Somagec, a Moroccan company specializing in strategic infrastructure, is expanding its footprint in southern Africa. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Angola’s National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT) to build a strategic “electricity highway” linking Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This ambitious initiative, backed by $1.3 billion in private sector investment, aims to bolster regional energy supply and cooperation.
The partnership involves constructing state-of-the-art high-voltage transmission lines and substations to channel surplus electricity from Angola to underserved regions and neighboring countries. Angola currently has a robust energy production capacity of 6,500 MW, with 2,000 MW available for export. This excess will be delivered to high-demand areas in the DRC and Zambia, particularly targeting the mining sector, a major driver of economic growth in both nations.
The project’s Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model ensures long-term sustainability. Once the concession period ends, the infrastructure will be handed over to Angola’s National Electricity Transmission Network, which plays a critical role in the country’s energy management and distribution.
Somagec is positioning itself as a major player in southern Africa’s strategic infrastructure development. Through its subsidiary, Somagec Energy Holding LTD, the company has joined the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and acquired energy import-export licenses for Angola, the DRC, and Zambia. Another key subsidiary, ENPOWER, is spearheading initiatives to interconnect regional energy grids, facilitating economic growth by ensuring stable electricity access across borders.
Angolan authorities are betting on private sector investments to modernize the country’s energy transmission systems. This new energy corridor is expected to generate around $750 million in annual revenues and significantly enhance energy stability across the region. For Angola, the project aligns with its broader strategy to diversify income sources and establish itself as a key energy hub in southern Africa.
The agreement’s signing ceremony saw the presence of key dignitaries, including Saadia El Acawi, Morocco’s ambassador to Angola. This collaboration highlights the strengthening economic ties between Morocco and Angola, with Morocco reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The electric interconnection between Angola, the DRC, and Zambia marks a critical milestone in Africa’s energy integration efforts. By pooling resources and enabling efficient electricity exchanges, the project offers promising opportunities for local industries—especially mining and manufacturing sectors, which are heavily reliant on reliable power supplies.
This initiative not only underscores the growing cooperation between African nations but also sets the stage for sustainable regional development driven by energy stability and cross-border partnerships.
