Katende Hydropower Project Resumes Promising Economic Revival in Central DRC
The long-awaited resumption of construction on the Katende hydroelectric power station in Kasaï Central has gained momentum with the delivery of over 120 tonnes of materials from Lubumbashi.
This milestone signals a renewed commitment by the Congolese government to address the region’s energy deficit and stimulate economic growth.
Funded directly by the public treasury to bypass bureaucratic delays, the Katende project reflects a strategic shift in approach. With 45% of construction already completed, the remaining work will be executed in three phases. The first phase is expected to deliver 16 MW of power within four months.
The Katende power plant’s commissioning will provide more than just electricity. The 16 MW output, coupled with the construction of a 67-kilometer transmission line to Kananga, will deliver energy to 18,000 subscribers. This reliable energy supply is anticipated to:
- Attract investors to the region.
- Revitalize local industries.
- Generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Beyond its local benefits, the Katende project embodies a national vision for industrialization in underserved regions. By providing stable energy, it lays the groundwork for transforming Kasaï Central into an economic hub.
This hydropower initiative not only addresses the region’s immediate energy needs but also positions the Katende power station as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic development in the heart of the DRC.
