DRC Reaffirms Strategic Role in Global Energy Transition at Financial Times Africa Summit
DRC Highlights Mining Potential and Investment Opportunities at 2025 Financial Times Africa Summit
At the Financial Times Africa Summit, held from October 21 to 22, 2025, in London, United Kingdom, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating its strategic position in the global energy transition.
The event brought together international investors, policymakers, and mining sector experts.
Representing the DRC, Minister of Mines Louis Kabamba Watum delivered a highly praised speech, urging global investors to explore the country’s exceptional mining potential. He emphasized that only 10% of the national territory has been explored, signaling vast opportunities for development.
Minister Watum highlighted the vision of President Félix Tshisekedi, implemented under the coordination of the Prime Minister, to transform the DRC into a global hub for the processing and development of strategic minerals, crucial for the energy transition and Africa’s industrialization.
He noted that technological advances, including remote sensing, advanced geoscience, and artificial intelligence, can now drastically reduce exploration times, creating a fertile ground for a new generation of mining partnerships.
“Those who have not yet invested in the DRC must not repeat the mistakes of the past. It is not too late to seize the opportunities our country offers,” said Minister Watum, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting investors in a transparent and secure environment.
Global Competition Presents Opportunities
When asked about the rivalry between the United States and China over critical minerals, Minister Watum emphasized that the DRC sees this as an opportunity rather than a threat, aiming to establish balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships.
“The DRC remains open to profitable business, in the mutual interest of investors and the 100 million Congolese people,” he said, stressing the importance of local job creation and improving living standards for the population.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts in good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption measures in the mining sector—pillars that enhance the country’s economic attractiveness.
These reforms have already attracted over USD 40 billion in investments over the past decade, led by major international companies such as Zijin Mining, Ivanhoe Mines, CMOC–Tenke Fungurume, Glencore, and Barrick Gold, boosting copper production to over 3 million tonnes.
The DRC’s performance has earned recognition from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which recently granted the country more than USD 3 billion to support growth and strengthen economic governance.
Promoting DRC Resources on Global Markets
On the sidelines of the summit, Minister Watum visited the London Metal Exchange (LME), the world’s largest metals market, with an annual trading volume exceeding USD 5 trillion.
Accompanied by the DRC Ambassador to the United Kingdom, he discussed with LME officials price-setting mechanisms and the potential for DRC mining companies to register on the international platform.
This initiative reflects the Congolese government’s strategy to better promote national resources in global markets, ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth supports sustainable economic growth and local development.
