Rwanda and DRC Poised for Energy Boost as U.S.-Africa Business Summit Nets Record $2.5 Billion in Deals

Washington, D.C. – The 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, held from June 22-25, concluded with a record-breaking $2.5 billion in deals and commitments, signaling a significant boost to U.S.-Africa commercial relations. The summit, hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa and the President of Angola, saw participation from over 2,700 leaders from the U.S. and African public and private sectors, including 12 African Heads of State.

The U.S. delegation, led by Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, aimed to secure key deals for U.S. companies and establish conditions to boost U.S. exports and investment in Africa. This aligns with the Trump Administration’s Commercial Diplomacy Strategy for Africa, which prioritizes trade and investment over aid, engaging African nations as peers and partners.

Rwanda and DRC to Benefit from Hydropower Project

Notably, the Ruzizi III Holding Power Company signed an Invitation to Partner with U.S.-based Anzana Electric Group, paving the way for a 10% equity stake in a $760 million hydropower project spanning Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This project promises to deliver reliable energy to an estimated 30 million people across the region, promoting both regional integration and stability.

Furthermore, U.S. energy investor Hydro-Link signed an agreement with the Angolan Government to develop a $1.5 billion private transmission line connecting hydropower sites in Angola to critical mineral mines in the DRC. This 1,150-kilometer transmission corridor will enable the delivery of up to 1.2 gigawatts of reliable electricity from Angola’s Luaca plant and other hydroelectric facilities to the Kolwezi mining region in the DRC, supporting the region’s mining operations and energy needs. The DRC will benefit from a boost in power to its mining operations.

These projects underscore the commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure in the region, which is crucial for economic development and improving the quality of life for millions. The Ruzizi III project will provide much-needed electricity to both Rwanda and the DRC, while the transmission line will support the DRC’s vital mining sector.

Other key deals announced at the summit included:

• Amer-Con Corporation & Angola: Strategic Partnership Agreement to construct and operate 22 grain silo terminals along the Lobito Corridor, backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank.
• Cybastion & Angola Telecom: $170 million investment deal to expand digital infrastructure and cybersecurity in Angola.
• CEC Africa Sierra Leone Ltd. & AG&P: Memorandum of Understanding to develop West Africa’s first U.S.-sourced LNG terminal in Sierra Leone.
• Ethiopia Investment Holdings and U.S. International Finance Partners: Memorandum of Understanding to invest more than $200 million in tourism infrastructure in Ethiopia.

The record-breaking outcomes of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit highlight the growing importance of the economic partnership between the United States and African nations. These deals and commitments are expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster greater prosperity across the continent, with Rwanda and the DRC set to benefit significantly from enhanced energy access.