Zambia Approves Strategic $270 Million Power Link to DR Congo as Construction Begins

Financial Insight Special Report

Mwelwa Kenneth Chibesakunda MBA , Lusaka, Friday, 9 may 2025 - In a landmark development for regional power integration, Zambia's Energy Regulation Board has approved the construction of a $270 million high-voltage transmission line connecting the country's copper-rich North-Western province to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The approval comes shortly after Enterprise Power officially broke ground on the project in March, marking a significant milestone in addressing the region's energy challenges.

Strategic Cross-Border Infrastructure Moving Forward

The Kalumbila-Kolwezi Interconnector Project (KKIP) will span approximately 196 kilometers across the border between the two mineral-rich nations, with 124km in Zambia and 72km in the DRC. According to the Energy Regulation Board's statement released Tuesday, this project represents a "major step toward strengthening regional power trade and advancing the government's goal of attracting private sector investment in energy infrastructure."

This approval solidifies the momentum established during the groundbreaking ceremony held on March 21, 2025, which was officiated by His Royal Highness Dr. Chief Mumena. The chief emphasized the project's transformative potential, describing the event as a "ground blessing ceremony" and highlighting its importance for the Northwestern Province.

First Privately Developed Cross-Border Transmission Project

Financial Insight has been monitoring this development closely as it represents Sub-Saharan Africa's first privately developed and financed cross-border transmission project. Enterprise Power Zambia Limited (EPZ) and its affiliate Enterprise Power DRC SARL (EPDRC), collectively known as En/Power , are spearheading this pioneering initiative.

Chilombo Emmanuel Kalenga, Managing Director of Enterprise Power Zambia, underscored the significance of the project: "This groundbreaking Project is a testament to Zambia's progressive policies under His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema , which enable private sector participation in energy infrastructure. As Zambians, we can be proud of hosting the first privately developed and funded cross-border transmission Project on the African continent."

Open Access Framework to Boost Regional Power Trade

A distinctive feature of the project is its operation under Zambia's Open Access Framework, which will allow licensed power companies to utilize the infrastructure for cross-border electricity trade. This framework aims to increase competition and efficiency in the regional power market.

"Although privately developed and funded, this will not be a 'private' line – it will be open to licensed power companies and enhance the competitiveness of the regional power market," explained Kalenga during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Mining Sector Relief

Zambia's copper mines have been forced to seek alternative electricity supplies after drought conditions severely impacted the country's hydroelectric generation capacity. The situation became so dire last year that the government requested mining companies to reduce their power consumption, pushing many operations to secure imports from as far away as South Africa.

The newly approved transmission link will connect directly to a substation located on First Quantum Minerals Ltd.'s Sentinel mine property in Kalumbila, according to information provided by Enterprise Power. This strategic placement underscores the project's importance to the mining sector's energy needs in both Zambia and the DRC's Grand Katanga region, where industrial and mining activities are rapidly expanding.

International Support and Regional Impact

The project has garnered significant international backing. Madalo Minofu, Regional Director of the International Finance Corporation, highlighted the IFC - International Finance Corporation 's role in providing technical, financial, and environmental support since signing a collaboration agreement in 2022. She emphasized that the KKIP will reduce reliance on expensive diesel generation, unlock new renewable energy projects, and bring sustainable development to local communities.

The DRC government has also expressed strong support. Thierry Samba, Special Advisor to the DRC's Minister of Electricity and Hydraulics, reiterated his country's commitment to the project and noted its importance in providing stable power to mines in the DRC. He connected the project to the larger regional "Mission 300" initiative, aimed at enhancing electricity access to over 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Broader Energy Diversification

Financial Insight has learned that the Energy Regulation Board didn't stop with just the transmission project. In the same approval round, permits were also granted for two additional energy infrastructure projects—solar generation and battery storage installations within Zambia.

These complementary projects highlight the regulator's comprehensive approach to addressing the country's energy challenges through both cross-border connectivity and domestic renewable energy development.

Community Benefits and Local Content

EnPower has emphasized its commitment to community empowerment through education, water, and electrification initiatives across the Chiefdoms of Senior Chief Musele, Senior Chief Sailunga, and Chief Kakoma. The company has pledged to enforce 20% local content, prioritize local jobs, and provide skills training.

As evidence of this commitment, EnPower has already completed a K1.5 million facelift of Kankonzhi School in Kalumbila District and donated K1.4 million worth of foodstuffs to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to support flood victims.

Looking Forward

With regulatory approval secured and construction officially underway, the KKIP is poised to transform the regional energy landscape. The project is expected to facilitate seamless power exchange, stabilize electricity supply, and drive long-term economic growth by strengthening the regional grid.

Industry observers note that enhanced power security could potentially accelerate additional mining investments in the region, as reliable energy supply has been identified as one of the critical constraints holding back further development of Zambia's mineral resources.

Financial Insight will continue to monitor developments related to this critical infrastructure initiative and its impact on Zambia's mining sector and broader economic prospects.

Financial Insight is committed to providing in-depth coverage of developments shaping Zambia's energy and mining sectors. Our team continues to engage with key stakeholders to bring readers the most comprehensive analysis of infrastructure projects impacting the nation's economic future.