FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks to build Kalumbila–Kolwezi 200km interconnector

Project overview

The Parties have signed a Strategic Framework Agreement to finance, build and operate the Kalumbila–Kolwezi Interconnector Project (KKIP): a 200 km high-voltage transmission line linking Kalumbila, Zambia, with Kolwezi in the DRC. The project connects the DRC to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Construction is estimated at USD300 million and the project has reached the final development stage with required concessions, licences and authorisations secured.

Technical capacity

The line has a thermal capacity of 700 MW, allowing up to 550 MW of competitively priced electricity to be imported into the Copperbelt mining region; the design permits future capacity expansion to over 1 GW.

Financing and partners

Gridworks will act as lead equity investor and majority shareholder, with FIS-RDC and EnPower also committing equity. Trafigura has agreed to arrange a significant portion of the project's debt. EnPower is the project developer and a licensed Congolese power trader and SAPP member. Discussions are underway with Zambian entities on potential co-investment. The transaction is the first announced investment by FIS-RDC since the fund was established in October 2025.

Expected benefits

For the DRC, KKIP aims to help close a structural energy deficit of more than 1 GW, supplying baseload power to mining and industry, enabling development of projects on hold, increasing mining and refining output and expanding access to reliable, affordable power for communities and businesses. For Zambia, the line creates export opportunities for power producers, increases transmission capacity for licensed operators and may spur new generation while strengthening cross-border cooperation and investment platforms.