers took note of the proposal, enabling the process to move forward. If commissioning proceeds as planned, the Kakobola Power Plant could mark a turning point for electrification in Kwilu and support the broader socio-economic development of the region.
