DRC Showcases Mining Potential at TICAD 9, Strengthening Japanese Investment Partnerships
DRC Promotes Strategic Minerals and AI Mining Innovation at TICAD 9, Attracting Japanese Investors
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actively participating in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), with a delegation led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
Several government officials, including Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba, are part of the delegation.
In efforts to advance the mining sector, Minister Louis Watum Kabamba has intensified engagement with international partners.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, he met with officials from UNIDO and ITPO Japan to discuss capacity building, training initiatives, and the transition from the current UNIDO Decade to the new Decade for the Industrial Development of Africa.
A key topic was the remote sensing project using artificial intelligence (AI) to support mineral exploration in the DRC.
The initiative, sponsored by the Japanese government, is set to receive official backing from the Congolese Ministry of Mines, with a cooperation agreement between UNIDO and Solafune nearing completion.
Minister Watum also held discussions with Asia Mineral Limited (AML) and Kivuvu Kongo Mines—a joint venture between AML and Kerith Resources—to review updates on geophysical and administrative activities related to their manganese operations in Kongo Central.
During a meeting with Solafune, a Japanese company specializing in AI and remote sensing in collaboration with the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGNC), Minister Watum discussed the upcoming signing of a strategic cooperation agreement in Yokohama on August 22, 2025.
Invited by UNIDO and the African Union, Minister Kabamba also served as a panelist on the theme: “Harnessing Innovation for Africa’s Industrial Transformation.”
In his remarks, he highlighted the DRC’s wealth of strategic minerals—including copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese, coltan, gold, and diamonds—positioning the country at the center of the global energy transition.
The Minister emphasized local value addition, job creation, and the development of a transparent, integrated, and sustainable mining industry.
He reassured Japanese investors of the DRC government’s commitment to good governance and transparency, aligning with the vision of President Félix Tshisekedi and the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
Through these strategic efforts, the DRC is establishing itself as a key destination for Japanese investment, strengthening its role as a strategic hub for Africa’s mining and industrial development.
