The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Electricity Sector Regulatory Authority (ARE) has issued a competitive tender for a hydroelectric power project at the Nfuka Mukaji falls in Haut-Lomami province. The expressions of interest call, published on Dec. 24, 2025, concerns a 94.5-MW power plant to be privately financed.

The tender follows an application for a concession submitted by Umeme Energy Sarl. After reviewing the application, the regulator determined that the project is located on public land. Under the country’s electricity law, this classification requires the ARE to open the project to competition.

Interested parties are invited to submit documentation demonstrating their capacity to develop and operate an electricity generation facility. Required elements include technical expertise, financial capacity, a track record in comparable completed projects, and the availability of qualified human resources.

The process is open only to Congolese individuals or legal entities that meet the criteria set out in the electricity law and its implementing regulations.

Expressions of interest must be submitted in a sealed envelope to the ARE headquarters in Kinshasa-Gombe by Dec. 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Kinshasa time.

Following the review of applications, the ARE may establish a shortlist of up to five operators, depending on the number and quality of submissions that meet regulatory requirements.

Boaz Kabeya