Rural electrification challenge persists in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to face challenges in providing electricity to rural areas, where the vast distances between settlements and the scattered demand make infrastructure development complex.

ANSER seeks operators for solar plants

The National Agency for Rural and Peri-urban Electrification and Energy Services (ANSER) is inviting interested operators to manage, operate, and maintain 28 photovoltaic power plants spread across eight lots in several provinces of the DRC. These installations have a combined capacity of 5.615 megawatts-peak (MWc), along with 9,750 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of storage and backup generators totaling 2,475 kilovolt-amperes (kVA).

Notice is preparatory, not a formal tender

According to a notice published at the end of October 2026, ANSER clarified that this is not a formal call for tenders, prequalification, or notice of interest. Instead, it aims to identify interested companies, gather their feedback on how the power plants are grouped into lots, and explore the best management approaches. Interested operators have until November 26, 2026, to express interest, though participation in this phase is not required for the subsequent selection process.

Projects funded through national program

The 28 installations were financed using ANSER’s resources and allocations from the national budget, as part of the Priority Investment Program (PIP). This program focuses on electrification in about 49 rural and peri-urban areas. Some projects are currently in the technical commissioning phase, with some households connected for testing, but the number of fully completed plants and current users is not specified.

Power plant capacities vary by region

The infrastructure is divided into eight lots with varying capacities. For example, the Bas-Uélé region has two plants totaling 1,030 kWc, while the Kasaï region has five plants for 900 kWc. The smallest lot in Lualaba includes a single power plant with a capacity of 175 kWc. ANSER may adjust these groupings during the selection process and encourages companies to suggest alternative groupings if they believe they are more viable.

Four management models under consideration

Four delegation models are being considered: concession, leasing, interested management, and management. The notice allows for a one-year probation period for any contracts signed. In addition to operating and maintaining existing installations, future operators may be involved in infrastructure development, including new connections, battery and converter replacements, and network extensions.

Additional investments not yet confirmed

While ANSER envisions these interventions to expand coverage and support economic development in electrified areas, the nature, scale, and financing of these additional investments are not yet fixed. They will depend on the chosen management model and conditions set in the future selection process.

Open to local and international companies

The notice is open to both Congolese and foreign companies, as well as groups or consortia with or without technical and financial partners. ANSER encourages foreign operators to propose local partnerships if applicable. The selection of operators will occur later, within the regulatory framework for managing state-owned electrical installations, though no specific timeline has been provided.