The DRC and Zambia took a new step on 6 October towards a cross-border power line estimated at $300 million, after the signing in Kinshasa of a framework agreement between public fund FIS-RDC, EnPower, Gridworks and Trafigura.
The Kalumbila–Kolwezi project envisages a high-voltage line of roughly 200 kilometres linking the Zambian grid to the Lualaba and Haut-Katanga mining belt. Its thermal capacity is to reach 700 MW, which would allow up to 550 MW to be imported into the DRC. The design would allow a future extension beyond 1,000 MW.
The agreement covers the structuring, financing, construction and operation of the interconnector. It does not yet constitute a final investment decision or the start of electricity supply. The partners say they have obtained the necessary concessions, licences and authorisations, but have not disclosed a construction timetable or a commissioning date.
Gridworks, a company financed by the British development finance institution BII, is to become the main equity investor and majority shareholder. FIS-RDC and EnPower have also announced their intention to contribute capital. Trafigura is to arrange a significant part of the debt financing, while discussions continue with Zambian players about a possible stake.
The line is to strengthen the DRC's connection to the Southern African Power Pool, the regional market that enables trade between national grids. The project does not itself generate electricity. Its contribution will therefore depend on the volumes available in Zambia and other interconnected countries, as well as on contracts signed with Congolese buyers.
The partners estimate the structural electricity deficit of the Congolese mining belt at more than 1,000 MW. A new import route could reduce the use of diesel generators, support mines or refineries delayed by a lack of power, and open a market for Zambian producers. These effects remain conditional on closing the financing and on the actual construction of the line.
FIS-RDC presents the deal as its first announced investment since its creation in October 2025. EnPower has been developing the project since 2017 and would retain a minority stake. Documents reviewed indicate a length of between 190 and 200 kilometres, depending on the rounding level and the routes selected.