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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has secured a $1 billion funding commitment from the World Bank to revive the long-stalled Grand Inga Hydropower Project, an ambitious energy infrastructure plan poised to become the world’s largest hydroelectric power facility. If completed, the project could not only transform DRC’s energy landscape but also power a significant portion of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Grand Inga project is located on the mighty Congo River, near the Inga Falls in western DRC. The river second only to the Amazon in terms of flow has immense untapped hydropower potential. The Grand Inga initiative, when fully developed, could generate up to 40,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity more than twice the capacity of China’s Three Gorges Dam, the largest in operation today.
The first phase of the development, known as Inga III, is expected to generate between 4,800 and 11,000 MW, depending on final engineering specifications. This alone could provide power to millions of homes and industries across Africa, positioning DRC as a strategic electricity exporter.
The World Bank had initially withdrawn support from the project in 2016 due to governance issues and disagreements over implementation. However, in a sign of renewed confidence, the Bank is now backing the project as part of its Africa Energy Development agenda. The $1 billion commitment will support detailed feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, institutional reforms, and the creation of a transparent regulatory framework to attract additional private sector investment.
Currently, only about 20% of Congo’s population has access to electricity. For rural areas, that number is even lower. The government under President Félix Tshisekedi sees Grand Inga as essential to powering industries, expanding access to electricity, and boosting the economy.
“This is about energy justice for the Congolese people,” President Tshisekedi said during a press conference in Kinshasa. “We cannot sit on this much potential while our people remain in the dark. Grand Inga is not just a dam, it is the future of Africa.”
Interest in the project extends far beyond DRC. Countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, and nations in North Africa have expressed interest in purchasing electricity from Inga III through long-term power purchase agreements. The African Union and regional energy pools have identified the project as key to achieving continental energy integration and stability.
Private sector engagement is also growing. In 2024, General Electric (GE) signed a $1 billion deal with the DRC government to rehabilitate the existing Inga I and Inga II dams and to explore collaboration on Inga III. Other international stakeholders from China, Spain, and the UAE have also shown interest in financing and engineering roles.
Yet, despite the momentum, the project has not been free of controversy. Environmental groups and local communities have raised concerns about potential displacement, disruption of river ecosystems, and the risk of energy exports taking precedence over domestic needs. Critics also argue that without strong oversight, corruption could derail the project.
The World Bank has responded by emphasizing the inclusion of robust environmental and social safeguards. A portion of the funding will go toward comprehensive impact assessments, community consultations, and mechanisms to ensure local populations benefit from the project.
Building the Grand Inga project will require tens of billions of dollars more, but the $1 billion from the World Bank is being seen as a critical catalyst. The DRC government, with support from partners like Africa50, is now working to attract further investments and align the project with regional energy strategies.
If successful, the Grand Inga Hydropower Project could play a transformative role in addressing Africa’s chronic energy shortage, supporting industrial growth, and contributing to the global shift toward renewable energy.
As President Tshisekedi concluded, “This is our opportunity to show the world what Africa can achieve with vision, unity, and determination.”
