**Fatshimetry**
At the heart of economic news in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a major opportunity: the energy transition. The Congolese Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku, recently called for diversification of the country’s economy, highlighting the growing importance of electric vehicles on the international scene.
The figures speak for themselves: by 2035, global demand for electric vehicles is estimated at 500 million units. In this context, the DRC positions itself as a key player, holding a significant share of the minerals essential for the manufacture of the batteries of these vehicles. With reserves of cobalt, lithium, nickel and manganese among the largest in the world, the country could respond significantly to this growing demand.
However, behind this opportunity also lie challenges. Mining, particularly in mineral-rich regions, raises significant environmental and social concerns. Alarming reports, such as those from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), reveal gaps in the management of these resources, highlighting the pressing need to strengthen the accountability of the actors involved.
The question of the sustainability of this exploitation arises acutely. How can we reconcile the economic potential of Congolese minerals with respect for the environment and local populations? How can we ensure responsible exploitation that benefits all of Congolese society?
The diversification of the Congolese economy towards the electric vehicle sector represents an opportunity to be seized, but it requires a balanced approach, integrating social, environmental and economic imperatives. It is up to political actors, mining companies, civil society and the population to engage in a collective approach to take advantage of this opportunity while preserving the fragile balances of the Congolese ecosystem.
In short, the energy transition offers the DRC the opportunity to position itself as a major player on the world stage, provided that this development is accompanied by in-depth reflection on the issues of sustainability and responsibility that are intrinsically there. linked. The challenge ahead is therefore significant, but the resulting opportunities are equal to the challenges, provided that the decisions taken today chart the path towards a more sustainable future for all.