News (77)
Multinational Gigawatt Global will develop a 100 MW solar plant in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo -(DRC). The company signed the related deal with the Congolese Ministry of Industry and SME Development on November 7, 2024.
According to the non-binding agreement, both parties will conceive, finance, build, and operate the plant.
With an installed capacity of 0.15 MW in 202, Kinshasa relies on other regions for power. The new solar project would thus boost the city’s energy supply, benefiting its 20 million residents, who often face power cuts. According to promoters, the project will focus on areas where many small and medium-sized businesses are located.
The project could create at least 500 indirect and direct jobs. However, before the project begins, several steps must be passed. These include defining how the partnership will work, getting a production permit from the French electricity regulator, and signing a power purchase agreement with a distributor. All necessary studies must also be completed, and funding must be secured.
If successful, this will be Gigawatt Global's largest project so far. The company has previously completed three smaller projects in Rwanda, Burundi, and the USA, with capacities of 8.5 MW, 7.5 MW, and 22.5 MW, respectively. A bigger project (a 135 MW solar plant) should have been developed in Bauchi, Nigeria, but it is yet to begin for lack of “final approval”.
Tanlux Investment attended the recent deal signing with Gigawatt Global in the DRC. However, the firm’s role in the project was not clearly stated. Founded in Luxembourg in August 2022, Tanlux claims to promote renewable energy and ecological agriculture, but there is little information about its involvement in solar projects.
Pierre Mukoko
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched the National Energy Compact, a project to improve access to electricity. This was announced after the Council of Ministers meeting on November 8, 2024. The project specifically aims to raise the electricity access rate from 21.5% to 62.5% by 2030, thus raising the annual electrification rate from 1% to over 6%.
Congolese Minister of Water and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba, said $36 billion would be needed to achieve this goal. The funds will help finance generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, Lwamba said, adding that the government should contribute $16.5 billion, while the private sector is expected to provide $19.5 billion.
The Council of Ministers did not outline how the country plans to secure that amount within six years. However, previous consultations revealed that attracting private investment has been difficult due to a lack of a clear national energy policy. According to a report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the absence of a defined vision and objectives has made it hard to mobilize financial resources for the electricity sector.
Since June 2014, the DRC has had laws to liberalize the electricity sector, but experts say these laws still have limitations. These include confusion over responsibilities within electricity sector organizations and delays in establishing regulatory authorities.
To make the sector more attractive for investment, the report recommends creating regulatory frameworks for managing energy resources like water and biomass, simplifying procedures for developing renewable energy projects, and revising legal frameworks to encourage competition in energy distribution. In detail, the report suggests introducing measures enabling private individuals to sell their surplus renewable energy to third parties (networks or direct consumers); strengthening financial mechanisms, including taxation, to facilitate access to energy services based on renewable energies; and including nullity clauses for any concession granted to a developer unable to meet the needs expressed within its concession perimeter.
Many of these recommendations remain relevant today as the DRC works towards improving its energy access and infrastructure.
Pierre Mukoko
The Kamoa-Kakula copper mine should deliver over 600,000 tonnes in 2026. The mine’s owner, Ivanhoe Mines, stated this on October 30, 2024, during a meeting with investors. On the occasion, Mama Cloete, President and CFO of Ivanhoe Mines, indicated that the figure would be reached “once we have completed Project 95”.
Project 95 will allow Ivanhoe Mines to recover up to 95% of copper concentrate from the same amount of ore mined and at the same operational costs. The project should begin in Q1 2026 and should add 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of copper concentrate to Kamoa-Kakula’s annual production.
Ivanhoe Mines, primarily controlled by Chinese entities, also plans a phase 4 which could increase the mine’s production to 700,000-800,000 tonnes per year over the next 40 years. The firm seems on track to achieve this goal, although its output forecasts were scaled down due mainly to energy challenges. The firm has been taking various steps to overcome these issues.
For example, it is developing a program to back up power generation at the site. Backup capacity reached 135 MW in September and is expected to increase to 201 MW by the end of the year. Additionally, negotiations are underway to raise imported power from Southern Africa from 65 MW to 100 MW by year-end. There is also a project with Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNEL) to improve power transmission efficiency, which is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025.
Balanced Finances
Financially, Ivanhoe Mines has been working to boost its balance sheet, with operating costs averaging $3,527.30 per tonne in Q3 2024, lower than the forecast of $3,748. Ivanhoe can also secure low-cost financing through anticipated sales contracts. Also, the current copper prices, at around $9,645 per tonne, exceed Ivanhoe’s forecast of $8,152 per tonne for Kamoa-Kakula this year. The surge in prices spurred stakeholders’ interest in the project. These include the government, foreign and local banks, and shareholders.
However, increased production does not guarantee better outcomes. Market demand, especially from China—the main buyer of Congolese copper—will play a crucial role. China's economic recovery projects are underway, but results are still pending. Additionally, political changes in the U.S., such as President Donald Trump's plans to reduce incentives for electric vehicles and impose higher taxes on imports from China, could impact demand.
On a positive note, new trade alliances within BRICS may support copper demand, as Europe aims to meet its electric mobility goals by 2035. These factors contribute to a sense of optimism in the sector.
Georges Auréole Bamba
Poland will help the Democratic Republic of Congo develop its digital sector. The related Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on November 8, 2024, by Augustin Kibassa Maliba, the Congolese Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, and Krzysztof Gawkowski, the Polish Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization. This agreement focuses on improving digital infrastructure, training, cybersecurity, digitizing administrative services, and supporting tech startups, among others.
Specifically, Poland will help the DRC acquire hardware and technology to enhance its communication and digital systems. The agreement also includes support for public administrations to boost efficiency, transparency, and access to services.
Regarding cybersecurity, the deal aims to strengthen the DRC's defenses against cyber threats by providing technical assistance during attacks and developing rapid response strategies.
The memorandum also plans to establish ICT vocational training centers to prepare a new generation of digital professionals in the DRC. These centers will focus on practical training and access to advanced technologies. Additionally, there will be training programs and workshops for ICT professionals and civil servants to enhance their skills in digital technology and cybersecurity.
Support for startups is also included in the agreement, offering opportunities for study trips, professional exchanges, access to technology incubators, funding, mentoring, and essential equipment.
The MoU is a milestone in cooperation between the DRC and Poland, and it is Poland's first digital agreement with an African nation. It follows a meeting between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Polish President Andrzej Duda during the UN General Assembly last September. Since then, experts from both countries have been collaborating on various digital and border surveillance projects.
Pierre Mukoko
Air Congo, a joint venture with 51% ownership by the DRC government and 49% by Ethiopian Airlines, has announced its flight schedule ahead of its launch on December 1, 2024. Each week, the airline will operate 28 domestic flights from Ndjili Airport in Kinshasa, serving six key provinces: Lubumbashi, Goma, Kolwezi, Kalemie, Kisangani, and Mbuji-Mayi.
In an interview with African Aerospace, on November 6, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline is finalizing plans to provide Air Congo two Boeing 737-800. "Since it is a startup, it's difficult to get aircraft. So we have removed two aircraft from our fleet, and the first will be branded with the airline's new logo this week," Tasew told the media. On the same day, Air Congo received its first A350-1000.
During its first six months of operation, Air Congo will focus on domestic flights. After that, Ethiopian Airlines plans to add two more aircraft to expand services to neighboring countries.
Air travel is expected to grow in the DRC as new airlines start operating in the country. In addition to Air Congo's launch, Congo Airways will resume flights on November 10, 2024. South African Airways will also start a direct route between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi.
The launch of Air Congo is likely to create more jobs at Ndjili International Airport, which currently handles about 48 flights daily from various airlines. Ethiopian Airlines and Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) operate an average of eight flights per day at the airport.
Georges Auréole Bamba
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could dedicate around $7.7 billion or 21,964.7 billion Congolese Francs to investments in 2025. The figure is set under the 2025 draft finance law, under review by the parliament. The figure is up 18.2% compared to 2024, and it makes up 48.7% of the total budget, the largest share.
This investment plan aims to boost the DRC's economy by creating jobs, improving access to essential services like schools and hospitals, meeting growing electricity needs, and enhancing connections between provinces.
The government counts on its own revenues to fund this budget; the revenues are forecast at 9,828.4 billion Congolese Francs. Provinces should contribute over 3,200 billion francs, and around 1,000 billion francs are expected from renegotiating the Sicomines mining contract. The central government will handle investments totaling 2,739.4 billion francs, while international donors are expected to provide the remaining 12,136 billion francs.
The forecast, if concretized, will boost the DRC’s wealth since public investments count towards GDP. The government also plans to use a 10% levy on national revenues to invest in agriculture and create more job opportunities outside the mining sector.
It is worth noting that public investment in the DRC still depends heavily on foreign lenders. As of June 30, 2024, most external debt is held by lenders like the African Development Bank, IMF, and World Bank. The DRC continues to seek dollar resources to strengthen its economy and stabilize its currency.
Another area for improvement is balancing spending between project implementation and direct funding for projects. A July 2024 IMF report noted that spending on salaries and operating costs sometimes exceeds spending on infrastructure itself.
Foreign donors will keep playing a key role in 2025. The government is in talks with the IMF for new agreements worth about $2.5 billion. The previous agreement from 2021 to 2024 provided $750 million for development plans. The World Bank has also announced projects, including $1 billion for the Grand Inga project and a $500 million connectivity program expected to be approved in April 2025.
Georges Auréole Bamba
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should produce 3.9 million tonnes of cereal this year, up 3.2% from last year. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) disclosed the forecast in a report issued on November 8.
In detail, rice production is projected at 1.6 million tonnes, while stocks of other cereals, including maize, sorghum, and millet, are expected to total 2.3 million tonnes.
While the forecast is promising, the projected output will not be enough to meet domestic demand. The FAO estimates the country must import 770,000 tonnes of cereals in 2024 to meet this demand, against 745,200 tonnes in 2023. According to the UN body, the country remains one of the most food-insecure nations in Africa and Central Africa.
According to the latest analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), approximately 25.6 million people—about 22% of the population—are projected to be acutely food insecure between July and December 2024.
It is worth noting that this year’s grain output forecast compares with a five-year average of around 3.8 million tonnes.
Kamoa-Kakula, the largest copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), produced a record 41,800 tonnes in October 2024. Ivanhoe Mines, which owns 39.6% of the project, disclosed the figure on November 4.
This output was 1,453 tonnes more than in August, when a third processing plant started operating. It is also just 8,200 tonnes short of the monthly target needed to reach the mine's full capacity of 600,000 tonnes.
On October 12, Kamoa-Kakula nearly reached its production capacity by producing a record 1,720 tonnes of copper. "This corresponds to an annualized production rate of around 580,000 tonnes of copper, taking availability into account," said Ivanhoe.
However, this increase does not make up for earlier production losses caused by inconsistent electricity supply. As a result, Ivanhoe has lowered its 2024 output forecast from 440,000-490,000 tonnes to 425,000-450,000 tonnes of copper concentrates. Still, this indicates that production could rise further in 2025 after an 18% increase in 2023 to 393,551 tonnes.
Copper prices are also rising. In the first half of 2024, the average price was $9,215.84 per tonne, up from $8,726.90 in the same period last year. Analysts expect prices to average $10,200 per tonne in the last quarter of 2024 and around $10,500 per tonne in 2025. Ivanhoe notes that an average price of $7,000 per tonne over the life of the mine is needed for solid profits.
Sales from Kamoa-Kakula exceeded $2.7 billion in 2023, and they are expected to be higher in 2024. Over the first nine months of this year, sales reached $2.3 billion, including a record $828 million in Q3. This strong performance is attractive to creditors; Kamoa-Kakula has secured $400 million in unsecured financing from DRC financial institutions for expansion. It is also beneficial for the government; by July 2024, Ivanhoe reported that the state had collected over $217 million in taxes on profits and earnings compared to nearly $29 million for all of 2023.
Pierre Mukoko
Congolese PresidentFélix-Antoine Tshisekedi asked his government to include a new component in the second phase of the Local Development Program for 145 territories (PDL 145T). The leader instructed his team during the November 1 Council of Ministers. This component would develop 2,000 hectares in each territory, with 1,000 hectares set aside for oil palm plantations, translating into creating 145,000 hectares of palm groves across the country.
Tshisekedi stated that the goal of this project is "to boost biodiesel production from palm oil throughout the country." Previously, as instructed by the President, the government financially backed the construction of a biodiesel plant in Vanga, Kwilu province. The plant was built by Chrisnovic Sarl
Two years ago, Julien Paluku, the then-Industry Ministry, claimed that boosting biodiesel production would help the DRC “align with countries fighting global warming”. He added that this initiative is part of the Industrialization Master Plan adopted in 2021, which aims to increase industrial production and reduce imports at a cost of over $58 billion. Paluku spoke while visiting Chrisnovic’s facilities.
Cut fuel imports
According to the Services des Entreprises Pétrolières Congolaises (SEP Congo), petroleum product consumption in the DRC is expected to reach about 4 billion liters by 2025. Currently, most of this demand is met through imports. With an average yield of 3.8 tonnes of palm oil per hectare, the planned 145,000 hectares of palm groves could produce between 626 and 988 million liters of biofuel each year. If producing biodiesel is cost-effective, this project could help reduce fossil fuel use, lower imports, and increase the country’s energy self-sufficiency.
Creating and operating these palm groves will also create many jobs. Worldwide, similar projects have generated between 29,000 and 72,500 direct jobs in plantations and related industries, benefiting local communities.
However, the project's success will depend on its economic viability and effective implementation. The President has assigned the Yangambi Research Center to prepare palm nut seeds for the project. He also asked the Presidential Advisory Council of the National Pact for Agriculture and Food (CCP-PNAA) to support the development of these palm groves in all 145 territories. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi urged the government to actively work on this project and provide "tax incentives" to ensure its success.
Challenges
The minutes of the Council of Ministers do not indicate whether the President's directives are based on a feasibility study for the project. However, spreading it across 145 territories could be challenging, especially given the poor quality of the country's road network, which complicates travel and raises transport costs.
Additionally, there is limited information about the second phase of PDL 145T, which includes integrating the palm grove project for biodiesel production. After a meeting with Planning Minister Guylain Nymb, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, and UNDP Africa Director Ahunna Eziakonwa, it was announced that this phase will begin in early 2025.
In August 2023, then-Planning Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, now Prime Minister, estimated that this phase would primarily focus on constructing and rehabilitating agricultural feeder roads for $1.25 billion. It is unclear if this estimate still stands or how the funding for this second phase will be secured.
Anticipating potential criticism from environmental groups that view industrial palm cultivation as a cause of deforestation, the President announced plans to create 145,000 hectares of palm groves alongside establishing a 100,000 km² protected area of primary forest. This reserve, called "Couloir Vert, Kivu-Kinshasa," will be located between the eastern and western parts of the country.
Pierre Mukoko
Orange DRC will provide telecom services to MMG Limited, a subsidiary of China Minmetals Corporation (CMC), telecom services at the Kinsevere copper mine in Haut-Katanga province. MMG announced the related agreement on November 1, 2024.
According to the deal, the telecom operator will supply MMG mobile phones, data transmission, and high-speed internet services. In partnership with Huawei, they will also provide an advanced eLTE private network solution for high-speed wireless communication.
MMG Limited plans to “use the Kinsevere mine as a platform to combine the technological advantages of Orange and Huawei with CMC's industrial capabilities and local expertise”, to “progressively build a digital, smart, and environmentally friendly project in Africa”.
The high-speed telecom services will enhance mining operations by improving team communication, allowing real-time monitoring of activities, and providing alerts in case of danger. These technologies will help quickly locate workers during emergencies and coordinate rescue efforts, improving safety on site.
Operational efficiency is crucial for intelligent mining. The focus is on optimizing human, material, and energy resources to meet production goals while reducing costs and environmental impacts.
MMG Limited reported that the Kinsevere mine produced 21,278 tonnes of copper cathodes in the first half of 2024. Sales increased by 6% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching $188.3 million, mainly due to higher copper prices. For 2024, MMG Limited aims to extract between 39,000 and 44,000 tonnes of copper cathodes from Kinsevere.
Muriel Edjo
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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the National Parliament approved the 2025 finance draft bill. Approved on November 1, the draft bill amounts to 49,846.8 billion Congolese francs (about $17.5 billion). This is 21.6% more than the 2024 budget–40,986 billion Congolese francs (approximately $14.3 billion).
The new budget was presented by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka on October 31.
In her presentation, the PM highlighted key priorities to bolster the country’s economy and infrastructure.
Under the new budget, investment appropriations should be up 18.2%, raising their share of the overall budget to 48.4% in 2025 from 15.1% in 2024. Security spending has been raised by 25.2%, to tackle the ongoing crisis affecting parts of the population, especially in the eastern region.
The new budget allocated 16.4% more funds to agriculture than last year. Meanwhile, rural development will receive a 13.7% boost to create economic opportunities outside major urban areas and improve local infrastructure.
"This budget is our commitment to a diversified economy and strengthening social and economic infrastructure," said PM Tuluka. She stressed that the budget will support the government's Action Program, which focuses on six strategic pillars tackling structural issues in the DRC.
Last June, the Congolese government unveiled a $93 billion five-year plan for 2024-2028, targeting economic diversification, land protection, territorial planning, and sustainable environmental management key priorities for the DRC amid climate change and development challenges.
To finance these goals, the government plans strict fiscal and administrative reforms, including broadening the tax base and combating fraud and tax evasion to increase internal resources and ensure stable funding for its programs.
It is worth noting the DRC currently faces various economic and security challenges. Despite these issues, growth prospects remain positive. The Congolese government forecasts a growth rate of 5.7% for 2025, slightly down from the estimated 6.4% for 2024. These projections are more optimistic than those from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which expects growth of 5% in 2025 and 4.7% in 2024.
Charlène N’dimon, Ecofin Agency
Africell Holding Limited, a telco present in various African countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raised $300 million in the international capital market last month. This funding came from a covered bond issue that will mature in 2029. The offering was popular among investors, with bids totaling $550 million.
Africell will use the money to refinance its existing debt and boost its investment capacity, especially in the DRC, where the company has strong growth potential. The financing package also includes a $30 million revolving credit facility yet to be used. This deal improves Africell's financial position by reducing short-term cash needs and supporting sustainable growth. The funds will help lower operating costs and manage currency risks, which are important issues in the DRC, and Angola, another market where Africell operates.
Besides the DRC and Angola, Africell is well-established in markets like Gambia and Sierra Leone. Although the DRC is the telco’s fourth-largest market, the country’s size and increasing demand for mobile and internet services present major opportunities for expansion.
A year ago, Africell announced plans to expand into three new provinces in eastern DRC: North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika. The company wants about four million new customers in these areas where access to mobile networks is poor.
The recent fundraising was arranged by Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, and Standard Chartered. Part of the proceeds will help enhance Africell's network infrastructure, diversify its financing sources, and increase sales while ensuring financial stability for future investments in the DRC and other African countries.
Georges Auréole Bamba
Several experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are there to finalize two new programs valued at $2.5 billion. According to the chief of the IMF mission, Calixte Ahokposi, concerned parties must agree on the specific objectives of the new partnership. This is what will determine the disbursement of related funds.
To achieve these goals, the government must make decisions that will affect the daily lives of millions of Congolese citizens and foreign residents. In their June 2024 letter requesting the two new programs, the government and central bank outlined commitments based on their views of the country's economic trends and their goals for improving living conditions.
Some commitments are technical, such as managing economic data and increasing communication with IMF experts. Others involve reforms that could directly impact people's lives, like controlling inflation, enabling banks to lend more, and securing funds for building roads, schools, and hospitals while creating jobs.
The ongoing talks also focus on securing about $1 billion to finance policies that tackle climate change and related issues, like flooding and lower agricultural production.
Fuel prices
Fuel prices are also on the table. According to IMF and World Bank experts, subsidizing fuel is a poor use of public funds because it mostly benefits the rich. With living costs rising, authorities have chosen not to impose new taxes and have instead reduced fuel prices.
The talks with the IMF will also address managing exceptional expenses related to security issues along the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. Initially projected at 2,247 billion Congolese francs (CF), this security spending is expected to rise to CF4,442 billion (about $1.5 billion) by the end of 2024. This is roughly 50% of the total public sector salary budget ($2.85 billion) and 80% of the amount set for the 2019 master plan to transform Kinshasa. The government is committed to auditing this exceptional spending.
Finally, discussions will include tax exemptions. In 2023, the government acknowledged it had waived around $2 billion in various taxes, with 60% benefiting companies, especially in mining. While these exemptions aim to help companies invest and maintain liquidity, follow-up is needed to see if they help create jobs for the Congolese people.
At the end of their mission, IMF experts will prepare a report on the commitments made and their timelines for implementation. The DRC government hopes to reach an agreement before the end of 2024 so it can start 2025 with clarity on its development strategies. This includes parts of its national development plan for 2025, the second phase of its territorial development plan, its public investment program, various donor-supported programs, and a climate response plan estimated at $58 billion over the next six years.
Georges Auréole Bamba
Goldman Sachs scaled up its 2025 forecast for copper prices, from $10,100 to $10,160 per tonne average. The revision is largely due to recent economic stimulus measures in China that are boosting demand for copper.
A few weeks ago, the analysis firm Fastmarkets estimated that copper prices could average $10,265 per tonne this quarter. This prediction integrates China's 3.95 trillion yuan ($560 billion) stimulus plan announced in September to tackle the slowing economy, paired with the interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.
It’s still unclear how these forecasts will affect mining revenues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s second-largest copper producer in 2023. Several factors must be considered, including contracts between the government and mining companies, agreements between those companies and their customers, and the country’s copper production levels.
In its 2025 Finance Bill presented to Parliament, the DRC government predicts a copper price of $7,909.57. The government noted that copper prices rose from $8,726.9 per tonne in the first half of 2023 to $9,215.84 per tonne during the same period in 2024, a 5.6% increase. Goldman Sachs' forecast thus exceeds the government projection by $2,250.43.
It should be recalled, however, that earlier this month, Ivanhoe Mines lowered its production forecast for Kamoa-Kakula, the largest copper mine in the DRC. The company attributed the change to instability in the power grid, among others. Ivanhoe now aims for a maximum production of 450,000 tonnes of copper concentrate in 2024, down from its previous target of 490,000 tonnes.
Kamoa-Kakula is among the mines that helped boost the DRC's copper outputs and mining revenues in recent years. While plans have been announced to address power supply issues by 2025, it remains uncertain how effectively these will be implemented and how they will impact next year’s production.
Louis-Nino Kansoun