Democratic Republic of the Congo – Example transactions

(please note that this is not an exhaustive list – please contact us for more details)

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100MW solar Project (DRC):
Advising a sponsor in relation with a 100MW solar project being developed in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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Development of mini grids (Nigeria & DRC):
Assisting a leading DFI in the development of a regional program to support an accelerated deployment of mini-grid projects, notably through the mobilization of DFIs and possibly commercial bank over the next five years, with the aim to create a bankable and replicable model (or suite of replicable models) allowing to scale the development and financing of mini-grid PPPs. The Program is primarily intended to be designed for African markets, and will initially focus on Nigeria and DRC. It will consist of a semi-standardized package of procurement, advisory, public investment, private investment and risk mitigations mechanisms, instruments and documentation to be implemented in these selected countries

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Telecom site power investment (DRC):
Advising a sponsor in relation to an investment in a vehicle to supply power to telecom sites in DRC, Sierra Leone and Liberia

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Solar IPP (DRC):
Advising a sponsor in relation with the development of four photovoltaic power plants in DRC

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Hydropower project (DRC):
Advising the sponsor in relation with the development of three hydropower projects of a total installed capacity of 67MW.

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Kasomena to Mwenda Toll Road (DRC/Zambia):
Advising the project sponsors on a cross border toll road project from Kasomena in DRC to Mwenda in Zambia.

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Mini-Grids (DRC):
Advising a consortium of bidders in the tender process for three independent distribution grids designed to connect 400 000 inhabitants in DRC.

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Case Study

Financing for hydro development in Virunga National Park (DRC) [2016]

Trinity advised CDC Group plc (CDC) in respect of a US$9 million loan to Virunga, made available through CDC’s Impact Accelerator.  The loan was the first commercial capital for the project, which until that time had received only grant funding.

Virunga produces electricity using a series of mini-hydro projects located in the Virunga National Park, and was the first concession agreement under the liberalised energy law introduced in 2014.

North Kivu, where the projects are located, has previously suffered from a chronic lack of electricity: its 3 per cent electrification rate compared to 17 per cent nationally. Local industry had traditionally run on expensive diesel, or on charcoal made from trees illegally felled inside the park (providing a major source of income for armed groups). 

Deforestation caused by the illegal charcoal trade has destroyed much of the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas that live in the Virunga National Park.  The projects now provide an alternative source of energy for the region which, it is hoped, will help to preserve and rejuvenate this habitat, and protect the resident mountain gorillas for future generations. By the end of 2017, over 4,000 customers had been connected to Virunga’s grid, including households, small to medium-sized enterprises and social infrastructure. New businesses have been formed and several customers have moved their operations to access Virunga’s power. Public lighting has been provided for the first time in villages close to one of Virunga’s plants, increasing safety.