The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently took a significant step in reforming its electricity sector with the recent enactment of Ordinance No. 25/025 of February 5, 2025 (available here). This amendment modifies Law No. 14/011 of June 17, 2014, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 18/031 of December 13, 2018.
The latter has served as the country’s primary legal instrument governing the electricity sector over the past decade and has played a crucial role in its liberalization. However, the 2014 law has revealed notable gaps in addressing emerging challenges, particularly in renewable energy, grid integration, and rural electrification, thereby necessitating its modification through Ordinance No. 25/025.
The new ordinance seeks to modernize and expand the legal framework while providing greater clarity to procedures for project licensing and concessions, with the goal of simplifying processes and attracting private sector investment.
This brief delves into the key aspects of the ordinance to highlight changes that may interest private sector stakeholders, development agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to improve electricity access in the DRC. It also examines what these changes mean for electrification efforts and assesses how they can drive much-needed private sector led investment.
The new ordinance establishes two pivotal institutions : The One-Stop Shop for the Electricity Sector and the National Dispatching Service. The One-Stop Shop for the Electricity Sector is created as a Public Establishment under the supervision of the Minister responsible for electricity. Its primary mission is to streamline interactions between electricity operators and the government, serving as a centralized point for the collection of fees, taxes, and royalties in the electricity sector. While much is not said about the National Dispatching Service, it is expected that it will focus on managing the dispatch of electricity and quality of service.
The creation of these institutions reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and collaboration within the electricity sector, which is essential for meeting the nation’s growing energy needs.
Conclusion:
The amendment to the legal framework governing the electricity sector represents a significant step forward in addressing the regulatory and operational challenges in the energy landscape. By introducing measures to standardize renewable energy systems, streamline licensing processes for rural electrification projects, clarify institutional responsibilities’ when granting concessions, and establish new institutions, the reform aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
However, it is important that the government quickly addresses concerns about potential bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory overlaps through inclusive consultations to ensure that the new regulations achieve their intended objectives and foster confidence among investors and operators.
