KEY POINTS
- USTDA signed an agreement with Anzana Electric Group to fund a feasibility study on expanding hydropower and electricity distribution in the DRC’s Lualaba Province and Zambia’s North-Western provinces.
- The project aims to improve power reliability for copper and cobalt mines and more than three million people along the Lobito Corridor, which routes minerals to Angola’s Port of Lobito.
- The study will identify US supply sources and structure financing, with a request for proposals to follow; USTDA-funded work is carried out by US companies.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is stepping up its support for power infrastructure along the Lobito Corridor, the Central and Southern African logistics route Washington sees as vital to diversifying American critical mineral supplies.
USTDA said it has signed an agreement with Anzana Electric Group to fund a feasibility study on expanding hydropower and upgrading electricity distribution across the DRC’s Lualaba Province and Zambia’s North-Western provinces. Specifically, the project aims to improve power reliability for copper and cobalt mines and for more than three million residents. Moreover, it forms part of a wider US push along the corridor.
Why the corridor matters
The Lobito Corridor carries minerals to global markets more directly. Notably, it moves copper, cobalt and other critical minerals to the Port of Lobito in Angola, shortening the route to overseas buyers. According to USTDA, the study will assess rehabilitating existing hydropower, developing new generation and expanding distribution to power both mines and surrounding communities.
The agency also framed the work as an opening for American firms. Furthermore, the study will identify suitable US sources of supply and structure the project to attract financing, creating a channel for US equipment and engineering services.
Power gaps and next steps
Electricity access remains a stubborn challenge in both countries. According to USTDA, mining consumes most available power, leaving households and local businesses underserved. Consequently, the project targets new connections for homes and businesses while helping mines cut reliance on costly diesel generation.
Anzana cast the effort as a shared opportunity. According to CEO Brian Kelly, reliable electricity underpins industrialization, local value addition and jobs across the corridor. Additionally, USTDA said US companies will carry out the programming, with a request for proposals to follow. Ultimately, the study seeks to catalyze long-term private investment in the region’s power backbone.
