The participation of the DRC’s Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba, at the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum next month further signals the government’s commitment to deepening ties with U.S. stakeholders. His presence will serve as a platform to advance dialogue on regulatory reform, investment incentives and public-private collaboration to overcome legacy challenges in electrification and infrastructure development during two days of high-level discussions and networking in Houston.

Power Links to Mining Hubs Gain Traction

Last month, U.S.-based energy investor HYDRO-LINK and construction firm Mitrelli Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a $1.5 billion, 1,150 km electricity transmission line linking the DRC and Angola, aiming to channel Angola’s surplus hydropower to meet the DRC’s critical energy needs. This cross-border project, expected to be completed by 2029, will enhance regional energy integration, support mining and industrial hubs in the DRC’s Copperbelt region and create thousands of jobs. The initiative also aligns with U.S. strategic interests in securing critical mineral production and advancing sustainable infrastructure development in Africa.

At the same time, the government is advancing efforts to electrify key mining regions, including Katanga, which produces cobalt and copper essential for global clean energy technologies. Mining expansion in the DRC depends heavily on reliable, affordable power, making infrastructure investment vital to operational efficiency, sustainability and supply chain security. Recent public-private partnerships focus on extending the grid and deploying renewable solutions to these hubs, linking energy access directly with economic growth and social development.

U.S. Support Grows for Hydropower Push

These developments align with the DRC’s ambitious vision to leverage its vast hydropower potential – estimated at over 100 GW – to catalyze industrialization, regional power exports and socioeconomic progress. The Grand Inga hydropower project, though still in its early stages, remains a centerpiece of this vision, with multilateral support positioning it as one of the world’s largest green infrastructure projects.

For U.S. investors, the timing is especially favorable. The DRC’s infrastructure ambitions coincide with increased U.S. government engagement through agencies such as the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and U.S. Trade and Development Agency, which are actively exploring financing and technical assistance partnerships to support sustainable energy and industrial projects in the country.

As the DRC advances major generation and transmission projects and expands electrification in mining regions, U.S. investors have a strategic opportunity to help shape an energy future that supports industrial growth while promoting sustainability. The country’s evolving power sector, underpinned by strategic infrastructure and regional cooperation, offers a unique gateway into Africa’s energy transition and economic diversification.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit usafricaenergy.com. Join us in Houston to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum that drives ECP’s events worldwide.