DRC Strengthens Electrotechnical Cooperation with IEC to Modernize Electricity Sector

Kinshasa, July 13, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking to deepen its integration into international electrotechnical standards through a high-level working visit by François Yapo Ahoti, Regional Director for Africa of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), held from July 13 to 14 in Kinshasa. The meeting, organized by the National Electrotechnical Committee of the DRC (IEC-DRC), brought together key stakeholders from the country’s energy and quality-control sectors, including representatives of the Congolese Control Office (OCC), the National Electricity Company (SNEL), and the IEC. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the IEC, OCC, and SNEL, with the objective of increasing the DRC’s participation in international standard-setting processes and promoting the adoption of global electrotechnical standards to support the development of a modern and sustainable electricity sector. Representatives from the Congolese Control Office highlighted the strategic importance of international standards in improving the reliability, safety, and competitiveness of electrical infrastructure. The OCC reaffirmed its commitment, as the secretariat of the National Electrotechnical Committee, to advancing technical capacities, promoting compliance with IEC standards, and supporting the transformation of the country’s energy sector. The visit was also presented as part of the government’s broader modernization agenda. Officials emphasized the role of national reforms and institutional cooperation in creating a stronger industrial environment and improving technical governance in key sectors. For his part, François Yapo Ahoti praised the progress made by the DRC in promoting electrotechnical standardization and encouraged the country to continue strengthening its national committee. He stressed that international standards represent a critical tool for industrialization, electrical safety, technological innovation, and the global energy transition. Highlighting the DRC’s significant energy and mineral potential, the IEC representative encouraged Kinshasa to pursue full membership within the International Electrotechnical Commission. Such membership would allow the country to play a greater role in developing international standards, attract more investment, and accelerate industrial and technological growth. The first day of activities concluded with technical visits to SNEL’s laboratories and the OCC’s Technical Control Laboratory. The IEC delegation assessed the capabilities of both institutions in quality control, conformity assessment, and electrotechnical standardization. The visit marks another step in the DRC’s efforts to strengthen technical cooperation, improve energy-sector governance, and position itself as a more competitive player in Africa’s industrial and technological development.