AfDB and Congo Sign $1.5 Million Energy Grants to Boost Electricity Access

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Republic of Congo have signed two grant agreements totaling $1.5 million to enhance the country’s energy sector, expand electricity access, and address its energy deficit.

The first grant, amounting to $585,000, is provided through the Middle Income Country Technical Assistance Fund and will finance feasibility studies for hydroelectric dam development at Mbanza Ndounga and Linzolo, located south of Brazzaville. These studies aim to support future hydroelectric infrastructure, boosting electricity generation and energy self-sufficiency in the region.

The second grant, valued at $995,000, is sourced from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund (KOAFEC). It will fund feasibility studies and detailed designs for high-voltage transmission lines connecting Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville and Loudima to Djambala, strengthening the country’s energy grid.

The agreements were signed by Solomane Koné, AfDB’s Acting Director General for Central Africa, and Ludovic Ngatse, Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration.

“These grants solidify our partnership with the AfDB to improve energy access in Congo,” said Ngatse. “We will use these studies to work towards universal electricity coverage for both urban and rural areas.”

The funding supports Congo’s long-term energy development plans and contributes to the broader “Mission 300” initiative, a joint program between AfDB and the World Bank aimed at providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

AfDB has played a crucial role in scaling up energy investments across Africa, spearheading initiatives such as “Mission 300,” the Desert to Power program, and the Africa Energy Marketplace.

“For years, we have partnered with African nations to help them meet their energy goals,” said Koné, reaffirming AfDB’s commitment to Congo’s sustainable development.

The collaboration aligns with AfDB’s Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Congo, which prioritizes sustainable infrastructure and economic growth. This strategic partnership underscores both parties’ shared commitment to enhancing energy access and fostering economic progress.