DRC to fund hydroelectric project in Central Kasaï

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced plans to allocate $30 million from the Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI) to initiate the Mbombo hydroelectric dam in Central Kasaï province. The announcement was made on October 27, 2026, by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during a meeting in Tshibambula.

Mbombo dam will generate 20 MW of power

The Mbombo hydroelectric project aims to construct a power plant with an installed capacity of about 20 megawatts (MW) on the Lulua River. The total estimated cost of the project is $120 million, to be managed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Project aims to boost local development and services

According to the Prime Minister’s office, the dam is expected to enhance electricity supply for households and basic social services in the province. It also aims to support local economic activities and industrialization. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka emphasized that Central Kasaï seeks its fair share of development, not special treatment.

Central Kasaï faces high poverty and limited infrastructure

Central Kasaï province struggles with significant development challenges. In 2024, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) of the DRC reported a monetary poverty rate of 79.8%, much higher than the national average of 68%. The local economy depends heavily on subsistence agriculture and trade, but poor infrastructure and limited electricity access hinder industrial growth.

National electricity access remains low despite potential

Despite having a hydroelectric potential of over 100,000 MW, with nearly 40,000 MW available at the Inga site alone, the DRC’s national electricity access rate is estimated at around 21.5%. This has prompted the government to adopt a new National Energy Policy in 2026, aiming to increase access to 62% by 2030 through improved governance and investment.