World Bank Commits $1B to Congo Inga III Hydropower Project

The World Bank has committed $1 billion to support the Democratic Republic of Congo in advancing the Grand Inga hydropower project, potentially the world’s largest clean energy facility. An initial $250 million will fund the next phase, Inga III, which could generate 11,000 megawatts—more than triple the country's current capacity—and attract around $85 billion in private investment as part of the Africa-wide Mission 300 initiative to electrify 300 million people by 2030. Despite past delays caused by conflict, corruption, and financial challenges, this project aims to boost economic development, reform the national electricity utility, and provide electricity to Kinshasa and neighboring countries. The total project cost is estimated at $10 billion, with hopes to engage international investors, although concerns remain about governance, local displacement, and the DRC's ability to manage the debt and deliver power to regional customers. The Congo River site’s full potential capacity could reach up to 40,000 megawatts, surpassing the capacity of China’s Three Gorges Dam, underlining the project's transformative potential for Africa's energy landscape. Local infrastructure improvements and community benefits are also priorities, reflecting a broader strategy to lift millions out of extreme poverty through sustainable energy development.