U.S., DRC, and Rwanda Advance Partnership on Critical Minerals and Regional Peace
U.S. Hosts Roundtable with DRC and Rwanda to Boost Critical Mineral Security and Regional Stability
Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) hosted a high-level roundtable on Thursday, August 28, in Washington, D.C., bringing together delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
The discussions centered on strengthening collaboration in investment and critical mineral security—key to unlocking the economic potential of the Great Lakes region.
SAFE highlighted on its official X account that with the implementation of the Peace Agreement, Rwanda and the DRC now have an opportunity to harness their mineral wealth for economic growth through the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REF), rather than allowing it to fuel conflict.
The event underscored the importance of U.S. private sector engagement to ensure that mineral resources from Rwanda and the DRC drive sustainable development.
“Built on a foundation of peace, the Regional Economic Integration Framework paves the way for greater U.S. investment while reinforcing stability in a region long exploited by Chinese firms profiting from conflict minerals. SAFE and the U.S.
Department of State are working together through MINVEST—the Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy Security and Transition—to mobilize private sector investment in critical mineral security,” the organization stated.
SAFE also expressed appreciation to the delegations from the DRC and Rwanda, business leaders, and the U.S. Department of State for their shared commitment to this mission.
Jonathan Pratt, a senior U.S. State Department official, joined the discussions alongside African delegations and private sector representatives, emphasizing the goal of attracting American investment to unlock the Great Lakes region’s vast potential.
According to the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, Pratt highlighted President Trump’s vision of fostering peace through economic opportunity:
“The Regional Economic Integration Framework depends on the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement.
A future of shared prosperity, supported by American investment, is within reach—but it requires full regional commitment.”
The Washington Agreement and Regional Economic Growth
The Trump administration has been working to accelerate the implementation of the Washington Agreement, signed between the DRC and Rwanda under U.S. mediation.
Between July 30 and August 1, 2025, two rounds of meetings were held, focusing on security provisions and the establishment of conditions for long-term economic growth—seen as essential to regional stability and peace.
On August 1, 2025, representatives from the DRC and Rwanda, under U.S. auspices, signed the principles of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REF), as required by the Peace Agreement. According to the U.S. State Department, this bilateral initiative is designed to coordinate efforts in energy, infrastructure, mining, national park management, tourism, and public health.
“Through joint coordination in these areas, Rwanda and the DRC will promote economic development and improve the livelihoods of local communities,” the statement noted.
About SAFE
Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) is a nonpartisan organization committed to advancing transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that strengthen U.S. economic and national security, as well as that of its allies.
SAFE collaborates with its Energy Security Leadership Council, a coalition of Fortune 500 CEOs and retired four-star military leaders, to promote secure, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions.
Since its founding in 2005, SAFE has expanded its focus beyond domestic energy policy to include:
Critical minerals strategy
Transportation innovation
Supply chain resilience
Defense-energy integration
With initiatives such as the European Energy Security Initiative, SAFE extends its solutions-driven approach globally, addressing international challenges in mineral security and industrial capacity.
In an era of polarized politics, SAFE continues to emphasize pragmatic, bipartisan strategies to advance energy and mineral security from “the first raw material to the last mile.”
