Cabinet has approved the draft treaty between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the development of the Grand Inga Project, Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi announced on Wednesday afternoon. The proposed treaty between the two countries was sent to Cabinet on Tuesday for perusal. The Grand Inga Project, which has been in a deliberation phase for almost 40 years, will, when operational, produce 40 000MW of hydroelectricity.

Its success could change the face of the energy sector in Africa with a capacity of 40 000MW of electricity generated. Joseph Kabila’s government will also study the treaty, drafted by experts from both countries, in the coming weeks.

Thandeka Zungu, chief operating officer of the Ekurhuleni Department of Energy did not provide a timeline for the finalisation of the agreement or when the project may be implemented, but she said the country was eager to begin discussions before 2013. What is clear, however, is that if the agreement is signed and the project launched, it will certainly be the biggest cross-border electricity transfer in the region, and on the continent.

The Grand Inga project is now a priority for government even though there has been a plan since early 2011 to integrate around 2 600MW of imported hydro-powered electricity. Originally, this was envisaged to be sourced from Mozambique and Zambia but Grand Inga is far more lucrative and efficient. It is also essential as a recent report by the World Bank elucidated the looming energy crisis on the continent. A further bonus of course, is that the energy is clean and emission-free.

Popular opinion is that the focus on energy comes at a good time given the economic slowdown experienced currently. Economies need to be fuelled efficiently if they are to harness their full potential.