DRC Mines Minister Showcases DRC’s Mining Ambitions at U.S.-DRC Economic Forum in Washington
Louis Kabamba Watum Showcases DRC’s Mining Ambitions at U.S.-DRC Economic Forum in Washington
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made a strong impression in Washington during the U.S.-DRC Economic Forum, where Minister of Mines Louis Kabamba Watum led a series of high-level meetings with major American industrial and financial stakeholders.
The discussions underscored Kinshasa’s determination to attract investment for local mineral processing and to strengthen partnerships supporting the country’s economic diversification.
Officially opened by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the forum brought together investors, financial institutions, and senior government officials from both nations.
For Minister Watum, the event aligns with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s vision of making the mining sector the engine of national industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic transformation.
“The continent’s development requires better integration of its mining potential into the real economy,” he emphasized, reaffirming his openness to concrete partnerships with the private sector.
Promoting Local Value Creation
In discussions with a former Director of the World Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Minister Watum presented initiatives aimed at using mining revenues and local value chains to foster the emergence of an African middle class.
He also held talks with executives from Vitol, the global energy trading giant, which expressed interest in deepening its partnerships with Congolese state-owned enterprises, particularly Gécamines.
These discussions focused on copper, iron, and aluminum — essential raw materials for the global energy transition. Technical meetings are planned in Kinshasa to explore detailed cooperation opportunities.
Transparency and Prudence on the Chemaf Case
An international consortium also expressed interest in acquiring the assets of Chemaf, a major player in cobalt and copper production.
Minister Watum reaffirmed the government’s stance: protecting Gécamines’ strategic interests, ensuring full transparency, and maintaining a balanced negotiation process.
“The priority is to guarantee transparency and preserve national interests while promoting a win-win solution for all parties,” he stated.
Driving Digital Transformation in Mining
Another highlight of the DRC delegation’s mission was the digitalization of mining operations. Minister Watum held discussions with several U.S. technology companies about the Kinshasa Mercantile Exchange (KME) — a digital commodities platform built on blockchain technology.
This innovative platform aims to modernize mineral trading, improve traceability, and ensure transparency of financial flows across the supply chain.
Strengthening Institutional Presence in the U.S.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Center for Expertise, Evaluation, and Certification (CEEC) inaugurated its first representative office in Washington, D.C. This new office will facilitate transactions related to Congolese mineral exports and strengthen ties between U.S. partners and Congolese authorities.
With this enhanced presence in Washington, Kinshasa demonstrates a proactive economic diplomacy, signaling its intent to reinforce cooperation with Western partners and attract sustainable investment in critical minerals.
A Renewed Vision for the Mining Sector
Under the leadership of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, the Ministry of Mines is positioning the DRC’s extractive industry as a cornerstone of industrial transformation, transparency, and shared prosperity.
“Congo is back,” declared Minister Louis Kabamba Watum, summing up the ambition of a nation determined to reclaim its rightful place in the global strategic metals economy.
