The scheme, which will initially focus on the Inga Rapids in western Congo, has been on hold for the past two decades due to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eskom chairman Ruel Khoza said.

Eskom, and utilities from Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and the DRC will initially embark on rehabilitating two existing hydroelectric projects along the Congo River, which will produce about 9 500 MW to 12 countries in southern Africa.

"The project really excites us because we believe that in one fell swoop, we can address the bulk of Africa's energy needs and we will do so in a manner that is efficient, clean, and environmentally friendly", Khoza said.

But Khoza said the project faced mammoth challenges including the recurrent conflict in the region.

"I know that the challenges are mammoth, there are attacks from all manner of quarters, but now there is a common vision, namely Nepad," he said, referring to the New Partnership for Africa's Development.

Some critics dismiss Nepad as empty rhetoric, and the Congo project could be its first tangible achievement.

Khoza said hydroelectricity from the Congo could in future generate more than 40 000 megawatts (MW), enough to power Africa's industries, with the possibility of selling the surplus to southern Europe.

He said he hoped the project would begin within five years.

According to the United Nations, only 5 to 10 per cent of Africa's population has access to electricity.

"Africa as a whole produces and consumes only two percent of world electricity," Khoza said.

"We should be producing 12 per cent of world electricity energy but currently we are producing only two per cent".

-Nampa-Reuters

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