On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took a new step in its ambition to improve its energy capacity. At its embassy in Beijing, the Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba Muba, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Molybdenum Company Limited (CMOC), a global leader in the natural resources sector. This agreement aims to support the DRC's energy transition, in line with CMOC's commitment to green energy.

Key Points of the Memorandum of Understanding

1. Increase in the energy capacity of the DRC

The protocol aims to fulfill the President of the DRC's desire to increase the country's energy capacity to meet the growing needs of the population and industries.

2. Construction of photovoltaic power plants

CMOC is committed to building solar power plants to generate clean and sustainable electricity in the DRC.

3. Implementation of solar parks

Solar parks will be established on Congolese territory, with an initial development phase planned in the Lualaba province.

4. Development over 24 months

The project will span a period of 24 months, with expected short-term results to meet the growing demand for electricity.

5. Priority to the stability of energy supply

The goal is to provide a more stable electricity supply, both for the population and for businesses, especially those in the mining sector.

6. Impact on mining companies

The mining sector, essential to the Congolese economy, will directly benefit from this agreement by gaining access to more consistent and reliable electricity.

7. First project in Lualaba

The Lualaba, a strategic region rich in mineral resources, will be the first province to benefit from this project, thus ensuring better energy infrastructure.

8. Commitment to Green Energy

This agreement is part of the DRC's commitment to strengthen its transition to renewable and clean energy sources.

9. Results of the China-DRC Economic Forum

The agreement is part of the outcomes of the first China-DRC Economic Forum, which was held from September 2 to 3, 2024, in Beijing, on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

10. Strategic Partnership with China

This memorandum of understanding reflects the strengthened strategic partnership between the DRC and China, particularly in the field of energy infrastructure.