Feasibility studies for HVDC transmission scheme delivering 5,000 MW from DRC to South Africa through Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. ~3,000 km HVDC. This project is directly linked to and dependent on the Inga 3 Hydropower Project (E.30.16). World Bank Board approved USD 250 million on June 3 2025 as the first phase of a USD 1 billion multiphase Inga 3 Development Programme. This first phase covers preparatory work — local development, technical studies, governance framework, and community consultations — NOT transmission construction. World Bank Division Director Albert Zeufack confirmed: electricity from Inga 3 is at best 8-10 years away. Construction to be financed as PPP. Transit country agreements required across Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa. ADPI-DRC (head: Bob Mabiala) managing the overall Inga programme. GE signed USD 1B deal 2024 to rehabilitate existing Inga I and Inga II dams.
PIDA Code
E.30.15
Project Status
Active
Project Stage
Transaction Support & Financial Close
Completion Percentage
0
Sector Name
Energy
Subsector Name
Power Interconnector
Reference Plan
PIDA PAP 2
On SDM
Off
Summary
Enabling/Project Definition (S0 to S1). WB approved USD 250M (phase 1 of USD 1B) June 3 2025 for Inga 3 preparatory work. Construction via PPP. HVDC 5,000 MW ~3,000 km. EIRR 10-12%.
Description
Capex Cost
3,564.00USD million
Preparation Cost
50.00
Revenue Model
Transmission tariffs and wheeling charges through transit countries
Project Risk
Five-country coordination; Financing USD 3.5B+; Technical 3,000 km HVDC challenges; Transit agreements required; Dependent on Inga 3 hydropower completion (8-10 years)
Countries
Zambia, Comoros
REC
SADC
Stakeholders
Southern African Development Community
Start Date
Date Created Raw
Updated Date