Kinsuka hydropower project development
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 23, 2026
Kinsuka hydropower project
Project
The Kinsuka hydropower project is being developed by the Kinsuka Power Joint Venture to increase national power generation capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project represents an estimated investment of USD 2.8 billion.
Deal Analysis
The Kinsuka hydropower project, an announced USD 2.8 billion development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aims to significantly increase the nation's power generation capacity. Being developed by the Kinsuka Power Joint Venture, the project targets a substantial 900 MW of hydropower capacity. The involvement of Solar Plant Owner, a renewable energy developer with a focus on solar power plants, as a counterpart is noteworthy, suggesting a potential diversification strategy or a collaborative approach to energy solutions within the project. The project's announcement date is set for February 23, 2026, indicating a long-term development horizon.
This project holds considerable strategic importance for the DRC, which faces significant energy access challenges. The successful development of the Kinsuka hydropower plant could contribute substantially to meeting the country's growing electricity demand and fostering economic development. However, given the project's scale and the DRC's operating environment, potential investors should carefully assess the associated risks, including regulatory hurdles, financing challenges, and environmental considerations. The absence of a signing or closing date further emphasizes the early stage of this development.
- USD 2.8 billion investment in hydropower development.
- 900 MW capacity addition to the DRC's power grid.
- Involvement of Solar Plant Owner, a solar-focused renewable energy developer.
- Project announced for February 2026, indicating a long-term development timeline.
Market Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a significant electricity deficit, hindering economic growth. Hydropower represents a substantial untapped resource in the country, and projects like Kinsuka are crucial for addressing the energy gap. However, infrastructure development in the DRC can be complex due to political, regulatory, and logistical challenges.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The construction period is approximately five years following financial closing. Quote: Kinsuka Power represents an estimated investment of USD 2.8 billion, with a construction period of approximately five years following financial closing.
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Deal Size
Kinsuka Power represents an estimated investment of USD 2.8 billion
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Capacity
With an installed capacity of 900 MW
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Location
Located on the Congo River at Kiudi Island in Kinshasa
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Announcement
Monday, 23 February 2026
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
K
Kinsuka Power Joint Venture
developer
"Developed by the Kinsuka Power Joint Venture, the project aims to significantly increase national power generation capacity in response to the country’s growing economic and industrial needs."
F
Forrest International Group
strategic partner
"To bring this vision to life, the Forrest International Group—chaired by George Arthur Forrest and led by Malta David Forrest—has joined the project as a strategic partner."
C
Congo Energy
energy subsidiary
"With more than a century of experience in the DRC, the Group contributes its industrial expertise and know-how through its energy subsidiary, Congo Energy—led by Spyros Giourgas—a key player in the project’s operational implementation."
T
Tractebel
advisor
"Pre-feasibility studies were carried out by Tractebel, a leading international energy engineering firm."
G
Great Lake Energy
developer
"Kinsuka Power is a Joint Venture between Great Lake Energy, a company founded by Congolese entrepreneur Yves Kabongo, and the Forrest International Group through its subsidiary Congo Energy."
N
National Electricity Company (SNEL SA)
"The National Electricity Company (SNEL SA) is integrated into the project framework to ensure full consistency with the national power grid."
high quality
Enriched Feb 24, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Hydropower sector in Democratic Republic of Congo.
2
deals in Democratic Republic of Congo
1 of 6 Hydropower deals tracked this month · Updated daily