Angola’s New Hydropower and Chinese FinanceCEFR A2
17 Dec 2025
Adapted from Vivian Wu, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Isaac Lind, Unsplash
Laúca hydropower dam started operating on the Kwanza River and added much new generating capacity to the national grid. Chinese contractors built the projects and most funding came from Chinese loans. A second large project, Caculo Cabaça, was also promoted as a major hydropower site in Africa.
Chinese outlets have described these projects as part of green finance, mentioning green bonds, green loans and green development funds in March 2024. Local reporters have raised concerns about unclear loan terms and problems with electricity distribution, so many people still lack reliable power.
Difficult words
- hydropower — Electricity made from moving water in dams
- capacity — Amount of electricity a plant can produce
- contractor — A company that builds or manages a projectcontractors
- loan — Money borrowed that must be paid backloans
- green finance — Money and projects for environmentally friendly development
- distribution — The delivery of electricity to homes and businesses
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you experienced unreliable electricity where you live? How did it affect you?
- What do you think about loans from other countries to build big projects?
- Do you think hydropower is good for the environment? Why or why not?
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