Vinmart Group Expands DRC’s Industrial Capacity with Three New Manufacturing Plants
Vinmart Opens Three Manufacturing Facilities in DR Congo to Boost Local Production and Industrial Growth
The Vinmart Group has expanded its industrial footprint in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the inauguration of three new production facilities in Lubumbashi, aimed at increasing local manufacturing capacity and supporting the domestic supply of industrial equipment.
The facilities were officially opened on Monday, July 6, 2026, during a ceremony attended by government officials, business leaders and representatives of the Vinmart Group.
The event was co-chaired by Justin Kalumba Mwana Ngongo, Acting Minister of Industry and Minister of Entrepreneurship and SME Development, and Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of Foreign Trade.
The new facilities include the country’s first square tube production plant, operated by the Société de Transformation de Fer (SOTRAFER), with a production capacity of 1,500 tonnes per month.
Vinmart also inaugurated a manufacturing unit for armoured electrical cables operated by Mining Engineering Services (MES).
The plant has the capacity to produce between 100 and 120 kilometres of smaller-section cables and 130 to 150 kilometres of larger-section cables.
A third facility will manufacture electrical transformers, supporting demand from the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
Supporting Local Industrial Development
Speaking at the ceremony, Justin Kalumba Mwana Ngongo praised Vinmart Group’s investment in local processing and manufacturing, saying the projects align with the government’s broader strategy to promote industrialisation, economic diversification and greater domestic value creation.
Julien Paluku Kahongya highlighted the economic contribution of the group’s activities, noting their role in employment creation and industrial development.
He also called for continued efforts to strengthen the business environment, support local industries and promote Congolese-made products in domestic and international markets.
The minister said expanding manufacturing capacity would help increase the value generated from the country’s resources, reduce reliance on imported goods and encourage job creation across different sectors.
Strengthening DR Congo’s Manufacturing Base
The launch of the three production units reinforces Vinmart Group’s role in the DRC’s industrial sector and comes as the country seeks to accelerate local processing, improve supply chains and develop a stronger manufacturing base.
By producing steel components, electrical equipment and industrial materials locally, the new facilities are expected to contribute to the development of domestic industries and support ongoing efforts to increase the competitiveness of the Congolese economy.
