Democratic Republic of Congo's Hydropower Minister Aimé Sakombi Molendo outlined plans to electrify the southwestern Kwango province, as the government faces public pressure to deliver on energy promises.

The minister presented the national electricity policy to the Senate on Dec. 14, the ministry said in a post on X. The strategy focuses on new hydropower infrastructure. The plan includes drawing power from the Bukangalonzo substation to supply the city of Kenge. It also involves building the 63 MW Mafiji hydropower plant to serve several territories, with technical studies currently underway, the ministry said.

A 3-5 MW hydropower plant at Kingambo is planned to electrify Feshi territory. For Popokabaka, a local project will install a 300 kWp solar mini-plant. Molendo cited ongoing projects, including a separate 300 kWp solar mini-plant and distribution network for Kasongo-Lunda territory. The National Agency for Electrification and Energy Services in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas (ANSER) is implementing the project, which is 90% complete with some equipment already on site.

However, local media have reported that work has been stalled for months. Residents of Kasongo-Lunda protested on Dec. 1 to demand its resumption. The minister also announced a project supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for a 500 kWp solar mini-plant to power Kenge General Hospital and nearby households. Work is set to begin in early 2026 following a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and KOICA.

Ronsard Luabeya