Alexis Gisaro Muvuni, the state minister for Infrastructure and Public Works of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), expressed his admiration for the advanced techniques observed at the Busanga hydroelectric plant in the southeastern province of Lualaba on Thursday.
During his visit to the plant, Muvuni emphasised the importance of furthering investment in electricity and infrastructure between the DRC and China, highlighting the significant potential for cooperation in hydroelectric and photovoltaic projects. Lualaba Province is notably rich in mineral resources, including copper and cobalt.
The Busanga hydroelectric plant, which was inaugurated by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in October 2023, marks a significant milestone in the region’s development. The president commenced the plant’s electricity production by pressing the main operating button in the control room.
Jointly invested and constructed by China Railway Resources Group and Power Construction Corporation of China, the plant boasts an installed capacity of 240 megawatts, with an anticipated average annual electricity production of 1.32 billion kWh. This facility is expected to ensure a stable power supply for regional mining enterprises, stimulate local industrial, economic, and social development, and help alleviate power shortages in surrounding communities.
The Busanga hydroelectric plant forms a critical part of the China-DRC “resource for projects” cooperation package. An amendment to this agreement was signed in March 2024, facilitating an investment of approximately 7 billion U.S. dollars from a consortium of Chinese companies. This investment is primarily targeted at the DRC’s infrastructure development and the SICOMINES project—a joint venture established in 2008 by the DRC public mining company and the consortium of Chinese firms.
Following his inspection of the Busanga plant, Muvuni also visited SICOMINES, where he reviewed the world-class mines and production facilities. He praised SICOMINES as a “flagship project” symbolising the successful cooperation between the DRC and China.
