China withdraws from the DRC GRAND INGA hydropower project

The opportunity for Europe "to earn" a partnership with the whole of Africa

In response to China's withdrawal from GRAND INGA, the suggestion that Europe propose to the DR Congo a public-private partnership with the aim of financing, building and operating this mega-hydroelectric project generating 44 GW of 'green' electricity; as many as 35 modern nuclear reactors. Truly 'green' electricity massively available at one-fifth (1/8th?) of the cost per GW of 'grey' nuclear electricity will spur Western energy-intensive industries to invest in the three-country region near GRAND INGA and 100 navigable km from the deep-sea port of Banana.

A Europe-led labour-intensive manufacturing industrialisation of Africa presents an opportunity for this same energetically and demographically deficient Europe (1) to "earn" a partnership of equals with the demographically and energetically rich neighbouring continent Africa and (2) to create a new, immense growth market for European climate-friendly and more recyclable high-tech products and services, and (3) to regain geopolitical influence on the world stage alongside a neighbouring Africa.

On January 29, 2025, an Indian news site reported "China Pulls Out Of DR Congo’s Grand Inga Dam Project". A news item confirmed by BBC News. In light of the war in eastern Congo and the weak position of President Tshisekedi, this mega-green project is at risk of being put on the back burner again. The DR Congo - Congo-Brazzaville - Angola region of three countries, located along the 100 km navigable lower Congo River between Matadi, 35 km from Inga, and the deep-sea port of Banana on the Atlantic Ocean, is nevertheless ideally located for the establishment of energy-intensive basic industries (hydrogen, steel, aluminium, petrochemicals, fertilisers, cement, glass,...) without significant CO2 emissions. Basic materials that are massively needed for the dozen mega-metropolises under construction along the coasts of Africa and which, thanks to green Inga ammonia, can be shipped emission-free from Banana worldwide. Energy-intensive companies that announce an investment in the GRAND INGA region, endowed with cheap green hydrogen, in the growth market Africa, see their share market value shoot through the roof.

Therefore, the proposal that Belgium takes the lead in convincing Europe (the EU's top politicians together with the EU's business and financial world) to invest in the GRAND INGA € 100 billion project and to present Congo with a public-private partnership for the financing, building and operation of this mega-green project, on the basis of a sophisticated business plan. An investment fully financed by a for-profit private sector with long-term objectives (pension funds, insurance) with guarantees from the EU.

Putting an end to the curse of the extraction industry in Congo.Isn't there a real chance that a broad, articulate Congolese civil society, the church and thousands of SMEs and enlightened young politicians will make the current rival political elites realise that the future for themselves, for their children and grandchildren depends on the growth of the productive economy, with decent work for millions, away from just the extractive industry?

Peace. Ending the dependence on resource exports can reduce conflicts and territorial disputes, promoting peace and attracting foreign direct investment in advanced agro-food and manufacturing industries. This can lead to the creation of 20 million formal, decent jobs per year.

Repercussions on Europe

It could be feared that the transfer of energy-intensive industries to regions in the tropics blessed with abundant green energy in Europe will result in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in steel and chemicals. However, the inclusive industrialisation of Africa and the annual creation of millions of decent jobs creates a new, immense AfCFTA growth market with 25% of the world's population, the largest free trade market in the world. The demise of mid-tech industries from the last century such as steel and chemistry is also forcing Europe to accelerate innovation in more climate-friendly and recyclable high-tech products and services. "Steel & Chemicals", based on fossil energy, and their transport cause 20 to 30% of all CO2 emissions in Europe. When they disappear, Europe's own wind and solar energy will be sufficient for residential and new light-industrial use? In addition, the industrialisation of Africa and its annual creation of 20 million decent jobs replaces illegal immigration with a natural, desirable and necessary legal migration for mutual cross-fertilisation. Finally, an industrialisation of Africa, driven by Europe, creates a powerful informal entente between Africa and Europe. An alliance between neighbours with historical/cultural ties that can take the lead on an ad hoc basis in geopolitical consultations on matters that matter (climate, biodiversity, deglobalisation, conflicts, free trade, migration, etc.).

(*) Cruciale milieutest op komst voor BASF, het kloppende hart van Belgiës grootste chemiebedrijf (De Standaard 22/3/2025)

Riskeren grote klimaatplannen voor Antwerpse haven te kapseizen? | De Standaard (2/4/2025)

(**) Book (Dercon) “Gambling on development”. Why some countries win and others lose

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What if China invests in GRAND INGA?

Europese ontwikkelingssamenwerking: een aggiornamento

“Jobs”, that is what Africa is concerned about - Africa's advanced industrialisation in four phases - Europe needs Africa more than the other way around - Africa’s advanced industrialisation saves the entire planet - EU governments only must promote the “other” Africa. That’s all - ‘Schuman-Mandela’ AU-EU Energy-Intensive Industry Community 

 

    25/3/2025  Karel Uyttendaele (Belgium)

karel.uyttendaele{@}pandora.be

  • 2009-2024 Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinée Equatoriale, Mali, Niger, Sénégal. - 900+ interviews with locally qualified engineers, economists and agronomists - 150+ introductions to discussion sessions 'The industrialisation of Africa'

  • 2004-2005 Belgium : Head of Staff State Secretary ICT - 1997-2004 Agoria Technology Federation - 1990-1996 Hewlett-Packard SE-Asia - 1968-1989 Hewlett-Packard Europe

 

Circular Know-How Economy Africa-Europe SMEs & Young Professionals