Governance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

Mining in DRC Governance

President Tshisekedi Opens 11th Governors’ Conference in Kalemie

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Constance

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo presided over the 11th Governors’ Conference on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in Kalemie, Tanganyika Province. This annual event serves as a platform for dialogue between provincial governors and the national executive. Spanning three days, from November 27 to 29, the conference gathers governors elected during the December 2023 electoral process. They will engage with experts and senior officials with extensive experience at the national level to exchange knowledge and insights. This year’s discussions center on the Local Development Program of the 145 Territories (PDL 145-T) under… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Infrastructural Development Transport and Logistics

DRC Plans Strategic Partnership with China to Advance Transport and Infrastructure Projects

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is strengthening its collaboration with China to accelerate development in key sectors, including transport. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Communication Routes, and Disenclavement, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, emphasized this partnership during a Council of Ministers meeting on November 22, 2024. Bemba presented an information note detailing efforts to prepare a comprehensive list of projects to be submitted to Chinese financial institutions as part of the Sino-Congolese cooperation framework. According to the minutes of the Council of Ministers, the finalized project lists were discussed… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC Minister of Mines & Jean-Jacques Purusi Take Action Against Foreign Involvement in Mining Sites

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Constance

The presence of foreigners in Congolese mines took center stage during a strategic meeting on November 19, which brought together the Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, and South Kivu’s governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi. The discussions focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities in this resource-rich region while emphasizing the enforcement of Congolese mining laws. Both officials underscored the necessity of a robust legal framework to ensure that natural resource exploitation adheres to established regulations. Their joint efforts aim to curb illegal activities and strengthen compliance with the country’s mining code. Separately,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

Minister Bussa and ARSP Director Sign MOU to Boost State Portfolio Cooperation

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024 Constance

Jean-Lucien Bussa, Minister of Portfolio, and Miguel Kashal Katemb, Director General of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, aimed at fostering inter-company cooperation. The agreement follows a proposal made by the Minister of Portfolio to the Council of Ministers on July 19, 2024. The signing ceremony took place in the Minister of Portfolio’s Cabinet meeting room, with experts from both parties in attendance. The MOU facilitates collaboration and mutual support between companies in the state… Read More Here