**The mining sector in the DRC: a lever for sustainable development to be rethought**
During his participation in the Investing in African Mining Indaba in South Africa, Jean Bamanisa, former governor and president of Expo Béton, expressed provocative thoughts on the future of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By tackling the edifice of an industry often perceived as extractive and isolated, Bamanisa advocates for a transformation of mining camps into true urban cities. This proposal raises fundamental questions about the current economic development model in the DRC, as well as a reflection on the sustainability of the mining sector in a country where natural resources abound but where urbanization and human development are still lagging behind.
**A different vision of mining development**
By advocating for the creation of urban cities around mining sites, Bamanisa invites decision-makers to reassess the role of multinationals. His argument is based on a simple observation: as resources are depleted, the idea that mines should leave a tangible legacy, such as community development, becomes imperative. In the examples of Lubumbashi, Likasi and Kolwezi, we see that the development of residential and industrial infrastructure has not only supported communities, but also created fertile ground for other investments.
From a statistical point of view, we observe that sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization. According to World Bank projections, approximately 600 million people are expected to settle in urban areas by 2050, a process that is transforming economic dynamics. The DRC, with a population already predominantly living in rural areas, must anticipate this transition and integrate the mining sector into a broader societal project.
**A shift towards public-private partnerships**
To achieve this objective, Bamanisa mentions the need to establish public-private partnerships (PPPs). The importance of this business model cannot be underestimated. Examples elsewhere on the continent, such as the Zimbabwe-South Africa mineral transport project, illustrate how PPPs can become vectors of regional integration, by ensuring reliable infrastructure and planning urban development in a concerted manner. In the DRC, this approach could help channel investment while ensuring that economic benefits benefit local populations.
However, the challenges are numerous. Corruption, administrative inefficiency and stagnant infrastructure are obstacles to development. Effective management of PPPs therefore requires clear governance and a rigorous regulatory framework, as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms..
**Towards an Integrated Urbanization Model**
Bamanisa’s proposals go beyond simply transforming mining camps into cities. They address the issue of integrated urbanization and sustainability. By building cities along transport corridors, including the Lobito Corridor, the DRC can not only improve the logistics of its mining sector, but also create new opportunities for the agribusiness sector, trade and other economic sectors.
A study by the African Development Bank found that planned and integrated urban development can lead to a 20% reduction in logistics costs. This may seem anecdotal, but in a country where infrastructure remains rudimentary, these savings could translate into billions of dollars in economic gains.
**Conclusion: Beyond mining, towards a sustainable future**
Jean Bamanisa’s vision highlights a major challenge for the DRC: how to transform mining potential into a lever for sustainable development? The challenge is immense, but so are the opportunities. By rethinking how mines interact with the urban fabric, the DRC could not only improve the living conditions of its citizens, but also attract long-term investments, thus strengthening its economy in the face of external shocks.
The holding of Expo Béton in March 2025 in Lubumbashi, focused on the development of cities and economic corridors, is a testament to this ambition. By bringing together diverse stakeholders around themes ranging from infrastructure to energy, this event could become a catalyst for a new era of cooperation and innovation in Central Africa.
Ultimately, the future of the mining sector in the DRC does not only rest on extraction, but on the country’s ability to transform itself and build on the resources it possesses to create a better future for all.