Lusaka, Zambia — Global commodities giant Trafigura has pulled out of a proposed 2,000-megawatt (MW) power transmission project in Angola, raising concerns about the energy supply for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia’s copper and cobalt mines.
The project, intended to transport surplus hydropower from Angola to the energy — hungry mining operations in neighboring countries, was a pivotal initiative to address the region’s energy deficit. Announced in July 2024, the project was set to harness Angola’s substantial hydropower resources, which remain underutilized. Trafigura, in partnership with engineering firm ProMarks and the Angolan government, had signed a non-binding agreement for a feasibility study.
However, the company’s decision to withdraw leaves the project’s future in doubt.
The Angolan government is now in discussions with other potential investors to move forward with the project.
Meanwhile, the region’s mining sectors, which are critical for the global electronics industry, face uncertainty over their energy supply. Despite Trafigura’s withdrawal, other major cross-border electricity projects are advancing. Meridia Energy, a joint venture between Dubai-based Averi Finance and Morocco’s Somagec, is developing two transmission lines to connect Angola’s national grid to the DRC’s Kolwezi mining hub.
These projects, including the $450 million Soyo–Inga–Cabinda line and the $1. 25 billion Lauca–Kolwezi line, are targeted for commercial operation by 2030. U.
S. -based HYDRO-LINK is also pursuing a $1. 5 billion interconnector between Angola and the DRC, aiming to supply reliable, low-cost electricity to the DRC’s mining provinces.
As the region awaits further developments, the importance of a stable energy supply for the DRC and Zambia’s mining sectors remains a priority.
The success of these projects will be crucial in determining the future of energy security and economic development in the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Adekunle Agbetiloye
