** Energy sovereignty and economic development in the DRC: the case of SNEL on the horizon of 2025 **
On May 17, 2025, the National Electricity Company (SNEL) celebrated its 55th anniversary in Kolwezi, in the heart of the Lualaba province, an event that was the subject of particular attention in a context where the energy issues are at the heart of national concerns. The director general, Fabrice Lusinde, promised a strong commitment to energy sovereignty and the economic development of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This declaration is part of a desire for energy and industrial transformation, but it also raises several questions about the challenges that the SNEL and the country still meet.
** SNEL: a key actor in the Congolese economy **
Since its creation in 1970, the SNEL has been at the center of efforts to guarantee access to electricity throughout Congolese territory. Currently, the need for electricity exceeds 20 to 25 million MWh in the province of Lualaba, which, with its water riches, represents a nerve point for the country’s energy development. The SNEL, through its evolution towards the digitalization and modernization of its infrastructure, strives to face the contemporary challenges of energy.
This celebration of the SNEL recalls that energy is much more than a simple public service; It is an engine of economic development. Energy security is essential to encourage industrialization, promote entrepreneurship and support education, areas that are all interconnected. Fabrice Lusinde’s message highlights this importance, while paying tribute to business workers, especially those of Bukavu and Goma, often on the front line in the difficult contexts that these regions are going through.
** An expansion and innovation strategy **
At the heart of the SNEL strategy is the desire to increase production capacity by building new power plants, whether hydroelectric or solar. The choice to move towards renewable energy sources corresponds to a global trend towards more sustainable practices and could promote the long -awaited energy transition in the DRC. The digitalization of customer services, via the SNEL & I platform, also reflects an awareness of the needs for adaptation to new technologies.
However, this ambition of innovation must be balanced with the realities on the ground. The implementation of these major projects requires substantial investments as well as rigorous management of resources. Collaborations with different economic sectors are essential, but they must also take into account local specificities and the endemic challenges encountered by these sectors.
** Reflections on the energy future of the DRC **
While the SNEL marks a milestone in its history, it is useful to wonder how its commitments can result in tangible results on the ground. Improving electrical infrastructure and the guarantee of access to reliable and affordable energy are ambitious objectives that deserve special attention. To achieve these objectives, SNEL may have to establish closer partnerships with international actors, but also more involvement of local communities in this process of transformation.
The evolution of the electricity sector in the DRC also raises questions about human resources management. SNEL staff are often faced with difficult working conditions, especially in regions with limited access to resources. How can the company guarantee the well-being and motivation of its workers while projecting itself towards the future?
** Conclusion: a path strewn with pitfalls but promising **
The 55th anniversary of the SNEL is a striking moment which invites not only to celebrate past achievements but also to think about future challenges. The development of energy in the DRC is a complex process that requires an inclusive, thoughtful and, above all adaptable approach to the realities of the country.
The vision of an DRC as a energy power is promising, but it will only be affected by close cooperation between all stakeholders: the government, the SNEL, the private sector, as well as the citizens. This dialogue is essential to navigate a landscape both rich in resources and complex in terms of socio-economic challenges. Because beyond the ambitions displayed, the country’s electric future is based on the ability to transform promises into concrete and sustainable actions.