World Bank Commits $1 Billion to Jumpstart Africa's Largest Hydropower Dream in DR Congo

The World Bank has announced a landmark commitment of $1 billion to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in advancing Inga III — the next phase of what could become the world’s largest hydropower project.

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In a strategic move aimed at unlocking Africa’s untapped energy potential, the Bank will release an initial $250 million to drive early-stage development of the Inga III dam — a critical segment of the broader Grand Inga hydropower scheme. Once completed, Inga III is expected to generate 11,000 megawatts (MW) of power, more than triple the DRC’s current national capacity.

The Inga project is at the heart of the World Bank-backed Mission 300, a continental initiative targeting access to electricity for 300 million Africans by 2030. According to World Bank President Ajay Banga, the program could attract up to $85 billion in private-sector investment.