As the partners advance the implementation of PASEL, Congo’s power sector is opening new opportunities for infrastructure developers, technology providers and financiers. The upcoming Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), taking place June 1-3 in Brazzaville, will connect government representatives, development finance institutions, investors and service providers to explore opportunities in power infrastructure, grid modernization and energy-sector financing.

World Bank Calls for Faster Project Implementation

The PASEL initiative, approved in 2024, aims to strengthen access to electricity, boost economic growth and improve the quality of life of the people of the Congo. Focusing on expanding transmission and distribution while supporting power management and revenue collection, the initiative is expected to benefit over 1.75 million people.  

Approximately $42.5 million is being dispersed to rehabilitate the 220 kV Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville line, construct new transmission substations and upgrade existing supervisory control and data acquisition systems. An additional $45.25 million aims to improve the operational performance of the electricity distribute and retail segment, while $12 million covers technical assistance and project management. The revenue protection program will include control of the 26,000 largest customers that account for 60% of sales, and installation of 120,000 smart meters for public and private customers.

The scale of the country’s power challenges not only underscores the impact that PASEL could bring to the market but reflects the scale of opportunity available for power, technology and infrastructure developers alike. Congo's National Energy Compact estimated the total network losses – both technical and commercial – at 45% in 2022. Out of 760 MW installed, only about 600 MW is operational.

Following its September discussions, the World Bank expressed its willingness to strengthen financial support for the sector while emphasizing the need to accelerate the PASEL initiative.

“We came to meet the minister to review the substantial portfolio we support here, with the need to accelerate the implementation of PASEL,” Cheik F. Kanté, the bank’s Central Africa Division Director, said.

Grid Modernization Opens Investment Opportunities

As the country strengthens its transmission and distribution networks, advancements in gas monetization open new pathways to scale generation capacity. Eni's Nguya FLNG, which shipped its first Phase 2 cargo in February 2026, lifted Congo's LNG capacity to three million tons a year. Eni also supplies gas to the Centrale Électrique du Congo power plant, which runs three turbines for a combined capacity of at least 484 MW, with a fourth unit currently being planned.   

However, reliable electricity delivery depends on transmission and distribution infrastructure capable of transporting power from generation facilities to consumers. Congo is targeting a substantial expansion of installed generation capacity, including a goal of reaching 3,000 MW by 2028. Meeting this ambition will require parallel investment in grid infrastructure, substations, metering systems and network management.

Congo's electricity infrastructure requirements will be among the investment priorities highlighted at CEIF 2027, bringing opportunities for international developers, engineering firms, technology providers and financiers to engage with the country's energy-sector decision-makers.

The forum will provide a platform to discuss project implementation, financing requirements and partnerships that can support transmission and distribution upgrades, improve electricity reliability and accommodate future generation capacity.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power in collaboration with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, CEIF 2027 will take place June 1–3, 2027, in Brazzaville. For more information and to participate, visit www.congoenergyinvestment.com.