Kasaï-Central: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Relaunches Construction of the Mbombo Hydroelectric Power Plant with Financial Support from FPI

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has officially relaunched construction work on the Mbombo hydroelectric power plant in Kasaï-Central Province. The strategic energy project, financially supported by the Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI), aims to strengthen electricity supply and create favorable conditions for industrialization in this part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Accompanied notably by the Ministers in charge of Industry and Infrastructure, as well as the Director General of the FPI, Hervé Claude Ntumba Batukonke, the Head of Government arrived at Kananga Airport. Upon her arrival, the Prime Minister and her delegation proceeded to the Mbombo site, located in the Nganza municipality, approximately 15 kilometers from Kananga, to officially relaunch construction work on this hydroelectric infrastructure. The project is valued at US$120 million and is designed to generate 20 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Its financing structure is based on a public-private partnership (PPP). The Industrial Promotion Fund plays a key role in financing the project, with an initial allocation of US$30 million already mobilized and made available as a local contribution. Construction has been entrusted to Angélique International Limited, under the supervision of the National Agency for Electrification and Energy Services in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas (ANSER), which is responsible for overseeing the project. Speaking during the ceremony, the Governor of Kasaï-Central Province, Joseph-Moïse Kambulu, highlighted the consequences of the energy deficit on the province’s development, particularly in the healthcare, education, and economic sectors. “Without energy, there can be no genuine industrialization. Without industrialization, there can be no sustainable economic transformation,” he stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this infrastructure for the province’s future. For her part, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the project. She also called on the population to regularly monitor the progress of construction work, in a spirit of civic vigilance and collective responsibility. The construction of the Mbombo hydroelectric power plant represents a major investment in the economic development of Kasaï-Central. Beyond improving electricity access, the infrastructure is expected to encourage the establishment of small and medium-sized industries, promote the processing of local resources, and create jobs. For the Industrial Promotion Fund, this financial commitment is in line with its mission to support national industrial development. It reflects the determination to contribute to the development of energy infrastructure essential to building a competitive industrial sector and diversifying the Congolese economy. The relaunch of construction work on the Mbombo hydroelectric power plant therefore marks a new milestone in the implementation of a project long awaited by the people of Kasaï-Central and, more broadly, the Greater Kasaï region. Once completed, the plant is expected to help transform the region’s economic potential by making access to electricity a genuine driver of industrial development. Patrick LOKONI

Kasaï-Central: Government Announces $30 Million Contribution to Mbombo Dam Project

Following her visit to Kindu, in Maniema Province, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa travelled to Kananga, in Kasaï-Central Province, where she announced a US$30 million contribution from the Congolese government, through the Industry Promotion Fund (FPI), to kick-start construction of the Mbombo hydroelectric dam. During a rally in Tshibambula, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to improving access to electricity in the province, notably through: * The planned construction of a hydroelectric power plant: The facility, with an estimated capacity of 20 MW on the Lulua River, is expected to cost US$120 million under a public-private partnership. * Improved electricity supply: Enhancing access to electricity for households and essential social services. * Economic development: Supporting economic activities and industrialisation in Kasaï-Central. “Kasaï-Central is not asking for favours, but for its fair share of development. The government I lead has a duty to turn this legitimate demand into tangible achievements,” the Prime Minister said. The project falls under the fourth pillar of the Government’s 2024–2028 Action Programme, which focuses on improving access to basic social services. Patrick LOKONI

London: PACORU Explores Pathways to Unity and Peace Within the Church

Meeting on Monday, October 19, in London, the national coordinator, Mabs Nkumu, the Vice President, Pastor Claude Mukendi, the spokesperson, Reverend Désiré Kitenge Mbayo, and the Secretary General, Fuasi Josué, brought together the full team of the Congolese Pastoral Fellowship in the United Kingdom (PACORU) for what was considered an essential working session. The meeting focused on exploring ways and means of returning to the organization’s foundations. The central message was clear: the need to continually return to the founding documents and the provisions of PACORU’s original statutes. The mandate of the current team having reached its term after being renewed twice, the time has come to take stock, reflect, and prepare for the future. Taking advantage of the occasion, President Mabs Nkumu delivered a historic and powerful message. His objective was to bring everyone together so that each person could understand the vision and direction of the organization, the common house we all share. It was a moment of dialogue, sincerity, and responsibility. He recalled the journey made since 2014, the challenges overcome, and the prospects for peace and stability within the PACORU family. Beyond the discussions, this meeting conveyed a simple yet profound message: a family that returns to its foundations is a family that grows stronger. Cohesion, prayer, and respect for the governing texts are the keys to lasting peace within this great community. Grâce Kapinga

Literature: Through His Book “Success Is Accessible to Everyone,” Thique Ndamba Offers Young People a Guide to Empowerment

Is success reserved for an elite few? Congolese writer and entrepreneur Thique Ndamba strongly disagrees. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, October 20, at Silikin Village, a venue located in the Ngaliema municipality of Kinshasa, the head of Thique COOPERATION announced the upcoming release of his latest book, entitled “Success Is Accessible to Everyone.” The book is intended to serve as a practical guide to youth empowerment and personal development. Against a socio-economic backdrop in which young Congolese are seeking reliable guidance amid challenges such as unemployment, Thique Ndamba aims to challenge prevailing misconceptions. According to the founder of Thique COOPERATION, success in life is not simply about accumulating academic qualifications or amassing wealth. True success lies first and foremost in self-awareness, discovering one’s calling, and putting one’s talents to work for the benefit of the community. Inspired by stories of resilience and guided by a pragmatic vision of entrepreneurship, the book presents itself as a practical handbook designed to encourage action. The author conveys a powerful message: “Social background does not determine one’s future. Discipline, hard work, and the ability to recognize and develop one’s own potential are what truly make the difference.” The official book launch, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at the Hilton Hotel, will also feature a significant social-impact initiative: part of the proceeds will be used to fund training for young people in the fundamentals of business creation. The initiative was warmly welcomed by guests and members of the press attending the event at Silikin Village. Through “Success Is Accessible to Everyone,” Thique Ndamba offers far more than just a book. He issues a call to action and delivers a message of hope to an entire generation determined to embrace entrepreneurship and build a better future. Grâce Kapinga