Congo’s $2B Sounda Hydropower Project Postponed Amid Energy Crisis

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYApril 16, 2025 at 8:54 AM UTC

TLDR

Congo-Brazzaville has suspended the launch of its largest energy infrastructure project, the 600 MW Sounda hydroelectric dam, initially set to begin construction in January 2025
Government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla confirmed the delay at a press briefing but did not offer a new timeline
The dam was expected to nearly double Congo’s generation capacity, currently at 720 MW, much of which is lost due to outdated infrastructure

Congo-Brazzaville has suspended the launch of its largest energy infrastructure project, the 600 MW Sounda hydroelectric dam, initially set to begin construction in January 2025. Government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla confirmed the delay at a press briefing but did not offer a new timeline. The $2 billion project is now on hold indefinitely.

The dam was expected to nearly double Congo’s generation capacity, currently at 720 MW, much of which is lost due to outdated infrastructure. In cities like Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, power outages are increasingly common.

The government has not disclosed the cause of the postponement. Observers cite potential issues including funding delays, technical disagreements, and logistical hurdles. The silence has fueled public concern amid worsening electricity shortages. The project, if completed, could reshape the country’s power sector and meet growing energy demand in urban areas. For now, the delay underscores deeper governance challenges in major infrastructure execution.

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Key Takeaways

The indefinite suspension of Congo’s Sounda dam project underscores longstanding structural issues in energy sector governance. Initially estimated to deliver 600 MW and nearly double the country’s power supply, the project was seen as a critical solution to urban blackouts and aging infrastructure. However, lack of transparency around the delay raises questions about project management, financing, and political will. With growing electricity demand in cities and mounting public frustration, the postponement highlights the urgency of reforming Congo’s power sector—particularly the distribution network and contract oversight. Observers stress the need for clearer policies, reliable timelines, and stronger accountability mechanisms. Without these reforms, future infrastructure promises risk meeting the same fate. The Sounda dam, once symbolizing energy stability, now reflects broader uncertainty about Congo’s ability to deliver on key development goals in the face of rising urbanization and electricity demand.

Congo

Congo-Brazzaville

Economy

Infrastructure

Energy

Sounda hydroelectric dam