Democratic Republic of Congo Emerges as Critical Minerals and Energy Investment Hub
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is rapidly establishing itself as a focal point for global energy and minerals development, with new initiatives attracting significant investment from the United States and G7 countries. The country’s strategic importance has grown substantially as international partners recognize its vast resource potential and strategic location.
As one of only three African countries participating in the Minerals Security Partnership, the DRC has become a beneficiary of critical mineral deals under the current U.S. Administration and plays a key role in both the Lobito Corridor and G20 Compact with Africa initiatives. U.S. investors are actively structuring bankable projects through offtake agreements, feasibility studies, and business matchmaking with local firms.
The country’s power sector is undergoing significant transformation as officials work to address a substantial electrification deficit. With electrification rates around 20% nationally and even lower in rural areas where most natural resources are located, the DRC is pursuing ambitious hydropower development including the long-planned Inga project as part of a broader vision to harness up to 100,000 MW of generating potential.
Companies like HYDRO-LINK are making substantial progress, with Chairman and CEO Paul Hinks announcing advancement on a recently signed 1,200-kilometer power transmission project linking the DRC with Angola, along with 33 small-scale hydropower projects and a Lake Kivu gas extraction initiative.
The transformation is supported by new governance tools including the Agency for the Management, Coordination and Supervision of Conventions Agreements (APCSC), which serves as a bridge between the DRC government and international investors. The hydrocarbon sector is also seeing renewed interest following the launch of a licensing round in 2022, with officials emphasizing the importance of data generation and packaging to attract investment.
Source: energycapitalpower.com
