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Partners sign deal to build DRC–Zambia power interconnector

Partners sign deal to build DRC–Zambia power interconnector

Built World

200km line would bring up to 550MW of electricity to the DRC's Copperbelt mining region

October 6th, 2026: Parties sign KKIP framework agreement

Overview

Updated Oct 16

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Copperbelt mines burn diesel to keep running because the national grid can't supply enough power. A planned cross-border line could replace much of that, saving mines about $1 billion a year.

Four partners signed the framework agreement on October 6 for the 200km Kalumbila–Kolwezi line. Its rated capacity is 700MW, with up to 550MW earmarked for import. Those figures stay design estimates until financing closes and the line is built, though the DRC's finance ministry has said construction could start at the end of 2027.

Why it matters

If the line is built, the DRC's mining sector gets cheaper, reliable power — and Zambia's producers get a new export market.

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Key Indicators

700 MW
Line thermal capacity
The line's thermal capacity is 700MW. Deliverable imports into the DRC are expected at up to 550MW.
$300 million
Estimated construction cost
Up from an earlier estimate of $250 million.
200 km
Line length
Connects Kalumbila, Zambia to Kolwezi, DRC.
550 MW
Deliverable import capacity into DRC
Competitively priced electricity expected for the Copperbelt mining region; a design figure, not a metered delivery.
1 GW
DRC structural energy deficit
The gap the project aims to help close, currently met mostly by diesel.
$1 billion
Reported annual savings for Copperbelt miners
Estimated savings from replacing diesel generation with imported power, reported alongside the project announcement.

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People Involved

Emile Osumba
Emile Osumba
Chief executive of FIS-RDC, the DRC's strategic investment fund
Leading the fund's first investment
 Doudou Fwamba
Doudou Fwamba
DRC finance minister
Witnessed the signing in Kinshasa
 Chris Flavin
Chris Flavin
Chief Executive of Gridworks Development Partners
Leading the lead equity investor in KKIP

Organizations Involved

SI
Strategic Investment Fund of the DRC (FIS-RDC)
State investment fund
Equity investor in KKIP, its first announced investment

Public institution created to mobilize and structure financing for the DRC's national development strategy.
EP
Enterprise Power DRC (EnPower)
Power developer and trader
Project developer, retains minority equity stake

Licensed Congolese power trader and Southern African Power Pool member that has developed KKIP since 2017.
Gridworks Development Partners
Gridworks Development Partners
Transmission and distribution developer
Lead equity investor and majority shareholder in KKIP

Specialist power transmission developer owned by British International Investment, the UK government's development finance institution.
Trafigura
Trafigura
Commodities trader
Arranging a significant share of KKIP's debt financing

Global commodities trading firm arranging debt financing for the interconnector.

Timeline

2017 October 2026

5 events Latest: October 6th, 2026 · 1 month ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Parties sign KKIP framework agreement

    Latest Agreement

    FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a Strategic Framework Agreement on October 6 to finance, build and operate the interconnector.

  2. DRC creates FIS-RDC fund

    Institutional

    The DRC government creates its strategic investment fund to finance development projects.

  3. Zambian regulator validates project

    Regulatory

    Zambia's energy regulator approves the interconnector project.

  4. EnPower signs ZESCO supply contract

    Contract

    EnPower signs a 350MW supply contract with Zambian utility ZESCO and obtains a DRC import license.

  5. EnPower begins project development

    Development

    EnPower starts developing the Kalumbila–Kolwezi interconnector.

Scenarios

1

Financing closes, construction begins

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Trafigura and Gridworks press releases; LePoint.cd flags financing closure as the key next step

The framework agreement sets the ownership and financing structure. The next milestone is financial close, with Trafigura arranging debt and Gridworks leading equity. If that happens, construction on the 200km line can start.

2

Zambian entities take a stake

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Trafigura and Gridworks announcements

The parties are in talks with Zambian entities about co-investment. A Zambian stake would strengthen cross-border cooperation and give Zambian producers a direct interest in the line's success.

3

Delays push construction past 2028

Possible Resolves by Q2 2028

Discussed by: LePoint.cd, which notes the budget rose 20% during development

The project's cost estimate rose from $250 million to $300 million. If debt financing stalls or co-investment talks drag, construction could slip past 2028.

4

Delivered imports fall short of 550MW

Uncertain Resolves by End of 2030

Discussed by: Haber Paper analysis of thermal vs deliverable capacity

The 700MW figure is a thermal rating tied to equipment heating, not a delivery guarantee. Metered imports depend on operating conditions along the route, regional supply, and maintenance. The line generates no power of its own, so if southern Africa's grid stays tight, nameplate capacity alone will not secure energy.

5

Construction starts in late 2027

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: AfricaNews RDC, citing DRC finance minister Doudou Fwamba

The DRC's finance ministry says construction could begin at the end of 2027 if the project's development phase stays on schedule. This depends on financial close, land acquisition, and environmental approval. The project remains at the development and financing stage, not construction.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1995

Southern African Power Pool (1995)

Twelve southern African countries formed the Southern African Power Pool in 1995 to link national grids and allow cross-border electricity trading. The DRC is a member.

Then

The pool created a framework for regional power trade.

Now

It remains the mechanism for cross-border electricity deals in the region.

Why this matters now

KKIP is designed to connect the DRC to this pool, giving the Copperbelt access to power from across southern Africa.

1972-1982

Inga Dams (1972-1982)

The DRC built Inga I in 1972 and Inga II in 1982 on the Congo River, tapping one of the world's largest hydro potentials. The much larger Inga III has been delayed for decades.

Then

The dams supplied power to the DRC and some exports to neighbors.

Now

Despite vast hydro potential, the DRC still faces a structural power deficit of more than 1GW.

Why this matters now

The country's inability to develop its own generation is why it is now importing power from Zambia.

2015-2016

Zambia's 2015-2016 power crisis

A severe drought cut Zambia's hydroelectric output, forcing the country to ration power and mines to reduce production.

Then

Mining output fell and the economy slowed.

Now

It showed how dependent southern African mining economies are on reliable power.

Why this matters now

The same vulnerability drives the DRC's interest in a cross-border power link.

Sources

(16)
+10
Trafigura Gridworks LePoint.cd African Media Agency Actualite.cd Mayer Brown Mining.com.au Shore Africa Miningmx Haber Paper Bankable Africa Kenya Engineer Energy News Network AfricaNews RDC PowerTech Africa OrePulse (via Reuters)