The World Bank has pledged $1 billion to support the Democratic Republic of Congo's hydropower initiatives, specifically the Grand Inga hydropower project. This project has the potential to become the world's largest hydropower plant, generating approximately 40,000 megawatts of electricity.

*Project Details:*

- *Location*: The Inga site on the Congo River, the world's third-largest river by volume.

- *Potential Capacity*: 40,000 megawatts of electricity, nearly twice the capacity of China's Three Gorges Dam.

- *Estimated Cost*: Up to $80 billion for the Grand Inga Complex, including extensive transmission lines across Africa.

- *Initial Funding*: $250 million will be allocated to support the Inga III phase of the project ¹ ².

*Goals and Benefits:*

- *Increasing Access to Electricity*: Currently, only 20% of Congo's population has access to electricity, prompting a $36 billion national power development plan.

- *Economic Development*: The project aims to boost economic development, create jobs, and support minerals processing.

- *Energy Reform*: The project is expected to deliver up to 11,000 MW of power, boosting jobs and energy reform ³ ⁴.

*Mission 300 Program:*

- *Objective*: Connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

- *Potential Impact*: Attract up to $85 billion in private investment, supporting Africa's economic development ⁵.

Source: Business Insider Africa