DRC Prime Minister Calls for EU Aid Against Illicit Mineral Exploitation at Global Gateway 2023 Forum

Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde has successfully concluded his visit to Brussels, Belgium, where he represented the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, at the Global Gateway Forum held on October 25 and 26, 2023.

His mission was to engage European private investors and encourage their participation in the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on digital, energy, and ecological transitions.

During the forum, the Prime Minister played a pivotal role in addressing significant development issues and formalizing agreements. He shared a summary of the mission’s key points with the press, highlighting the objectives and outcomes of his participation.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of improving global internet access, particularly in Africa, through measures such as expanding optical fiber networks.

The energy sector was also discussed, with a focus on clean and renewable energy sources, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with its abundant forests, was presented as a valuable contributor to this initiative.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the crucial role of minerals in the energy transition. He pointed out that the Democratic Republic of Congo possesses abundant resources like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are essential for clean energy technologies.

To support the development of the value chain for these minerals, the Prime Minister announced the partnership model with Zambia for the creation of a special economic zone within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This zone aims to produce batteries and, eventually, electric vehicles, offering an alternative approach to addressing carbon credit challenges.

Two significant agreements were highlighted during the forum. The first agreement pertains to the Lobito corridor and involves various stakeholders, including the United States, Angola, Zambia, and financial partners like the African Fund Corporation and the African Development Bank.

This agreement is expected to bring about transformative changes in terms of mineral value chains and commercial and tourism opportunities.

The second agreement focuses on enhancing the value chain for critical materials within the Democratic Republic of Congo. It aligns with the Ministry of Mines and Industry’s plan to add value to Congolese soil.

The Prime Minister expressed his anticipation for the materialization of both agreements, as they hold the potential for significant economic and industrial growth.

While addressing these positive developments, the Prime Minister did not neglect the pressing security concerns in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He highlighted the challenges posed by the M23, supported by the Republic of Rwanda, and called for international support to address security issues, particularly the illicit exploitation of minerals in the region, including coltan.

In summary, the Prime Minister’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum served to strengthen international partnerships, promote sustainable development, and address security concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo.