Governance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) addressed ambassadors accredited to the country on Saturday, January 18, 2025, highlighting government initiatives to improve the traceability of “strategic” minerals from the eastern region. In his speech, President Tshisekedi underscored the importance of transparency and certification mechanisms aimed at ensuring Congolese natural resources truly benefit the nation. “In 2024, we intensified efforts to strengthen the traceability of our minerals with the support of international partners. We have also initiated discussions on implementing transparency and certification mechanisms to ensure our… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC Minister Receives Report Exposing South Kivu Mining Violations

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance0 comment

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, received a detailed report on January 8, 2025, from the Special Commission tasked with assessing the compliance of mining activities in South Kivu. After 15 days of rigorous investigations, the Commission reviewed operations of 18 out of 30 mining companies summoned by the Ministry of Mines. The report uncovered significant violations of the Mining Code and regulations, including: Minister Pakabomba commended the Commission for its thorough work and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to fostering sustainable and lawful mining practices.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

DRC Prime Minister Announces Temporary Suspension of Business Audits

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Constance0 comment

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa has declared a nationwide moratorium on state control missions targeting businesses, addressing concerns raised by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) about administrative challenges during the fiscal year-end. The suspension, effective from December 16, 2024, to January 30, 2025, aims to ease pressure on businesses during this crucial period. “I have decided to grant a moratorium on all tax audits, non-tax revenue audits, and routine economic audits to allow economic operators to prepare their financial statements with peace of mind,” the Prime Minister stated in a… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

DRC Prime Minister Grants Moratorium on End-of-Year Audits for Businesses

December 30, 2024December 30, 2024 Constance

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa has announced a nationwide moratorium on state services’ control missions targeting companies. The suspension, effective from December 16, 2024, to January 30, 2025, was granted in response to concerns raised by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) over administrative burdens at the end of the fiscal year. “I have decided to grant a moratorium on all tax audits, non-tax revenue audits, and routine economic audits to allow economic operators to prepare their financial statements with peace of mind,” wrote the Prime Minister in a letter dated… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

DRC and Burundi Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation for Economic Growth

December 25, 2024December 25, 2024 Constance

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) met with his Burundian counterpart, Évariste Ndayishimiye, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Bujumbura for a friendship visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and regional stability, key to the economic development of both nations. This two-hour meeting marks a significant step in revitalizing the economic ties between the DRC and Burundi. The two leaders emphasized the importance of deepening trade and cross-border collaborations, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and natural resources. According to a source close to the Congolese presidency, “The… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

DRC President Promulgates $18 Billion Finance Law for 2025

December 25, 2024December 25, 2024 Constance

On December 22, 2024, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially promulgated the Finance Law for the 2025 fiscal year. The budget, unanimously adopted by both chambers of the Congolese Parliament, totals 51,553.54 billion Congolese francs (CDF), equivalent to approximately $18 billion at the budgetary exchange rate. The 2025 budget marks a 25.8% increase from the previous year, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing internal resource mobilization and optimizing financial authority performance. This significant growth reflects confidence in the national economy and bolsters the government’s credibility… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Angola Governance Mining in Zambia Transport and Logistics

DRC Senate Approves Ratification of Lobito Corridor Agreement

December 15, 2024December 15, 2024 Constance

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ratified the agreement establishing the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (AFTTCL) during a plenary session on December 2, 2024. The agreement, signed on January 27, 2023, in Lobito, Angola, involves a partnership between the DRC, Angola, and Zambia. The bill, first presented to the Senate on November 22, 2024, was referred to the “External Relations” Committee for detailed review. The committee, led by Senator Lutundula Apala Pen Apala, recommended ratification, emphasizing the corridor’s strategic importance to the DRC’s economy and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

President Tshisekedi Highlights DRC’s Economic Resilience Amid Global Challenges

December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 Constance

On Wednesday, addressing a joint session of parliament in Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi outlined the Democratic Republic of Congo’s economic situation. Despite global economic shocks and geopolitical tensions, Tshisekedi emphasized that the country has demonstrated “exemplary” resilience and is adapting “successfully” to contemporary challenges, with promising signs of economic stability. “We are forecasting 6% growth this year, well above the 3.8% average expected for sub-Saharan Africa. Despite a slight slowdown, this result showcases our resilience to global and local challenges, providing a foundation for a more diversified, sustainable, and forward-looking… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Angola Governance Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

US President Joe Biden Announces $560 Million Funding for Lobito Trans-African Corridor

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 Constance

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, US President Joe Biden unveiled more than $560 million in funding for the Lobito Trans-African Corridor, during a meeting in Lobito with Angolan President João Lourenço, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and the Vice President of Tanzania. The project, designed to connect the mining basins of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to the port of Lobito, is crucial for transporting key natural resources such as copper and cobalt. President Biden emphasized that the Lobito Corridor represents a transformative opportunity… Read More Here

International Governance

Biden’s First Visit to Angola to Strengthen U.S. Ties with Sub-Saharan Africa

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Constance

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden is making a historic visit to Angola, fulfilling a pledge to strengthen U.S. ties with sub-Saharan Africa as competition with China intensifies. Biden, the first U.S. president to visit Angola since its independence in 1975, will spend three days in Luanda, from Monday to Wednesday, discussing economic, political, and cultural partnerships. The visit honors a promise Biden made in 2022 to engage more closely with Africa. Originally scheduled for October, the trip was delayed due to Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida. Despite his “lame-duck” status,… Read More Here