The ministerial meeting between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia scheduled for August 12, 2024 in Lubumbashi is arousing the interest and expectations of many economic and political actors. This meeting takes place in a context of commercial tensions between the two countries, following restrictive measures on imports of beer, soft drinks and lime taken by the Congolese government.
The objective of this meeting is twofold: on the one hand, it is to discuss the provisions of the World Trade Organization Agreement and the Trade Agreement between the DRC and Zambia in order to find common ground and defuse tensions. On the other hand, this meeting aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the economic field.
It is important to emphasize that cooperation between the DRC and Zambia is of crucial importance for the economic development of the region. In 2022, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement aimed at promoting the manufacturing of electric batteries, a promising initiative that should contribute to job creation and the development of the battery value chain.
Beyond the economic issues, this ministerial meeting also has an important political dimension. Indeed, the stability of the region depends largely on good understanding between the DRC and Zambia. It is therefore essential that the discussions which will take place in Lubumbashi make it possible to strengthen ties between the two countries and find mutually beneficial solutions.
In conclusion, the ministerial meeting between the DRC and Zambia scheduled for August 12, 2024 in Lubumbashi represents a unique opportunity to strengthen cooperation and resolve the trade tensions between the two countries. Let us hope that the discussions will result in constructive agreements and enhanced collaboration, beneficial for the entire region.