Miners in the DRC’s Copperbelt can shortly look forward to a more reliable power supply.

On the sidelines of the US-DRC Economic and Investments Forum in the US in October, the DRC government and US energy investor Hydro-Link signed an MoU to build a US$1.5 billion, 1 150 km electricity transmission line connecting Angola and the DRC.

The project, which is expected to be complete in 2029, will import surplus hydropower from Angola to the Copperbelt area, reports the International Water Power Magazine.

The 400 kV double-circuit transmission line will deliver 1 200 MW of electricity to Saurimo, Cuango, Lucapa and Luena in Angola and Dilolo, Kisenge and Kolwezi in the DRC. The project will also include a 24-fibre optical ground wire system for telecommunications.

Hydro-Link is applying to the US Development Finance Corporation for a loan to finance about 70% of the cost of the project.

‘With the development of the mining sector, what we see is the next 10 years, it’s going to be a complete game changer for Congo,’ said Hydro-Link CEO Paul Hinks.

‘I’m delighted by this partnership, and I urge American investors to follow suit,’ said Aime Sakombi Molendo, the DRC’s minister of hydraulic resources and electricity.

28 October 2025
Image: Unsplash