A new era of cross-border electricity trading

July 03, 2025

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Cross-border electricity trading is shaping up as a major revenue source for African power utilities. Investment trends confirm growing activity. The DR Congo, with its minerals and hydropower, is drawing new investments for power line development. New York-based energy investor HYDRO-LINK plans to build a $1.5 billion Angola-DR Congo interconnector.

  • The DR Congo has vast mineral resources and significant hydropower potential. But inadequate power generation has crippled growth in the mining sector. The new Angola-DR Congo interconnector aims to fix this.

  • Several African nations are able to generate surplus power. To meet growing demand in neighbouring countries, cross-boundary power lines are laid to address deficits. 

  • Our take: New transmission lines can bring relief to strained grids and provide export opportunities in future… Read more (2 min)

The Kenyan government has signed a deal with Africa Specialty Risks (ASR), a leading global underwriter, to de-risk foreign capital. The deal could unlock over $2bn in investments in critical sectors, including energy. The goal is to make Kenya a more attractive destination for global investors who have been wary of political, economic or regulatory volatility.

  • Risk perceptions have severely impacted project progress in the past, with some, like the Grand Inga Dam in DR Congo, stalling for decades. 

  • Some African governments are improving policy and regulatory frameworks, including streamlining licensing procedures. But perceptions are hard to change.

  • Our take: A country-by-country analysis reveals diverse market realities… Read more (2 min)

Energy companies in West Africa led by Sun King, Husk Power Systems, Daystar Power, Up Energy, among others, lead in recruiting renewable professionals in Africa this month. The region is second to Southern Africa, which dominates with 110 out of the 160+ open positions posted in the past week. East Africa is third; North Africa last.

  • Engie and its subsidiary Engie Energy Access are prominent in our job boards for both off-grid and utility grid-tied projects. This week, the company commissioned Africa’s largest wind farm in Egypt and plans to further expand its presence across the continent.

  • We noticed energy financiers are increasingly recruiting top talent as well. Both Zafiri and the African Development Bank Group have multiple open energy positions. The two also featured in last week’s job board with finance roles.

  • Access the full compilation here… (4 min)

Renewable energy engineers who worked at the recently completed Chisamba Solar plant in Zambia

Events

🗓️ Attend the Power & Elec Uganda 2025 event (Jul 10)

🗓️ Participate in the Energy Forum for Africa event (Sep 12)

🗓️ Register for the African Energy Week 2025 (Sep 29)

Various 

⚡ Zimbabwe aims to raise $100 million for renewable energy projects

💸 IRENA opens call for African renewable energy projects

🔌 Energy America introduces  new solar module targeting Africa

Seen on LinkedIn 

Dylan Blignaut, Recruitment Consultant  at EMEA, says, “With millions of megawatts of clean energy projects waiting to connect, it's clear: without urgent grid modernisation, we risk stalling our green future.”