Kamoa Copper Signs Partnerships with 13 Congolese SMEs to Boost Local Economy
On August 22, Kamoa Copper formalized new partnership agreements with thirteen Congolese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), under the oversight of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP).
This initiative underscores Kamoa Copper’s commitment to supporting SME growth and fostering the development of a dynamic middle class in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In her address, Annebel Oosthuizen, Commercial Director of Kamoa Copper, expressed pride in the company’s role in organizing such initiatives.
She emphasized Kamoa Copper’s crucial contribution to the DRC, the world’s leading cobalt producer and the second-largest copper producer.
Oosthuizen highlighted the importance of companies like Kamoa Copper in enhancing the Congolese supply chain by supporting local suppliers. “Our goal is to stimulate growth, create jobs, and distribute wealth across the country,” she stated.
The newly signed contracts are set for a renewable period of thirty-six months, a notable increase from the previous twelve-month agreements.
Seven of the thirteen contractors are women-owned businesses, marking a significant advancement in a sector where women currently represent only 10% of the workforce. This move by Kamoa Copper is a pioneering effort to boost female participation in the mining industry.
Local suppliers can benefit from various support models, including partnerships with foreign companies for technical assistance or financial institutions for funding.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to identify mining companies’ needs and seek international partners for distribution licenses and favorable terms, combining technical expertise with financial resources. The expansion of industrialization projects in the DRC is expected to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
The Director General of ARSP praised Kamoa Copper for aligning with the Head of State’s vision and setting a positive example in the mining sector.
He underscored the importance of protecting investments like Kamoa Copper SA, which play a significant role in poverty reduction by collaborating with Congolese entrepreneurs.
This recent partnership follows an earlier ARSP visit to Kamoa, reaffirming ongoing efforts to establish a Congolese-owned value chain. These collaborations not only bolster the local economy but also pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for the DRC.
