The Société Maghrébine de Génie Civil (Somagec) has secured a critical contract to interconnect the electrical grids of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This ambitious project will enable Angola to export its energy surplus to power DRC’s vital mining sector, which is currently grappling with severe electricity shortages.
While details about the contract’s financial value remain undisclosed, this initiative underscores Somagec’s growing footprint in Africa and highlights its ability to execute large-scale infrastructure projects.
The DRC’s mining sector is a cornerstone of its economy, producing essential minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper—key materials in the global energy transition and renewable energy industries. However, frequent power outages have hindered mining operations, slowing production and impacting economic growth.
Angola, on the other hand, boasts a substantial energy surplus exceeding 2 gigawatts, largely generated by its hydropower plants. By exporting this excess electricity, Angola aims to bolster regional collaboration and capitalize on its energy infrastructure investments.
This new project is not Somagec’s first venture in Angola. In November 2023, the Moroccan company partnered with the UAE-based Ducab Cables Business to construct 400 kilometers of 220 kV transmission lines in Angola. While Somagec handled construction, Ducab supplied 2,000 kilometers of overhead lines and high, medium, and low-voltage cables.
These projects highlight Somagec’s expertise in energy infrastructure and its role in addressing Africa’s energy challenges.
The Angola-DRC interconnection is part of a broader regional trend to optimize energy resources. In July 2024, Angola signed an agreement with Trafigura and ProMarks to construct a 2,000 MW interconnection aimed at supplying power to the DRC and Zambia. This collaboration reflects a strategic effort to support the mining sectors of these nations, which are increasingly vital to the global supply chain for renewable energy materials.
Under the leadership of Roger Sahyoun, Somagec has become a prominent player in energy and infrastructure development across Africa. By bridging Angola’s energy surplus with the DRC’s energy needs, the company is not only addressing immediate challenges but also contributing to long-term regional growth and sustainability.
This latest project solidifies Somagec’s position as a key driver of Africa’s energy integration, fostering collaboration and economic advancement across borders.
