Japan Pledges Support for Energy and Mining in the DRC
In a press release issued by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Economy on Saturday, January 20, 2024, DESKECO.COM reported the Japanese government’s commitment to assist the Congolese government in energy projects.
The delegation, led by Deputy Parliamentary Minister of Foreign Affairs Fukazawa Yolchi, expressed Japan’s interest in supporting the Inga project, renewable energy development, and local ore exploitation.
Japan, congratulating President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi on his re-election, presented two key energy projects. The first involves non-repayable financing for energy substations in Kinshasa, and the second offers a repayable loan for the Inga project.
Deputy Minister Fukazawa Yolchi emphasized the swift implementation of these projects, expressing Japan’s interest in strategic mineral exploitation.
Deputy Prime Minister Vital Kamerhe welcomed Japanese cooperation, emphasizing the DRC’s need for support in the Inga project, renewable energy development, and local lithium battery production. He sought university cooperation for knowledge transfer and experience sharing.
Highlighting Japan’s economic development and human resource investment, Kamerhe affirmed the DRC’s openness to collaboration in various sectors.
Japan, in response, announced a new training program for students and civil servants from partner countries, including the DRC.
The discussions also touched on cooperation in combating natural disasters due to geographical similarities. Japan’s existing infrastructure projects in the DRC, such as the Maréchal Bridge and training centers, were acknowledged as successful collaborations.
