Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Uganda’s Merchandise Exports Surge 72% Driven by Gold and Coffee

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 Constance

Uganda Merchandise Exports Jump 72% to $1.45 Billion in January 2026 Amid Gold Boom Uganda experienced a remarkable 72% increase in merchandise exports in its last fiscal year, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance. The East African nation’s merchandise export revenue rose from $844.6 million in January 2025 to $1,453.5 million in January 2026. A post on X by the Government Citizen Interaction Centre highlighted that Uganda’s merchandise exports grew to approximately UGX 5.43 trillion ($1.45 billion) in January 2026, up from UGX 5.22 trillion ($1.395… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Set to Surpass 1 Million Tonnes of Copper Production in 2026

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 Constance

Zambia Copper Production to Break 1 Million Tonnes in 2026 Driven by Canadian-Owned Mines Zambia is on track to produce over 1 million tonnes of copper in 2026, a record milestone driven by expanded output from its largest Canadian-owned operations, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has confirmed. Last year, Zambia recorded its highest-ever production of nearly 890,346 tonnes, and Kabuswe told reporters in Lusaka in January that “this year, without a doubt, we will exceed one million tonnes.” Copper remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, accounting for roughly 70% of export… Read More Here

International Economy Gold

Middle East Tensions Disrupt Zimbabwe’s Gold Exports

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Faces Gold Export Challenges as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Shipping Routes Zimbabwe is facing growing challenges in exporting its gold due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, a situation similar to Ghana’s recent logistical difficulties. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key destination for Zimbabwe’s gold shipments, accounted for 45% of the country’s total gold export revenues last year. The regional conflict has disrupted both air and maritime routes. Major shipping lines, including Maersk, have suspended operations through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to reroute around the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC and China Sign Strategic Minerals Cooperation Pact to Boost Mining Value and Industrialization

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 Constance

DRC–China Mining Deal Targets Duty-Free Exports, Local Processing, and $28.9 Billion Iron Corridor Development The Democratic Republic of Congo and China have advanced their strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on geology and mineral resources in Beijing on March 26. The agreement forms part of broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation and maximize value creation in the Congolese mining sector. The MoU was signed by the Congolese Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, and China’s Minister of Natural Resources, Guan Zhi’ou, in the presence of senior officials… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

DRC Copper Production Hits 3.5 Million Tonnes in 2025 Amid Global Market Volatility

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 Constance

DRC Copper Output Reaches 3.5M Tonnes in 2025 While International Prices Face Geopolitical Pressure Mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo produced a total of 3,503,539 tonnes of copper in 2025, according to provisional data released by the Technical Unit for Mining Coordination and Planning under the Ministry of Mines. The report indicates that all copper produced was sold, covering both exports and domestic pre-export processing, meaning total sales matched annual production. Monthly Production Trends Monthly statistics show that production peaked in July 2025 at 315,590 tonnes,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia’s Banking Sector Signals Readiness to Power Govt’s 24-Hour Economy

March 22, 2026March 22, 2026 Constance

Zambian Banks Expand Digital Payments and Operating Hours to Support Government’s Transition to a 24/7 Economy The Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) has confirmed that the country’s banking sector is fully prepared to support the government’s transition to a 24-hour economy, with digital infrastructure already upgraded and extended operating hours implemented across the industry. BAZ Chief Executive Officer Leonard Mwanza stated that the banking sector spent much of 2025 strengthening systems to enable round-the-clock financial services, including a successful pilot expansion of the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) platform. Currently, banks… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Economy

Cobalt Shortage Set to Persist as DRC Export Controls Tighten Global Supply

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 Constance

Global Cobalt Supply Crunch to Continue Through 2030 as Democratic Republic of the Congo Export Restrictions Disrupt Market A global cobalt shortage is expected to persist through the end of the decade as export restrictions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to disrupt supply chains, according to trading firm Darton Commodities. Cobalt shipments from the DRC declined significantly in 2025 after the government imposed an export ban in February, followed by strict quotas in October. The country responsible for more than 70% of global cobalt supply introduced… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

Tshisekedi Urges Economic Vigilance as Global Tensions Threaten DRC Mining Sector

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Moves to Protect Mining Sector and Economy as Global Geopolitical Tensions Rise President Félix Tshisekedi has warned members of the government about the potential economic consequences of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, stressing that global instability could affect the mining-driven economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The head of state delivered the warning during the 82nd meeting of the Council of Ministers, held on March 13 at the African Union City in Kinshasa. According to the president, rising geopolitical tensions are already generating volatility… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Raises $26.4 Million in Treasury Bond Auction Amid Moderate Investor Demand

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Raises $26.4M in Treasury Bond Auction as Government Seeks $640M From Domestic Market in 2026 The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) raised $26.4 million on the domestic financial market during a Treasury bond auction held last week. The information was disclosed in a press release published on March 11, 2026 by the country’s Ministry of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which presented the results of the financing operation. According to the official document, the amount raised corresponds to a coverage rate… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Corporate News Economy

DRC Seeks Stronger Investment Partnerships With Major Mining Companies

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 Constance

DRC Calls on Glencore, CMOC and Ivanhoe to Expand Mining Investments and Boost Production The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is seeking to deepen partnerships with major international mining companies operating in the country to expand production and attract new investment. The initiative was announced by the country’s Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, during meetings with mining industry stakeholders in Toronto, Canada, last week. Strategy to Boost Investment and Production Through this initiative, the Congolese government aims to encourage mining companies to increase capital investments, expand… Read More Here