Energizing The Congo River Basin RIVERS: WATER – ENERGY - FOOD

By Hibert Kirongozi , PDG, Investhill sprl, Kisangani, DR Congo

Speaker Presentation at The 16th International Riversymposium in Brisbane, Australia, Sep 2013

INVESTHILL®

INVESTHILL® - Energizing The Congo River Basin

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Abstract

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With 13 % percent of global hydropower potential flows, only 9% of the population in the

Congo River basin is connected to electricity. With over half of Africa’s water resources, only 26

% of the population in Congo River basin has access to safe drinking water. With the highest

fish diversity of any African river and an estimated potential production of 520, 000 tons of fish

per year to support food security, the Congo River basin inland fishery is still under-exploited.

First of all, this paper present the water resources and the hydropower/renewable energy

potential of the Congo River basin, the inland fishery potential of the Congo River basin and the

status of energy access, water access and food security in the Congo River Basin. Secondly, this

paper highlights the inter-linkages between water – energy – food in the context of the Congo

River basin and how energy from this natural capital could support sustainable energy access,

safe drinking water access and food security in the region and beyond. Finally, this paper aims

to stimulate thinking on best options to adopt and implement for the sustainable utilization of

Congo River water in the context of water – energy – food.

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For more information, please contact the Author:

Hibert Kirongozi K. PDG/Managing Director, Investhillsprl

Kisangani, Province Orientale The Democratic Republic of Congo

Tel: +243 (0) 994346642 Email: investhill@yahoo.fr