The energy sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the heart of major concerns due to a decrease in access to electricity, a worrying situation for the country’s development. The Mwangaza network, a civil society platform engaged in this field, recently sounded the alarm at a press conference.
According to data presented by the network, the rate of access to electricity is in free fall, falling from 9% in 2009 to only 7% in 2024. This decline is all the more worrying given that the Congolese population has continued to grow. Political promises to achieve a 30% access rate now seem compromised by a lack of significant investment and a lack of strategic vision in the energy sector.
Emmanuel Musuyu, Coordinator of the Mwangaza Network, pointed out the absence of a clear national energy policy and a coherent electrification plan to guide the development of the sector. He denounced the lack of investment to increase energy production capacity, stressing that this stagnation has directly contributed to the decline in the rate of access to electricity. In addition, poor governance of the energy sector has been identified as a major obstacle to progress.
To address this situation, the Mwangaza Network is committed to continuing its monitoring and advocacy efforts for essential reforms. Priority initiatives include the Energy Compact, aimed at promoting universal access to energy, improving the legislative framework of the sector, defending the rights of local communities and strengthening transparency and citizen participation.
Member organizations of the Mwangaza Network, such as AFREWATCH, CODED, CREDDHO, and Resource Matters, have joined forces to address this critical issue. They commit to working together to promote equitable access to electricity, ensure energy justice for all, and develop sustainable solutions for the energy sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ultimately, the issue of access to electricity in the DRC cannot be underestimated. It requires rapid and concerted actions, as well as active participation of all stakeholders, to transform the Congolese energy landscape and offer each citizen the essential conditions for balanced and sustainable development.