Why did Trafigura withdraw from the Angola–DRC–Zambia transmission line project, and what was the scope of the proposed project?

Trafigura withdrew from the proposed 2,000-megawatt transmission line project intended to carry surplus Angolan hydropower to copper and cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. According to two sources with direct knowledge — one industry source stating 'Trafigura has abandoned the project' and a second source in the Angolan government confirming the withdrawal — the company exited after signing a non-binding agreement in July 2024 with engineering firm ProMarks and the Angolan government to conduct feasibility studies. The Angolan government source noted the project remains in the negotiation phase with 'some changes having been made regarding the consortium members interested in implementing the contract', and neither the Angolan energy and water ministry nor Trafigura provided substantive clarification, with Trafigura responding only 'No comment' when asked about its continued support.

What are the alternative transmission projects now advancing to supply power from Angola to DRC mining regions, and what are their key specifications?

Two alternative transmission projects are moving ahead: first, Meridia Energy — a joint venture between Dubai-based Averi Finance and Morocco's Somagec — is developing two lines: the $450 million Soyo-Inga-Cabinda line (up to 800 MW capacity) and the $1.25 billion Lauca-Kolwezi link (up to 1,400 MW capacity), targeting commercial operation by 2030; second, U.S.-based HYDRO-LINK plans a $1.5 billion interconnector spanning ~1,200 km between Angola and the DRC, featuring five substations and aiming to deliver low-cost electricity primarily to the Lualaba and Katanga mining provinces, with construction expected to take about two and a half years. Both projects are positioned to help fill the gap left by Trafigura’s exit and support critical minerals operations facing power shortages.

Trafigura Backs Out of Angola Transmission Line Project, Sources Say

Jul 15, 2026

Trafigura withdrew from a proposed 2,000-megawatt transmission line designed to supply hydropower to copper and cobalt mines in the DRC and Zambia. Competitors Meridia Energy and HYDRO-LINK are advancing similar projects to meet the critical minerals sector's energy needs.

reuters

2026-07-15

Trafigura Backs Out of Angola Transmission Line Project, Sources Say

Trafigura Backs Out of Angola Transmission Line Project, Sources Say

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