Energetic Dialogues in South Africa: The Inga Example

Image: Flickr, MONUSCO
Image: Flickr, MONUSCO

Studies of major hydropower projects such as that at the Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stress generation capacity and call for regional integration.

They make little reference, however, to the potential for co-operation in energy policy that goes beyond the construction of energy-related infrastructure. Concentrating on the Inga site’s existing and future dams, this paper identifies several challenges to an emerging energy dialogue between Inga’s regional stakeholders. It questions whether the recent energy deal between South Africa and the DRC has opened a path towards further regional energy co-operation.

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).