USTDA Provides $3 Million to Study Hydropower and Distribution Expansion Along the Lobito Corridor

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 22, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed an agreement with Anzana Electric Group, providing a $3 million grant to the latter for a feasibility study on the Lobito Corridor electrification project. The study covers Lualaba Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and North-Western Province in Zambia, focusing on assessing hydropower generation capacity expansion and distribution network upgrades to supply electricity to copper and cobalt mines along the corridor and surrounding areas.

The feasibility study will evaluate options for rehabilitating existing hydropower assets, developing new hydropower projects, and expanding distribution infrastructure, and will determine the corresponding power supply network configuration based on mine electricity demand. The project's service area covers major mining zones along the Lobito Corridor, involving a population of more than 3 million. USTDA also proposed reducing mines' reliance on diesel generation through new grid connections and expanding electricity access for local residents and businesses.

Contractor solicitation for this feasibility study has been launched concurrently. Anzana has issued a request for qualifications and technical proposals to eligible U.S. firms, with a submission deadline of 3:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 26, 2026. The winning firm will carry out the feasibility study using the $3 million grant provided by USTDA to Anzana. The scope of services also includes assessment of the project's technical and commercial feasibility, design of the financing structure, and identification of U.S. equipment and engineering services suppliers.

The Lobito Corridor connects the Port of Lobito in Angola with inland mining areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, handling the export transportation of mineral products such as copper and cobalt. The study area for this power project is concentrated in Lualaba Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and North-Western Province in Zambia, both of which host large-scale copper-cobalt mines. The project aims to integrate new generation capacity, distribution networks, and mine loads into a unified plan.

Anzana Electric Group is headquartered in Mauritius, with business operations including power project development, financing, construction, and operation, covering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania. The project under this agreement is currently at the feasibility study procurement stage, and the winning consulting team will subsequently complete assessments of hydropower assets, distribution networks, power supply demand, and financing options.