Plans for one of Africa’s most ambitious energy projects the Inga 3 Hydropower Project are back in motion as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa revive talks around the long-delayed $10 billion development.

The project, part of the wider Grand Inga scheme on the Congo River, has been under discussion for years but is now gaining fresh momentum, with both countries expected to resume formal negotiations in April 2026. 

At the heart of the renewed talks is a major power deal that could see electricity exports from Congo to South Africa increase from 2,500 megawatts to as much as 5,000 megawatts, reflecting South Africa’s growing energy demand amid ongoing power shortages. 

If completed, Inga 3 could generate between 4,800MW and 11,000MW of electricity, making it one of the largest hydropower projects in the world and a potential game-changer for Africa’s energy landscape. 

Beyond South Africa, the dam is expected to feed electricity into multiple regional grids across southern, eastern, and central Africa, positioning Congo as a major electricity exporter and helping ease chronic power deficits across the continent. 

However, despite its massive potential, the project still faces significant hurdles. It remains in the preparation stage, with no final investment decision yet, and financing structures are still being worked out with international partners, including the World Bank. 

For now, the revival of talks signals a renewed push to bring the long-stalled project to life. If successful, Inga 3 could redefine how electricity is generated and shared across Africa turning one river into a continental power source.