USTDA Funds US$3 Million Power Study for Zambia-DRC Lobito Corridor
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed an agreement with Anzana Electric Group to fund a feasibility study aimed at improving electricity supply across Zambia’s North-Western Province and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Lualaba Province.
The study will assess opportunities to expand hydropower generation, rehabilitate existing power assets and upgrade electricity distribution networks serving copper and cobalt mining operations along the Lobito Corridor. It will also examine options to expand electricity access to surrounding communities.
The project is expected to improve power reliability for more than three million people and could enable new connections for more than 500,000 homes and businesses.
Mining companies could also reduce their reliance on costly diesel generation as grid capacity improves.
The Lobito Corridor links the mineral-rich Copperbelt region of Zambia and the DRC to Angola’s Port of Lobito, providing a route for copper, cobalt and other critical minerals to international markets.
In Zambia, the feasibility study will include economic and financial analysis, preparation of engineering, procurement and construction tender documents, and environmental and social assessments.
In the DRC, it will assess existing distribution infrastructure, mining electricity demand and potential hydropower rehabilitation and new generation projects.
USTDA said the study will also identify US sources of equipment and services and help structure projects to attract future investment.
The feasibility study is being supported through a US$3 million USTDA grant to Anzana.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure supporting the Lobito Corridor and improve the reliability of electricity needed for mining, industrial development and local communities.
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