Lualaba Governor Fifi Masuka Meets New DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba
DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba Meets Lualaba Governor Fifi Masuka to Strengthen Mining Collaboration
Courtesy visits have multiplied since Louis Watum Kabamba was appointed as the new Minister of Mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After receiving ambassadors from China, the United States, and several European countries, the minister met on Friday, September 5, 2025, with Fifi Masuka Saini, governor of Lualaba province, home to the world’s largest cobalt reserves.
Fifi Masuka, now a prominent and widely recognized political figure, particularly in the mining sector, used the occasion to congratulate the minister on his appointment and extend her respects.
At the center of their discussions was the creation of a joint work plan to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Mines and Lualaba province, widely regarded as the heart of the Congolese extractive industry.
“Since Lualaba province is a mining province, it was only natural to extend courtesies, offer congratulations, and establish a work plan regarding mining activities in the province,” Governor Masuka stated.
She further emphasized the importance of addressing both industrial and artisanal mining, highlighting the need for improved collaboration to enhance production and improve conditions for miners as well as companies operating locally.
Expertise for Sustainable Mining
The governor also stressed the importance of Minister Watum Kabamba’s deep experience in the mining industry, calling it a strategic asset for establishing responsible and sustainable resource management.
His expertise, she noted, could support policies promoting local mineral development and processing, a recurring priority for the DRC government.
As the first woman to govern Lualaba, Fifi Masuka’s leadership has been frequently praised by the current administration and several industry partners. Her province’s pivotal role in global cobalt production gives her a central voice in shaping the future of Congolese mining.
The meeting also indirectly underscored the persistent challenges of the DRC’s mining sector: illegal exploitation, uncontrolled artisanal mining, smuggling, corruption, weak returns for local communities, and difficulties within state-owned companies.
Addressing these issues will be critical for ensuring that mining wealth translates into broader development for the Congolese people.
