DRC Mines Minister Advocates for Local Processing and Private Investment in Southern Corridors
Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba participated in the 9th edition of Expo Béton, held from April 16 to 19, 2025, at the new Haut-Katanga Provincial Assembly building.
This year’s theme—“The Southern Corridors of the DRC-SADC: Projects to Be Developed and Business Opportunities”—emphasized the importance of regional logistics networks in boosting economic growth.
The event was officially opened by the President of the Republic, H.E. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who underlined the strategic role of transport infrastructure in shaping the country’s economic future.
Speaking on a high-level panel, Minister Pakabomba compared the logistics models of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.
He highlighted that the DRC’s reliance on publicly controlled infrastructure has slowed progress, due to the complexity of financing such projects. In contrast, Angola’s use of private concessions has helped accelerate investment in its corridors.
To fully harness the potential of southern corridors, the Minister stressed the need to move away from exporting raw minerals. He advocated for increased local processing, with specific recommendations including:
- Strengthening local content provisions within the Mining Code;
- Establishing and operationalizing special economic zones, particularly in Kolwezi;
- Setting up metallurgical plants and facilities to manufacture components for electric batteries, integrating DRC into the global value chain.
Pakabomba also highlighted the importance of economic diversification, urging the development of a domestic agricultural industry along the corridors. He noted that improved logistics would help unlock isolated regions and foster new economic hubs.
He concluded by reaffirming that corridor development must be viewed as a strategic lever—not just for industrialization and economic growth, but also for job creation.
This aligns with President Tshisekedi’s broader vision of promoting local value addition and empowering Congolese citizens through inclusive development.
