DRC: The government undertakes to finance the Grand Katende hydroelectric power plant alone
During the 27th Council of Ministers, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) decided to independently finance the construction of the Grand Katende hydroelectric power plant, located in the Kasaï province. This 64 MW project is critical for improving access to energy in the country.
Initially, the total cost of the plant was estimated at $280 million, with financing to be shared—$168 million provided by India and the rest covered by the DRC. However, after years of unsuccessful negotiations, India announced in June 2023 the opening of a $180 million credit line to support the project.
Despite this offer, the Congolese government chose to pursue national financing, emphasizing its desire to strengthen its autonomy in strategic projects. This decision marks an important turning point in the management of major infrastructure works in the DRC, reflecting an ambition for economic sovereignty and the management of national resources.
The Grand Katende plant is intended to serve the populations of the central region, where access to electricity remains limited. In addition to improving the quality of life for residents, the project aims to stimulate local economic activities, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
With this initiative, the DRC demonstrates its commitment to investing in sustainable energy infrastructure to support its development, while affirming its capacity to independently execute large-scale projects.
