DRC Sets Clear Conditions for US Investment in Strategic Mining Projects
DRC Mining Minister Louis Watum Calls for Local Value Addition and National Interests Protection in US Strategic Investments
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting American investment into its mining sector while ensuring that such investments comply with national legislation, safeguard state interests and deliver tangible benefits to the Congolese people.
This position was outlined by Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba during the second meeting of the Joint Steering Committee overseeing the strategic partnership between the DRC and the United States.
Held in Paris, the meeting marked another step in strengthening bilateral cooperation on mining, infrastructure and critical minerals.
During the discussions, Watum highlighted progress achieved under the partnership and reviewed investments already made by American companies operating in the DRC. He also outlined opportunities linked to several strategic projects aimed at accelerating the country’s economic transformation.
Among the key topics discussed were the Lobito Corridor, the Grand Inga hydropower project and investments in critical minerals.
These initiatives are viewed as central to the DRC’s ambition to position itself as a leading player in global supply chains supporting the energy transition.
Watum emphasized that future investments must respect the country’s mining legislation, reflect realistic production capacities and protect national interests.
He stressed that partnerships should not focus solely on extracting resources but should also contribute to broader economic development and industrial growth.
A major component of the minister’s message was the importance of local content requirements.
He reiterated the need for greater Congolese participation throughout the mining value chain, including increased local ownership and involvement in downstream mineral processing activities.
According to Watum, strategic partnerships should generate employment opportunities, support local beneficiation of minerals and strengthen domestic technical capacity.
He argued that investment agreements should create long-term value for the Congolese economy through skills development, technology transfer and industrial expansion.
The minister also called for increased technical and financial support for the artisanal mining sector, noting that formalization, productivity improvements and stronger local capacity are essential to the sustainable development of the industry.
The meeting was co-chaired on the Congolese side by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba, alongside government officials and representatives of the Joint Steering Committee.
The discussions reinforced the DRC’s determination to ensure that international partnerships contribute directly to national development while strengthening the country’s position as a strategic supplier of critical minerals.
