DRC Showcases Strategic Move Behind Manono Lithium Agreement in Washington
How the DRC Secured the Manono Lithium Deal: Governor Wameso Details Strategy in Washington
In Washington, Governor André Wameso presented the strategy that enabled the Democratic Republic of Congo to secure control over the development of lithium in Manono, one of the country’s most promising mineral reserves.
According to Wameso, the U.S.-based company KoBold Metals played a decisive role during the due-diligence phase requested by the U.S. government before approving any strategic cooperation with the DRC.
He explained that the country had been engaged in an arbitration dispute with AVZ. The Congolese strategy, he said, was to propose to U.S. officials that if they helped facilitate a settlement between KoBold and AVZ, the DRC would guarantee access to Manono’s lithium resources.
This approach led to a meeting in the United States between KoBold, AVZ, and American authorities, resulting in a negotiated proposal to resolve the dispute. That solution has since been validated.
As a result, KoBold was able to secure a partnership granting access to the southern portion of the Manono deposit, while discussions with AVZ continue—although the Congolese state is no longer directly involved in those negotiations.
For Governor Wameso, the outcome serves as a “proof of concept” demonstrating the DRC’s seriousness and credibility in the global mining sector.
He argues that this success strengthens investor confidence and opens the door to new strategic partnerships for the country’s critical minerals.
