DRC and Ethiopia Sign Landmark Bilateral Agreement to Boost Mining and Economic Cooperation
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia signed a landmark bilateral agreement on May 6, 2025, in Addis Ababa.
This is the first such agreement in over 25 years between the two nations and marks a new chapter in their political and economic partnership.
The agreement was signed by DRC State Minister of Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and her Ethiopian counterpart, Gedion Timothewos Hessebon.
The deal focuses on strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including mining, economic development, and cultural exchange.
Central to the agreement is a commitment to collaborate in the mining industry, capitalizing on each country’s mineral strengths and fostering sustainable development through joint ventures and capacity building.
The DRC, a global leader in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, seeks to partner with Ethiopia in resource development and processing.
Ethiopia, in turn, brings significant reserves of gold, tantalum, and potash to the table. The agreement aims to facilitate technology transfer, promote value addition, and strengthen Ethiopia’s mining capacity.
Minister Wagner’s visit included high-level meetings with Ethiopian leaders, including newly elected African Union Commission President Mahamoud Ali Youssef.
These engagements emphasized the shared vision of enhancing bilateral ties and contributing to broader African unity and progress.
Both countries highlighted their commitment to responsible mining practices, sustainable development, and community-focused projects.
The partnership is expected to contribute to regional industrialization and support Africa’s clean energy ambitions within frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
