Article: Congolese subcontracting in the SICOMINES mines: a bitter observation
The mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a key sector of the country’s economy. However, a recent analysis of the subcontracting situation in SICOMINES mines revealed a bitter observation: no contracts have been awarded to Congolese entrepreneurs over the last nine years.
A delegation led by the Director General of the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory and Supervision Agency (ARSP), Miguel Kashal, visited the premises of SICOMINES to assess the subcontracting situation. Members of the ARSP Board of Directors were disappointed to see that Congolese contractors were excluded from the mining company’s subcontracts.
Léon Bogozo, member of the ARSP Board of Directors, deplored this situation and described it as sabotage. According to him, it is important to support Congolese entrepreneurs in the mining sector, in particular to support the initiatives of the President of the Republic in favor of youth and the local economy.
Representatives of Congolese entrepreneurs present at this meeting expressed their dissatisfaction with this situation. They stressed that SICOMINES had closed its doors to Congolese entrepreneurs, thus preventing the development of the Congolese middle class. They also denounced the behavior of Chinese partners, who claim to benefit from support, but do not encourage the participation of local entrepreneurs.
SICOMINES is the second mining company subject to ARSP control, after Kamoa. This analysis highlights the shortcomings of the subcontracting system in the Congolese mining sector and highlights the need for greater inclusion of Congolese entrepreneurs in this area.
It is essential to foster genuine collaboration between mining companies and Congolese entrepreneurs, in order to promote local economic development and allow Congolese entrepreneurs to benefit from the opportunities offered by the mining industry.
The Director General of ARSP, Miguel Kashal, stressed that things must change and that measures must be taken to put an end to this exclusion of Congolese entrepreneurs. It is time to promote a true inclusive subcontracting policy that promotes the emergence of a dynamic and prosperous middle class in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There is a need to encourage investment and strategic partnerships, while ensuring that foreign companies comply with local subcontracting obligations. This approach will promote both the economic development of the country and the promotion of Congolese talents and skills..
In conclusion, it is urgent to put in place measures to promote Congolese subcontracting in the mining sector. It is time to give Congolese entrepreneurs the chance to participate in the country’s mining economy and contribute to its development. This requires close collaboration between sector players and strong political will to overcome the obstacles that prevent the inclusion of local entrepreneurs. Congolese subcontracting must become a reality, and not just a slogan.