The 12th edition of Expo Béton, held on October 9, 2026, focused on the theme of energy transition and urban autonomy. Teddy Lwamba, CEO of the Société nationale d'électricité (SNEL), presented solutions to improve Kinshasa's electricity supply. He emphasized the need for a reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lwamba highlighted the challenges facing the city, including a growing population and urban expansion. He proposed several solutions to address these challenges.
Lwamba mentioned the use of a floating power plant with a capacity of 134 megawatts. This solution aims to alleviate the pressure on the existing electrical network. The SNEL CEO also emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources through a mix of energy adapted to the growing needs of the population. He stressed the need for partnerships with the private sector to mobilize investments for the development of new production capacities and the improvement of the electricity supply.
Since 2025, SNEL has been working to strengthen electrical infrastructures. Several transformers have been upgraded, making an additional 140 megawatts available. A partnership with a Norwegian group is underway to build a solar park in Maluku, with a capacity of around 100 megawatts. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months. This initiative aims to diversify energy sources and increase production capacities for Kinshasa.
Lwamba emphasized the importance of financial resources for the modernization of the electrical sector. He highlighted the need for efficient collection of electricity bills to enable SNEL to maintain, rehabilitate, and modernize its equipment. The issue of fraudulent connections also needs to be addressed, as it causes overloads, disrupts network functioning, and increases the risk of breakdowns and incidents.
SNEL plans to intensify control operations, strengthen debt collection, and continue to modernize its infrastructures. The company's participation in Expo Béton 12 reflects its commitment to contributing to the transformation of the electrical sector. Lwamba stressed the importance of combining structural investments, diversification of energy sources, and consumer responsibility to ensure a sustainable improvement in access to electricity in Kinshasa.
The issue of electricity supply is crucial for the inhabitants of Kinshasa. The city's population is growing rapidly, and the demand for electricity is increasing. The SNEL CEO's presentation at Expo Béton 12 highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address this challenge. The company's efforts to improve the electricity supply will have a positive impact on the daily lives of Kinshasa's residents.
The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to increase access to electricity to 62% by 2030. The country's energy sector faces significant challenges, including a lack of investment and infrastructure. SNEL's efforts to improve the electricity supply in Kinshasa are part of a broader strategy to address these challenges and achieve the country's energy goals.
Key points
- Teddy Lwamba, CEO of SNEL, presented solutions to improve Kinshasa's electricity supply at Expo Béton 12.
- SNEL plans to use a floating power plant and diversify energy sources to improve the electricity supply.
- The company aims to increase access to electricity in Kinshasa through partnerships with the private sector and modernization of its infrastructures.
