Africa |
to support Malawi’s Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHSP), a major infrastructure initiative that will add 358MW to Malawi’s electricity generation capacity. The MHSP is co-developed by the Government of Malawi and the International Finance Corporation, alongside owners EDF, British International Investment, Norfund, and TotalEnergies.
Above: Only 21% of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have access to energy
provided US$22 million in financing, the European Investment Bank US$36.6 million, the World Bank US$149.4 million, and the European Union $95 million. With the Government of Burundi and the Société d’électricité du Burundi contributing US$16.7 million. Also in Burundi, the 206MW Ruzizi III regional
hydroelectric power plant project is the first regional project designed within a public-private partnership framework to maximise hydroelectric potential of the Ruzizi waterfall. Involving Burundi, DRC and Rwanda, it consists of the construction of a run-of-river dam located on the Ruzizi River between the DRC and Rwanda, downstream of the Ruzizi II hydroelectric dam, a 147MW power plant and distribution station. The new hydropower plant will supply reliable electricity to benefit development for approximately 30 million people across Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda, in a region where 54% live below the poverty line and electricity access averages just 24%. The project will nearly double Burundi’s current capacity, boost Rwanda’s by 30%, and deliver critical baseload and dispatchable power to eastern DRC, advancing economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.
Cameroon Access to power remains as a critical developmental
challenge for Cameroon. Despite substantial government subsidies and vast hydropower potential, in rural parts of the country 75% of the population remains without electricity even though many live near the grid. The cost of power is also among the highest in the region. This is why completion of the Nachtigal Hydropower
plant is described as being a real game changer. Financed by the World Bank Group together with other partners, it will increase Cameroon’s power generation capacity by 30% and is poised to become the first phase of sustainable hydropower development on the Sanaga river. Additional energy will ultimately provide the entire population and businesses with more affordable, reliable, and clean power.
In 2025, six of the seven turbines were contributing 360MW out of the full 420MW capability.
Malawi The World Bank has approved a US$350 million grant
from the International Development Association (IDA) 22 | January 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
At completion, subject to the mobilisation of private financing, MHSP will significantly increase the country’s installed capacity, delivering 1544GWh annually. This additional energy will help supply electricity to over a million new households in the country and will create thousands of job opportunities. “MHSP is a top priority for our government as the least-cost option in meeting our growing energy demand and achieving our access targets,” said Ibrahim Matola, country’s Minister of Energy. “Once operational, this project will help drive long-term energy security and support lasting, inclusive economic growth. Energy access is fundamental to reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and attracting private investment.” MHSP’s main and regulating dams on the Shire River will generate clean energy and store power to supply electricity during peak demand hours, helping to improve the reliability of Malawi’s national grid. The hydropower facility will also boost the grid’s capacity to support the growing demand of the country’s mining companies, an industry which holds significant potential to boost the country’s economic development prospects over the coming decade. “This new hydropower project is a game-changer for
Malawi, capable of catalysing transformative change in productive economic sectors such as mining, agri- business and tourism. As the country works on driving its economic development agenda, this new source of clean and reliable energy will help drive business growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of millions of Malawians,” said Nathan Belete, World Bank Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
South Africa Serengeti Energy has secured funding for a portfolio of
hydropower projects in South Africa. With Investec acting as the mandated lead arranger, senior lender, and hedge provider, it’s been able to structure a comprehensive funding package tailored specifically for Serengeti Energy to enable:
● Refinancing and upgrading of the 3MW Sol Plaatje hydropower plant.
● Refinancing and upgrading of the 4MW Merino hydropower plant.
● Construction of the new 5MW Boston hydropower plant.
All three projects are located on the Ash River in
the Free State and are backed by power purchase agreements, allowing clean energy to be delivered efficiently through wheeling on the national electricity grid.
Strafford Harris, Chief Operating Officer of Serengeti
Energy, emphasised the impact of this partnership: “This financing arrangement showcases how innovative private sector financial solutions can support the long-term sustainability of hydro power in South Africa. By working closely with Investec, we have been able to optimise our portfolio, ensuring that these assets
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