The Inga 3 Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major energy development initiative for the country and the region. With a significant hydroelectric potential estimated at 100,000 MW, a significant portion of which is located in Inga in Kongo Central province, this project is of strategic importance for access to electricity in the DRC and long-term economic transformation.
The current situation in the DRC is characterized by a low electrification rate, with only about 19% of the population having access to electricity. This reality contrasts with the country’s hydroelectric potential, which underlines the need to develop energy infrastructure to meet the growing electricity needs.
In this context, the Inga 3 Project is supported by the World Bank, which aims to improve access to electricity in the DRC through a multi-phase development program. Phase 1 of the program aims to finance investments and preliminary studies for the construction of the Inga 3 hydroelectric power plant, with a focus on quick-win and no-regrets opportunities.
Beyond the energy issue, the Inga 3 Project is part of a global development perspective, including job creation, inclusive growth and institution building. The investments planned under this project should also benefit local communities, by contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions concerned.
In this regard, the publication of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) in the territories, sectors and cities of Kongo Central is of crucial importance. This document aims to assess the environmental and social risks related to community development investments of the Inga 3 Project, by defining principles, rules and procedures to mitigate these risks.
By involving local stakeholders from the project design stage, the objective is to ensure that environmental and social issues are adequately taken into account, while promoting better ownership of impact management measures by the population. This participatory approach strengthens transparency and commitment to international sustainable development standards.
Thus, the Inga 3 Project appears to be a major opportunity for the DRC, not only in terms of access to electricity, but also in terms of economic and social development. By adopting an integrated approach, focused on sustainability and inclusion, this project could become an essential lever for the development of the country and the region as a whole.