Jean Bamanisa Advocates Urban Development to Boost DRC’s Mining Sector at Mining Indaba
Speaking at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in South Africa, Jean Bamanisa emphasized the need for urban development to enhance the attractiveness of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) mining sector.
According to him, building cities around mining operations, rather than temporary camps, is key to sustainable economic growth.
“The mining sector plays a structuring role in our economy, and we must make it appealing, particularly to multinational investors,” Bamanisa stated.
He pointed to past successes, such as Gécamines’ development of mining camps that evolved into cities like Lubumbashi, Likasi, and Kolwezi.
Bamanisa criticized the continued presence of mining camps, advocating for real estate and financial institutions to support affordable housing solutions. “Miners shouldn’t live in temporary camps. When I was governor, I initiated development plans, just as Kibali Gold Mining did by creating cities like Watsa,” he said.
As President of Expo Béton, Bamanisa announced the upcoming edition of the trade fair, set for March 12–15, 2025, in Lubumbashi.
The event will focus on logistics, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships, particularly in the context of the Lobito Corridor and the expansion of transport networks to support the growing mining industry.
“With mineral production expected to rise from 3 million to 8 million tonnes within the next 5 to 8 years, we urgently need railways, logistics platforms, and urban development along these corridors,” Bamanisa stressed.
Expo Béton 2025, themed “Southern Corridors of the DRC-SADC: Projects and Business Opportunities,” will bring together key stakeholders to discuss mining, energy, employment, logistics, and housing.
Following sessions in Kinshasa and Kongo Central, Katanga is set to host this major event, reinforcing its role in the region’s economic development.
