The Minister of Water Resources and Electricity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, signed a concession agreement with SOMAGEC for the implementation of two major energy interconnection projects between Angola and the DRC.
The projects, considered among the most ambitious in Southern Africa’s energy sector, include the construction of the 400 kV Soyo–Inga–Cabinda and Laúca–Kolwezi transmission lines. Financing was recently secured following the completion of feasibility studies, licensing procedures, and financial structuring.
Soyo–Inga–Cabinda Interconnection to Strengthen Exports and Energy Integration
The first infrastructure project will connect the Angolan city of Soyo to the province of Cabinda, passing through Matadi and Inga in the DRC. It is a high-voltage transmission line developed entirely through private investment.
In addition to strengthening Angola’s electricity export capacity, the project will, for the first time, integrate Cabinda into the national power grid, ensuring greater stability and reliability of supply to the province.
Laúca–Saurimo–Kolwezi to Drive Industrialization and Boost the Lobito Corridor
With a length of over 1,200 kilometers, the second transmission line will connect the Laúca Hydropower Plant to the mining hub of Kolwezi in the DRC, passing through Saurimo and Luau in Angolan territory.
The objective is to provide reliable and clean energy to the Congolese industrial heartland while structurally electrifying eastern Angola and strengthening the Lobito Corridor. The arrival of the line in Saurimo is expected to accelerate the development of the Lunda provinces through private investment in energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on public financing or sovereign debt.
Private Financing and Institutional Cooperation
Both projects were structured with investment secured by SOMAGEC, through its subsidiary Meridia Energy, in partnership with European, American, and African institutional investors.
The company stands out as one of the few private entities developing transnational power transmission infrastructure in Africa with fully private financing.
The initiatives are supported by Angola’s National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT) and the Ministry of Energy and Water. Development was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with RNT in January 2025 in Luanda.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The projects are expected to have a direct impact on Angola’s balance of payments, the fiscal stability of the electricity sector, GDP growth in both countries, job creation, and the promotion of new economic zones supported by a strong energy foundation.
19/02/2026
