Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Central Bank of Congo Cuts Interest Rates Amid Strong Franc and Positive Economic Outlook 1

Central Bank of Congo Lowers Key Rate from 25% to 17.5% as Congolese Franc Strengthens and Economic Stability Improves Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — In response to an improving economic environment and a stronger national currency, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) has announced a significant easing of its monetary policy. According to André Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of Congo, the benchmark interest rate has been reduced from 25.0% to 17.5%, marking a 750-basis-point cut. Additionally, the rate on marginal lending… Read More Here

Zambia Eyes Record Copper Output as Global Supply Tightens and Prices Surge

October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 Constance

Zambia Set to Break Copper Production Records in 2025 Amid $10 Billion Mining Boom and Rising Global Demand Zambia is on track for record copper production this year, strengthening its position as a major global supplier just as prices surge and demand accelerates worldwide. A series of accidents and disruptions at major mines in other producing nations has squeezed global supply, pushing copper prices up by more than 20% in 2025. Amid these challenges, Zambia stands out as one of the few countries increasing output — positioning the cash-strapped nation… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy Events & Expos

President Hichilema Reaffirms Commitment to Transform Zambia’s Mining Sector

October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 Constance

Hakainde Hichilema Pledges Sustainable and Inclusive Transformation of Zambia’s Mining Industry at the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming Zambia’s mining sector into a key driver of inclusive growth, sustainability, and national prosperity. Speaking at this year’s Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka, held under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Wealth – Advancing Sustainable Mining, Beneficiation and Value Addition,” President Hichilema said the event’s focus aligns closely with Zambia’s renewed mining agenda — one that seeks to transition the nation from a… Read More Here

Copper Economy

Copper Price Surpasses $10,000 Per Tonne, Offering New Opportunities for the DRC

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 Constance

DRC Copper Prices Surge Above $10,000 in September 2025 — Implications for Mining Revenues and Chinese Contract Talks Copper prices reached US$10,215 per tonne at the end of September 2025, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous week, according to the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). This rise is largely attributed to disruptions at Indonesia’s Grasberg mine, one of the world’s largest copper operations. Compared to December 2024, copper prices have surged by 16.2%, representing a 10.9% increase year-on-year. Significance for the DRC Economy For the Democratic Republic of Congo… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Technology & Innovation

DRC Central Bank Governor Highlights Digital Innovation and Economic Growth at Europe-Africa Investment Forum

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Constance

DRC Positioned as Africa’s Next Tech and Economic Powerhouse — Central Bank Governor Wameso Outlines Vision Last Friday, September 26, in Brussels, André Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), took part in the Europe-Africa Investment Forum, where he reviewed the state of the Congolese economy and positioned the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a strategic hub for technological innovation and sustainable development in Africa. In his speech, Governor Wameso emphasized the DRC’s demographic potential. With a population exceeding 100 million, of which 70% are under the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Gold

DRC Targets Gold Market Expansion Amid Record Prices and New Investment Plans

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Constance

Democratic Republic of Congo Seeks to Expand Gold Mining as Prices Surge Above $3,700/oz Known primarily for its vast copper and cobalt reserves, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is now seeking to strengthen its position in the global gold market. Currently dominated by the Kibali mine, which accounts for nearly 90% of the country’s gold production, Kinshasa is exploring the possibility of opening new industrial gold mines. This announcement was made by Mines Minister Louis Watum in an interview with Bloomberg on September 25, 2025. The timing coincides with… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia’s Ambitious Copper Expansion at Risk Without Skilled Workforce

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 Constance

Zambia’s Copper Tripling Plan Moves to the Forefront — but Skills Gap Looms Large Zambia’s ambitious plan to triple copper production by 2031 is now at the center of the nation’s economic agenda. The roadmap, developed jointly by the World Bank Group and the Government of Zambia, outlines how the country can harness its vast copper resources to drive growth and transform its economy. Copper mining has been a cornerstone of Zambia’s economy for over a century, contributing about 15% of GDP and more than 70% of exports. Yet production… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

China Marks 76th Anniversary with Stronger Economic Ties to DRC

September 28, 2025September 28, 2025 Constance

Chinese Ambassador Highlights $3 Billion Contribution and 100,000 Jobs from Sino-Congolese Cooperation At a ceremony marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Zhao Bin emphasized the significant economic gains from Sino-Congolese cooperation. Speaking before an audience of political leaders, diplomats, and business figures, Zhao underscored the tangible impact of Chinese companies in the DRC during 2024. Tangible Economic Contributions According to the ambassador, Chinese companies created over 100,000 jobs in 2024, while their tax contributions… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Economy Nickel

DRC Nickel Prices Fall 0.09% Amid Global Market Fluctuations

September 28, 2025September 28, 2025 Constance

Nickel Prices Slip Slightly as Global Market Volatility Persists The international price of nickel, a key export for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), edged down by 0.09% to USD 13,342.90 per ton, compared to USD 13,355.24 the previous week, according to data released by the Ministry of Foreign Trade. This modest decline follows a 0.33% increase recorded during the week of September 15, when nickel traded at USD 13,400.23 per ton. The back-to-back shifts underscore the volatility of the global nickel market. Drivers of Price Fluctuations Commodity price movements,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Prime Minister Chairs Economic Committee to Strengthen Congolese Franc and Banking Sector

September 28, 2025September 28, 2025 Constance

DRC Government Moves to Consolidate Franc Stability and Restore Banking Confidence Prime Minister Judith Suminwa chaired a meeting of the Economic Situation Committee (ECC) last week to review the recent stabilization of the Congolese franc and outline measures to strengthen the country’s financial system. The meeting brought together key government and financial leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister for the National Economy Daniel Mukoko, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, Budget Minister Adolphe Muzito, the Minister of Portfolio, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). Coordination Behind Franc Stability In… Read More Here