Governance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

ARSP and FOGEC Unite to Strengthen Congolese Entrepreneurship and Middle-Class Growth

August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 Constance

In a recent working session, leaders from two key public institutions under the Ministry of Industry and SME Development—ARSP (Regulatory Authority of Subcontracting in the Private Sector) and FOGEC (Entrepreneurship Guarantee Fund in Congo)—met to discuss their roles in supporting the growth of a genuine Congolese middle class. The meeting focused on practical strategies to empower local entrepreneurs and ensure the successful implementation of projects, aligning with President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision of job creation and economic development. The discussion included the FOGEC royalty on the subcontracting market, a critical topic… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Gold Governance

Kizito Pakabomba Visits Kibali Gold Mine to Inaugurate New Projects

July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 Constance

The Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, was enthusiastically welcomed to Kibali Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Africa. Located in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), about 220 kilometers from the town of Isiro, the visit marks a significant milestone for the region. The primary purpose of Minister Pakabomba’s visit was to inaugurate new projects funded by the allocation of 0.3% of the mine’s minimum turnover. This allocation underscores the mine’s commitment to reinvest in local infrastructure and community development. During the visit, Minister… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Addresses Security Challenges in North Kivu

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka convened in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on the evening of Wednesday, June 26, 2024, where she addressed a gathering of representatives from the active forces following a lengthy Provincial Security Council meeting. In her address, Prime Minister Suminwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to tackle the challenges posed by armed groups and Rwandan aggression through its proxies, such as the M23 rebellion. “I extend my tribute not only to our soldiers… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

Govt of DRC Advances SDG Acceleration Roadmap

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

In a pivotal session during the 3rd Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, June 28, 2024, Guylain Nyembo, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Aid Coordination, detailed efforts to finalize the roadmap for accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Led by the Congolese Sustainable Development Observatory, the initiative aims to address bottlenecks hindering SDG implementation effectively and sustainably. Nyembo emphasized that the roadmap targets specific interventions across six key axes to expedite progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. The plan,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

Félix Tshisekedi Emphasizes Business Climate Reform

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

President Félix Tshisekedi underscored the imperative of enhancing the business climate during the second Council of Ministers meeting held on June 21, 2024, at the Cité de l’Union Africaine. He emphasized that improving the business environment is pivotal to public policy reforms aimed at addressing economic operators’ concerns. Acknowledging previous efforts by reform ministries over the past five years, President Tshisekedi noted the challenges persisting due to the slow pace of reform implementation. He referenced the inaugural national business climate barometer and other reports, which highlight ongoing difficulties faced by… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

DRC Celebrates 64th Independence Anniversary with New Push for “Minerals for Infrastructure” Program

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

On June 30, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) commemorated the 64th anniversary of its independence. To mark the occasion, President Félix Tshisekedi addressed the nation with a significant announcement. In his message, broadcast on public television (RTNC), President Tshisekedi directed the government to expedite the second phase of the extensive “minerals for infrastructure” program starting this year. This ambitious initiative aims to “promote the internal market and create jobs.” Since 2018, the DRC has been engaged in an agreement that exchanges mineral resources for the development of infrastructure,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Mining Personality

New Government Formed in Haut-Katanga Province

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Constance

Haut-Katanga province has established its new government, consisting of ten ministers appointed by Governor Jacques Kyabula Katwe. The appointments were announced on Thursday, June 27, in Lubumbashi. In the new provincial executive, Lucien Lumanu Mukadi has been named the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, succeeding Toto Chansa Ilunga, who was dismissed from the government. Lucien Lumanu Mukadi faces several significant challenges in his new role, including ensuring the rights of communities living in mining areas and combating corruption within the extractive sector. This appointment follows the recent notification of Jacques… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

SADC Chairperson Lourenço Reaffirms Commitment to Peace in Eastern DRC

June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 Constance

President João Lourenço of Angola, the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has reaffirmed the regional body’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As the African Union-appointed mediator for peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda, President Lourenço expressed deep regret over the recent surge in fighting in North Kivu Province between M23 rebel fighters and the Congolese armed forces. This conflict has resulted in civilian casualties and forced many to flee their homes. During his visit to the SADC headquarters… Read More Here

International Governance

President Ramaphosa Calls for Unity and Transformation in Inauguration Speech

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 Constance

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a stirring address during his inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Tshwane today, calling for unity and a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy, equality, and social justice. The ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished guests, including kings, queens, heads of state, government officials, and representatives from various international organisations. In his speech, President Ramaphosa emphasized the significance of the event as a reaffirmation of South Africa’s democratic values. “Today, we gather under this vast Highveld sky at the seat of our… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

CNPAV Urges New Govt to End Sino-Congolese Convention and Apply Mining Code to Sicomines Project

June 16, 2024June 16, 2024 Constance

Congo Is Not for Sale (CNPAV) is calling on Prime Minister Judith Suminwa’s new government to terminate the Sino-Congolese Convention and enforce the Mining Code on the Sicomines project. The CNPAV highlights ongoing uncertainties in infrastructure financing and criticizes the structural imbalances sustained after the renegotiation of the Chinese contract. The CNPAV welcomes the timely publication of Amendment 5, signed on March 14, 2024, between the Congolese government and the consortium of Chinese companies after over a year of negotiations. However, the organization is concerned about the amendment’s clauses, which… Read More Here