Zambia–DRC: A 200 km Power Interconnector Targets the Copperbelt

A planned USD 300 million electricity interconnector between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could help address one of the biggest constraints facing the DRC's Copperbelt mining region: access to reliable, competitively priced electricity.

The Kalumbila–Kolwezi Interconnector Project (KKIP), announced on October 6, 2026, brings together FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura, and Gridworks to finance, build, and operate a high-voltage transmission line linking Zambia's grid with Kolwezi in the DRC.

The project is designed with 700 MW of thermal transmission capacity, enabling the DRC to import up to 550 MW of electricity. It could support mining and refining activity, create new export opportunities for Zambian power producers, and strengthen regional electricity trading.

Why the Copperbelt Needs More Power

The Copperbelt is central to the DRC's copper and cobalt industries. However, electricity shortages can constrain mine operations, mineral processing, refining capacity, and plans for industrial expansion.

The project's stated objectives include:

• Improving electricity availability for mining and industrial operations

• Supporting mining and refining projects delayed by power constraints

• Increasing the potential for copper and cobalt production

• Improving access to reliable power for businesses and communities

• Supporting industrial development and skilled employment

The DRC's structural electricity deficit is estimated at more than 1 GW, highlighting the scale of the challenge. The interconnector could help close part of that gap, although its impact will depend on implementation, available generation, and actual power imports.

Project Overview

The project has secured the required concessions, licenses, and authorizations, according to the project announcement. The agreement establishes the framework for financing, construction, and operation; it does not mean the line is already operational.

Who Is Involved?

The project combines public-sector investment, private development, equity investment, and debt financing.

• FIS-RDC: The DRC's Strategic Investment Fund, making KKIP its first announced investment.

• EnPower: The Congolese power trader and original project developer.

• Gridworks: The intended lead equity investor and majority shareholder.

• Trafigura: Arranging a significant share of the project's debt financing.

Discussions are also underway with Zambian entities about potential equity participation. This structure is intended to combine local development expertise with international investment and financing capabilities.

Benefits for Zambia and the DRC

For the DRC

The interconnector could provide an additional source of electricity for the Copperbelt, supporting mining, refining, and wider industrial activity. Better power availability may help projects currently constrained by energy shortages move forward, subject to their individual commercial and operational conditions.

For Zambia

The line could create additional export opportunities for licensed Zambian electricity producers. It may also strengthen the commercial case for new generation and increase transmission capacity available to regional power-market participants.

For Regional Electricity Trade

KKIP is intended to strengthen the DRC's connection to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which facilitates electricity trading among participating countries. Improved interconnection can support cross-border trade and provide greater flexibility in matching power supply with regional demand.

Implications for Copper and Cobalt Supply Chains

Electricity availability is a major input into the economics of mining and mineral processing. A more reliable power supply could support the operation or expansion of energy-intensive activities across the Copperbelt.

Potential implications include:

• Improved operating flexibility for mines and processors

• Greater scope for mineral refining within the region

• Reduced exposure to some local power shortages

• Potential changes in production costs and project economics

• Improved prospects for industrial investment

These outcomes are not guaranteed. The eventual benefits will depend on the cost and reliability of imported electricity, transmission performance, power-generation availability, and the pace of mining and refining investment.

Competitive Intelligence

Companies monitoring African mining and industrial development should track several indicators as the project advances.

1. Financing and Investment

Watch for financial close, final investment decisions, and confirmation of equity participation.

2. Construction Milestones

Track procurement, construction schedules, substations, and commissioning plans.

3. Electricity Import Agreements

Monitor arrangements for electricity supply, pricing, and the allocation of available capacity.

4. Regional Generation Capacity

Assess whether Zambia and the wider regional market can provide sufficient electricity to support planned imports.

5. Mining and Refining Investment

Watch for new or reactivated projects that depend on more reliable electricity.

Procurement Considerations

For mining companies, industrial operators, and suppliers serving the Copperbelt, the project is a reason to monitor regional infrastructure developments alongside commodity prices.

Procurement and supply-chain teams should:

• Track the project's financing and construction progress

• Assess potential changes in mining and refining activity

• Monitor regional electricity pricing and availability

• Review logistics requirements for industrial equipment and materials

• Evaluate supplier capacity as projects advance

• Maintain contingency plans for continuing power constraints

Suppliers should distinguish between the potential long-term benefits of the interconnector and the current operating conditions until the project is completed and electricity deliveries begin.

Looking Ahead

The Kalumbila–Kolwezi Interconnector represents a significant proposed investment in cross-border energy infrastructure for Zambia and the DRC.

With an estimated cost of USD 300 million and planned imports of up to 550 MW, the project could help relieve electricity constraints in the Copperbelt while opening additional export opportunities for Zambian power producers.

Its broader significance lies in the connection between energy infrastructure, mineral production, regional trade, and industrial development. The next milestones to watch are financing, construction, electricity supply arrangements, and the timing of commissioning.

Key Takeaways

• FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura, and Gridworks have agreed to advance the Kalumbila–Kolwezi Interconnector Project.

• The planned 200 km line has 700 MW of thermal capacity and could enable up to 550 MW of electricity imports into the DRC.

• Construction is estimated to cost USD 300 million.

• The project aims to ease electricity constraints affecting Copperbelt mining and industry.

• Zambia could gain additional electricity-export opportunities.

• The line is designed for potential future expansion beyond 1 GW.

• Financing, construction, power-supply arrangements, and commissioning remain important milestones to monitor.

Sources

 https://chemxplore.com/news/drc-copperbelt-power-interconnector