### The Democratic Republic of Congo in search of economic diversification: return and challenges of international partnerships
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rich in its vast natural resources, is a crucial turning point in its economic development. With an economy historically centered on mining, the country aspires to diversify and establish a solid industrial basis. In this context, the recent official mission in Italy conducted by the Minister of Industry and Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, Louis Watum, represents a significant initiative. The declared objective of this mission is to strengthen economic, industrial and technological exchanges with a key partner, Italy.
#### A clear desire for transformation
The minister’s office, published on May 19, 2025, highlights a well-defined ambition: attract targeted investments in sectors deemed strategic, such as agro-industry, mining transformation and renewable energies. This orientation testifies to an awareness of the limits of an economy too centered on extraction, which can often be subject to fluctuations in world prices and environmental crises.
In a world where energy and ecological transitions are becoming more and more important, the interest in renewable energies and the local transformation of resources represents an essential step. However, how can this transformation be carried out in order to guarantee a tangible benefit for the Congolese population? The answer potentially lies in the effective implementation of established partnerships.
#### The importance of strategic partnerships
The bilateral meetings which took place during this mission involved representatives of industrial clusters and chambers of commerce, as well as actors of technology innovation. This raises the question of the integration of Congolese SMEs into a larger international network. Elements such as technology transfer and training for young entrepreneurs are crucial to building a dynamic local economic fabric.
However, it is essential to wonder if these commitments will really translate into concrete projects. The opportunity of such a partnership with Italy, with its expertise in the field of machine tools, offers a promising platform. However, the effectiveness of this approach is largely based on the follow -up mechanisms which will be set up to assess the benefits of these projects.
#### The challenges of implementation
After initiating these partnerships, the DRC has to face a series of challenges. One of the main obstacles is the need for transparent and effective governance, which can ensure that resources and funding are allocated in a wise manner. The past experiences of international cooperation in the DRC sometimes highlight a lack of continuity in the commitments made and a fragmentation of efforts.
It is also crucial to involve all stakeholders, including local communities, in the transition process. The question then arises: how will the decisions made in the offices of Kinshasa and Rome be perceived by the Congolese on the ground? Citizens’ commitment is essential to ensure that projects meet the real needs of the population.
### towards a sustainable and inclusive approach
Finally, the DRC must navigate in a digital environment which, if it is well exploited, can catalyze innovation and modernize value chains. Digitalization could promote access to SMEs to international markets and promote more inclusive economic development.
In this quest for industrial dynamism and economic diversification, the DRC seems to be moving towards a promising path. Provided that the established partnerships are fed by a real desire to include all the actors of the company and that they are followed by concrete actions. The question remains: how will the DRC be able to take full advantage of these new collaborations to move from a dependent economy to a resilient and inclusive economy?
These reflections constitute a call for reflection on the next stages to be crossed, in the hope of transforming this strategy into tangible results for the Congolese, thus enriching the debate on the economic future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.