The recent economic forum between the Democratic Republic of Congo and China in Beijing highlighted opportunities for partnership and investment in the DRC’s mining and energy sector. Discussions highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between the two countries to exploit the DRC’s vast mineral reserves, including copper, cobalt, diamonds, gold, tin and zinc.
The Minister of Mines, Kizito Wakabomba, highlighted investment opportunities in the DRC’s mining sector, as well as the potential for an energy transition through solar and hydroelectric power. He stressed the need to invest in infrastructure to support extractive activity and create local jobs.
In addition, the Director of Primera Gold DRC invited Chinese investors to support the DRC in its efforts to strengthen its sovereignty over its mineral resources, while respecting international due diligence standards.
In a context where the extractive industry is vulnerable and the DRC faces a 2,500 megawatt energy deficit, it is crucial to develop strategies to attract investments in the profitable energy sector.
In parallel, the agricultural sector was also at the heart of discussions during the economic forum. The Minister of Agriculture, Grégoire Mutshayi, stressed the desire to strengthen cooperation in this area, in particular by modernizing agricultural practices and combating food insecurity.
The discussions highlighted China’s needs for Congolese agricultural products such as cassava, avocado, chili pepper, palm oil and soybeans. A memorandum of understanding will be signed soon to set up joint activities in the field of agriculture, ranging from applied research to large-scale agricultural production.
In short, the DRC-China Economic Forum has helped identify opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration and investment in the mining, energy and agricultural sectors. These exchanges pave the way for strategic partnerships aimed at stimulating economic development and ensuring food security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.