DRC, Gridworks Lead Solar Push

Key Figures & Findings: Moyi Power, a $340 million private-sector-led energy initiative, has officially launched its financing drive to electrify three major off-grid cities in northern Democratic Republic of Congo—Bumba, Gemena, and Isiro, where access to electricity is below 1%. The project is spearheaded by Gridworks, a UK government-owned energy infrastructure firm backed by British International Investment, in consortium with Spanish developer AEE Power and Franco-African utility Eranove. Backed by early support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), Moyi Power aims to introduce a scalable "metro-grid" approach with 20-year concessions, full city-wide distribution, and hybrid solar-battery plants designed for 24/7 availability. That compact targets 300 million new electricity connections across Africa by 2030.

Statistics & Insights: The first USD 160 million phase is 80% financially secured and targets connecting over 37,000 customers in five years, with 85% renewable generation. The 20-year concessions include 18 months of construction following a 12–15-month fundraising period.

Future Implications: If fully financed by mid-2026, Moyi Power could begin construction in late 2026, with phased operations starting in 2028. The project could be a template for scaling hybrid solar metro-grids across 100+ unconnected DRC cities.

Source: Gridworks