Tshisekedi Orders Strict Cobalt Export Ban to Protect DRC’s Resources
Tshisekedi Enforces Cobalt Export Suspension to Strengthen DRC’s Control Over Strategic Minerals
During the 61st meeting of the Council of Ministers on Friday, October 3, 2025, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi reaffirmed the need for strict enforcement of the temporary suspension on cobalt exports and compliance with new regulatory measures introduced by the Ministry of Mines and the Authority for the Regulation and Control of the Market for Strategic Mineral Substances (Arecoms).
The President emphasized that these measures aim to clean up the supply chain and restore national sovereignty over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic resources, echoing his earlier directives from the 36th Council of Ministers meeting held on March 21, 2025.
Transition to Quota-Based Regulation
President Tshisekedi confirmed that the current suspension on cobalt exports will end on October 15, 2025, in line with a recent Arecoms announcement. Starting October 16, a quota system will be implemented to regulate cobalt exports sustainably and safeguard national interests.
According to the President, the effects of the suspension are already evident. The price of cobalt metal has surged from USD 21,936 to USD 42,108 per tonne over the past seven and a half months—a 92% increase—while cobalt hydroxide prices have risen from USD 12,566 to USD 36,927, marking an impressive 194% gain.
This sharp price recovery has helped reduce global oversupply and rebalance the market, reinforcing the DRC’s position as the world’s leading cobalt producer.
“Our country now has real leverage to influence the market, increase its revenues, and improve the living conditions of its people. For too long, the DRC has been the victim of predatory strategies,” President Tshisekedi stated.
Quotas as a Tool for Economic Sovereignty
The President described the successive export suspensions and the forthcoming quota policy as vital instruments of national regulation and economic sovereignty. Their strict application, he said, will help offset budgetary deficits and ensure transparent management of mineral resources.
President Tshisekedi instructed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior, as well as the Ministers of Finance and Mines, to provide full support to Arecoms in its mission to:
Stabilize the cobalt market
Maximize state revenue from cobalt production and exports
Formalize and clean up the artisanal mining sector, which remains plagued by fraud and poor traceability
He also announced that enhanced monitoring mechanisms will be deployed across the value chain, and strict sanctions—including revocation of export quotas—will be imposed on any operator involved in fraudulent or subversive activities.
Centralized Oversight and Anti-Interference Measures
Given the strategic importance of cobalt, President Tshisekedi reiterated that Arecoms is the sole authority authorized to communicate decisions regarding export regulations to third parties.
The institution will be responsible for setting, adjusting, and withdrawing quotas as needed, based on market dynamics and operator compliance.
The President also issued a warning against political or economic interference that could undermine cobalt market regulation.
“It is through collective discipline and institutional vigilance that the DRC will fully benefit from its position as the world leader in cobalt—for the development and well-being of its people,” he concluded.
A detailed report on the implementation of the President’s directives is expected within 30 days.
