** The Cobalt revolution: the commitment of the DRC to a responsible partnership at the Cobalt Institute in Singapore **
On May 14, 2025, the cobalt world met at the Cobalt Institute in Singapore. Among the notable participants, the Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kizito Pakabomba, was a decisive voice during this congress. As the world’s leading producer of cobalt, the DRC is at a strategic crossroads within an industry that is growing demand, fueled by the global energy transition.
In his opening speech, Kizito Pakabomba insisted that more than 70 % of the cobalt used in the world comes from Congolese mining wealth. This figure, revealing the country’s central role on the world scene, also points to considerable responsibility. The challenge for the DRC is not limited to the exploitation of this precious resource. The Minister articulated an ambitious vision: to transform the dependence model into a sustainable and responsible partnership.
This partnership, desired by the Congolese government, manifests itself through several key axes. Among these are the diversification of mineral resources, partnerships, as well as geographic areas of exploitation. This more integrated approach aims not only to exploit the cobalt but to draw a significant added value for the Congolese people. This is a step towards a local transformation, which could generate jobs and support economic development.
Initiatives such as the temporary suspension of Cobalt Brut exports were put forward by Minister Pakabomba. This measure suggests the desire to perpetuate resources while ensuring rigorous traceability, ensured by the General Cobalt Company (EGC). The DRC seems determined to redefine its position in the overall value chain, an objective reinforced by membership of international platforms such as the Security Partnership minerals. This strategy is completely relevant, but it also raises crucial questions: is the DRC ready to overcome the obstacles linked to governance and infrastructure which prevent it from fully making its potential?
The political background of this summit also deserves to be explored. The holding of strategic meetings behind closed doors at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where representatives of the presidency have met and other Congolese institutions, testifies to a desire to harmonize positions before appearing on the world stage. This dialogue between governments and companies in the sector is essential to ensure a coherent and reinforced strategy in the face of the global challenges of the cobalt market.
The question of ethical governance and regulation in the mining sector is particularly crucial. Despite the promises of transparency and responsibility, the often turbulent political and economic context of the DRC could pose challenges to this ambition. The implementation of solid structures to ensure traceability and optimal use of resources remains an imperative. It is to be hoped that the conversations started at Congress will be able to translate into concrete and measurable actions.
The participation of Minister Kizito Pakabomba in panels and bilateral meetings with global actors, such as representatives of major mining companies and managers of other producing countries, illustrates the aspiration of the DRC to assert themselves on the international scene. These discussions, although promising, also raise questions about how the DRC will be able to ensure that the benefits of its mining wealth will be shared fairly with its population.
The official reception, sponsored by Glencore, made it possible to strengthen essential links. However, it is advisable to question the dynamics of these partnerships. Multinational companies have often been criticized for their practices, particularly with regard to human rights and sustainability. In this sense, the DRC’s commitment to promote sustainable and responsible development, while engaging with powerful economic actors, must be examined with caution.
In conclusion, the Cobalt Institute Congress in Singapore reveals the strategic ambitions of the DRC in the face of a constantly evolving competitive environment. The efforts to establish a responsible partnership are laudable and necessary, but they must be faced with the reality of internal and external challenges. The transition to an ethical exploitation of resources is part of a complex dynamic, requiring a political will, a solid regulatory framework, and above all, a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders. At a time when the DRC aspires to be a leading actor on the world scene, the responsibility will first be collective, and the future of the country will be strongly determined by its ability to deal with these challenges with lucidity and courage.