Energy challenges and procurement concerns in Kinshasa and Senegal

In Kinshasa, the Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL) is addressing a significant power deficit estimated at 1,200 MW. During the Expo Béton 2026 event, SNEL Director General Teddy Lwamba outlined strategies to stabilize the capital's supply, including network modernization and combating fraud. To bridge the gap, the utility is exploring public-private partnerships to add approximately 246 MW in the medium term. Proposed projects include a 100 MW solar park in Bandundu in collaboration with the Norwegian group Scatec, as well as potential floating thermal power plants involving Turkish partners.

In Senegal, SENELEC is facing scrutiny regarding a 15-year contract signed with Amco SA, a Senegalese-Chinese company, for the supply of electricity meters. The contract, valued at a minimum of 138 billion FCFA, involves the annual order of 300,000 units, totaling 4.5 million meters over the contract term. Reports suggest the agreement may have been concluded without a competitive bidding process or approval from the Central Directorate of Public Procurement (DCMP). These allegations of procedural irregularities have not been officially confirmed or denied by the involved parties.