DRC–UAE Agreement Sets Framework for Investment and Mining
DRC and UAE Target $10 Billion in Investment With Trade, Port and Mining Partnership
Presented as the outcome of a shared vision centered on local value creation, economic transformation and balanced partnerships, the cooperation agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Arab Emirates is built on three core pillars: trade and investment, infrastructure development, and mining and diplomatic cooperation.
Expanded Market Access and Investment Ambitions
Under the trade and investment pillar, the agreement provides for expanded access to the Emirati market for nearly 6,000 Congolese products, opening new export opportunities for DRC companies.
The two sides have also set an ambitious objective to double bilateral investment flows, targeting a total of US$10 billion by 2030. This goal is intended to support economic diversification and enhance the DRC’s appeal to international investors.
Banana Deep-Water Port as a Strategic Infrastructure Project
On the infrastructure front, the agreement prioritizes the construction of the deep-water port of Banana in Kongo Central province. Classified as a project of national importance, the port will feature a 600-meter quay, a 30-hectare storage area and an estimated annual capacity of around 450,000 containers.
Once completed, the facility is expected to modernize the DRC’s foreign trade, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Mining Governance and Diplomatic Cooperation
The mining and diplomacy pillar focuses on improving mineral traceability and securing supply chains through coordinated investments. The objective is to promote responsible and transparent exploitation of the DRC’s mineral resources in line with international standards.
The agreement also предусматривает institutional cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of the DRC and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy of the United Arab Emirates.
This collaboration will emphasize knowledge sharing, joint training programs and diplomatic research, contributing to the capacity building of Congolese diplomatic personnel.
Overall, the agreement reflects a strategic approach aimed at aligning economic development, infrastructure modernization and responsible resource governance within a long-term partnership framework.
