** Towards increased transparency in extractive industries in the Democratic Republic of Congo: issues and perspectives **
On May 30, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosted the 133rd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Initiative for the Transparency of the Extractive Industries (ITIA). This event is part of a broader framework of reflections on the governance of natural resources, a subject that is both crucial and sensitive in a country rich in mineral resources, but confronted with structural challenges in terms of transparency and corruption.
The EITI, which aims to promote transparency and improve the governance of extractive resources, is of capital importance for the DRC, in particular at a time when expectations concerning the liable for public and private actors are particularly high. During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Guylain Nyembo stressed the importance of this initiative in the difficult context that the country goes through, especially in the East, where the security situation is precarious and the economic issues are inseparable from the ongoing conflicts.
** A current implementation process **
During the meeting, various points were discussed, in particular the advances concerning the standard 2023 report and the preparation of the validation of the EITI in the DRC for 2026. These efforts are laudable and testify to a commitment to better governance. However, the question remains whether these initiatives will really be able to transform the situation on the field. The financial situation of the National EITI Committee, supported by the government and technical partners, also raises the question of sustainability and financial autonomy of the process.
The discussions have also integrated critical elements, such as the alleged violations of the civil society participation protocol and concerns around transparency in negotiations concerning contracts, such as that relating to amendment n ° 5 with a Chinese partner. These situations raise legitimate concerns: how to ensure effective participation of civil society if access to information is hampered and if shortcomings in transparency standards are noted?
** The role of civil society and stakeholders **
The participation of civil society is essential for a process such as the EITI, which is based on collaboration between the State, businesses and citizens. Frustration and disenchantment are strengthened when this participation is undermined. What solutions could be implemented to ensure that citizen voices are heard and taken into account, especially in a context where distrust of institutions remains strong?
One of the proposals could be the establishment of more effective communication and feedback mechanisms between the executive committee and civil society entities. In addition, education and awareness of citizens on their rights and the functioning of the EITI could strengthen their capacity to participate actively.
** Investment vault key **
The EITI also has a strategic advantage to attract investors. Increased transparency is often synonymous with predictability and security for economic players. In a competitive international environment, it is crucial that the DRC can position itself favorably in front of its neighbors, like Rwanda, which is often perceived as a model in resource management.
However, attracting investors is not limited to financial transparency. It is also a question of creating a solid legal and institutional framework, capable of guaranteeing compliance with contracts and protecting workers’ rights. In this context, what would be the steps necessary to reform investment legislation and strengthen the rule of law?
** Conclusion: a path strewn with pitfalls **
The path to an effective implementation of the EITI in the Democratic Republic of Congo is strewn with pitfalls, but it is crucial for the economic future of the country. The ongoing debates are signs of engagement, but they must be accompanied by concrete and measurable actions. Transparency cannot be decreed, it is built, and it requires time, resources, and above all, a strong political will.
While the DRC is advancing on this path, attentive observation of the evolution of the ITI process, coupled with an authentic commitment of different stakeholders, may constitute the key to transforming the country’s natural wealth into a lever for sustainable development, beneficial for all Congolese.