Lobito Connect Strengthens SME Integration and Local Value Chains in the DRC Mining Corridor
EU-Funded Lobito Connect Workshop in Lubumbashi Targets SME Growth and Local Value Addition in the Mining Sector
Following the conclusion of the Import Export Conference in Lubumbashi on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Lobito Connect initiative convened a breakfast session and focused group workshop at the Pullman Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders to address a central question: how to strengthen collaboration to increase local value addition and reduce operational costs within the mining value chain.
The workshop, held in the Bukavu Room, is part of the broader Lobito Connect project, an initiative implemented by the CSR Europe consortium, Ovation.eco, and Louvain Coopération.
The programme is also a Team Europe initiative, funded by the European Union under the Global Gateway strategy, aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local value chains along the Lobito Corridor, particularly in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces.
Strengthening Local Skills and SME Participation
This session followed a similar workshop previously held in Kolwezi and focused on advancing the integration of local SMEs into industrial and mining value chains.
The initiative seeks to improve technical capacity, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen linkages between local businesses and large-scale mining operations, a key pillar of the regional economy in Katanga.
The event brought together representatives from local SMEs, public institutions, technical and financial partners, as well as organisations supporting entrepreneurship and business development.
The workshop was officially launched by Guy Muswil, representing the President of the Chamber of Mines, and featured contributions from several key speakers, including Hilde Van Inthoudt, Consul General of Belgium; Stefan Crêts, Executive Director of CSR Europe; Gédéon Ngomba, Project Manager for Lobito Connect at Louvain Coopération in the DRC; and Jonathan Makolo, Country Director of Ovation.eco.
Each speaker emphasized the strategic importance of the Lobito Connect initiative in strengthening SME capacity, improving access to industrial opportunities, and fostering stronger integration of local talent into sustainable value chains across the mining and related sectors in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba.
Key Challenges Facing Local SMEs
To deepen the discussion, participants were divided into three thematic working groups focusing on: skills development for local staff, subcontracting opportunities for SMEs, and the development of mining cooperatives.
Across all groups, participants highlighted recurring challenges affecting SME participation in the mining sector.
These included limited transparency in procurement and tender processes, complex administrative procedures, and insufficient integration of local labour and enterprises into supply chains.
Stakeholders agreed that addressing these barriers is essential to creating a more inclusive, competitive, and equitable business environment for SMEs operating in the mining ecosystem.
Building a Competitive Local Value Chain
Launched in 2026, the Lobito Connect project aims to align skills development with private sector needs while strengthening collaboration between mining companies, training institutions, SMEs, and local communities along the Lobito Corridor.
The initiative also focuses on improving SME competitiveness, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing regional economic integration.
It works closely with the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) to structure the local economic ecosystem through training, coaching, and capacity-building programmes for entrepreneurs.
SMEs interested in benefiting from the programme are encouraged to engage with the FEC or the FEC Chamber of Mines to explore available support mechanisms and project opportunities linked to the Lobito Corridor development agenda.
