Official launch of the Energy Access Explorer (EAE) platform in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This event took place this Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Kinshasa. EAE is an analytical and interactive tool from the World Resources Institute (WRI) that allows for the planning, mapping, and visualization of data related to energy access.
This platform provides spatial and multi-criteria analyses to facilitate the prioritization of areas most in need of energy services, while offering information on low-cost electrification across the country. EAE supports more efficient, equitable, and sustainable energy planning.
« This launch is the culmination of a collaborative process with several stakeholders. We organized two training sessions for energy sector stakeholders, including government agencies, operators, development agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, » declared WRI Country Director, Bora Masumbuko.
The DRC has a low rate of access to electricity. With population growth, the country faces an increasing demand for energy supply. For this reason, it was necessary to reflect on providing a concrete response, particularly regarding forest protection to combat global warming.
« More than 95% of households in Kinshasa use tens of millions of tons of wood per year due to the lack of access to electricity. Several million children study in schools without electricity, which negatively impacts the quality of education as they are deprived of technological advances. Several million Congolese are treated in healthcare facilities without reliable sources of electricity, » explained Bora Masumbuko.
According to Lala Ciananga, representing the Secretary General for Hydraulic Resources at the ceremony, the government has subscribed to the energy compact program, whose main objective is to contribute to increasing the electricity access rate to 62% by 2030.
« The construction of electrical infrastructure can diversify energy resources, raise the clean cooking rate from 1% to 30% by 2030, and reduce pressure on our forests. All of this is only possible through the implementation of a database for decision support, » he indicated.
This vision resonates with the Congolese Association for Renewable Energies (ACERD), whose mission is to promote access to clean energy. According to the Chair of its Board of Directors, the development of the energy sector in the DRC depends on the ability to collaborate and pool knowledge.
« We know that investors are looking for guaranteed opportunities. By feeding EAE with accurate and up-to-date data, we offer essential visibility to guide their decisions and strengthen their confidence, » emphasized Katia Ajebo, before issuing a strong call to all stakeholders.
« The quality of this tool depends directly on the quality of the data it contains. That is why I want to issue a clear appeal to all operators, companies, institutions, and technical partners: share your data; open up your information, and contribute to this ecosystem of transparency! » she insisted.
To address fears of misuse of shared data, the EAE Country Lead based in Kenya provided reassurance regarding data protection. « EAE is open source, but data is protected to reassure partners about their submission, » informed Famba Abondance.
In terms of global recognition, the platform is used in Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, India, and Nepal. The representative from Ethiopia shared her country’s experience with its use.
« EAE is used to develop an electrification roadmap for healthcare structures across the entire national territory. We are also working with the Ministry of Agriculture, where we launched a pilot phase for irrigation using solar pumps. The results are very satisfying, » shared Birouke Jeferra, Strategy Manager, WRI Africa Energy Program.
Note that the DRC was introduced into the Energy Access Explorer platform during this launch ceremony.
Learn everything about the platform by watching this video:
By Sarah MANGAZA For environews-rdc.net
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