DRC’s Anti-Corruption Platform to Review Sicomines Amendment at High-Level Forum
The anti-corruption platform “Congo is Not for Sale” (CNPAV) is set to host a high-level forum on March 14, 2025, at the Cercle de Kinshasa in Gombe.
The event will evaluate the implementation of Amendment 5 to the Sicomines Convention, signed one year ago between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its Chinese partners.
In 2008, the DRC signed a “Minerals for Infrastructure” deal with a consortium of Chinese companies, establishing the Sicomines project.
While initially presented as a mutually beneficial partnership, the agreement has faced widespread criticism, particularly over issues of transparency and economic fairness.
Reports from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) have pointed out significant flaws in the deal, prompting calls for renegotiation. In response, Amendment 5, signed on March 14, 2024, aimed to address these concerns by:
- Raising infrastructure investments from $3.2 billion to $7 billion
- Increasing Congolese participation in Sicohydro, the hydroelectric subsidiary of Sicomines
Despite these commitments, CNPAV remains concerned about delays and uncertainties in implementation.
The March 14 forum will focus on:
- Assessing progress and challenges in implementing Amendment 5
- Reviewing findings from EITI and IGF reports on the management of DRC’s mining resources
- Identifying obstacles and proposing solutions to ensure transparency and accountability in the deal’s execution
The event will gather government officials, public institutions, mining companies, civil society representatives, and international partners.
It will feature panel discussions, analytical presentations, and group sessions aimed at developing concrete recommendations for the future of the Sicomines partnership.
