Kasai-Central Launches New Effort to Strengthen Artisanal Mining and Boost Provincial Development
Kasai-Central Takes Major Step to Revitalize Artisanal Mining Under New SAEMAPE Initiative
The mining sector in Kasai-Central is preparing for a significant transformation. During a working visit to Kananga, the Director General of the Service for Assistance and Support of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE), Jean-Paul Kapongo Kadiobo, unveiled a new initiative aimed at revitalizing artisanal mining and enhancing its contribution to provincial development.
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the governorate’s communications unit reported that Director General Kapongo was welcomed at the provincial administrative building by Governor Joseph-Moïse Kambulu Nkonko.
Their discussions—described as open, constructive, and forward-thinking—centered on SAEMAPE’s updated roadmap, which prioritizes raising awareness among local mining stakeholders and improving technical and institutional support for artisanal miners.
Jean-Paul Kapongo emphasized the strong collaboration between SAEMAPE and provincial authorities, praising Governor Kambulu’s openness and commitment. According to him, this partnership will be a key driver in transforming how mineral resources are managed and developed in Kasai-Central.
Governor Kambulu expressed full support for the initiative, calling it an essential part of a participatory development strategy aimed at empowering local communities. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to promoting wealth creation and ensuring that artisanal mining plays a stronger, more structured role in the regional economy.
With this renewed collaboration, Kasai-Central aims to unlock the potential of artisanal mining, formalize operations, improve governance, and drive sustainable economic growth across the province.
