DRC Reaffirms Plan to Become Africa’s Mining and Industrial Hub

At African Mining Week 2025, Minister Louis Watum Kabamba said DRC aims to be Africa’s mining hub, calling for sustainable and value-adding partnerships.

10/3/25, 6:36 AM

Written By |

Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

Political Analyst

Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

At the opening of African Mining Week 2025 in Cape Town, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reaffirmed its determination to transform the country into Africa’s leading mining and industrial hub.

Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba presented Congo’s mining vision for sustainable growth and regional leadership.

Solidarity in Time of War

The minister began his speech by expressing solidarity with victims of war in eastern Congo and around the world, stressing that “2025 must be about unity, cooperation, and investment in the future of our children, not new wars.”

Unlocking Congo’s Mining Wealth

Kabamba emphasized that over 90% of Congo’s mineral wealth remains untapped, calling for responsible and sustainable partnerships.

“The DRC is reaching out to partners ready to invest in Africa, build value chains in Africa, and create prosperity for our people,” he said.

He highlighted Congo’s unique advantages:

Abundant mineral reserves including cobalt, lithium, copper, iron, coltan.
A strategic location at the heart of Africa, with nine neighboring states.
A young and growing workforce, with 60% of the population under 25.
An attractive tax system and proximity to global markets.

From Extraction to Industrialization

The minister stressed the need to go beyond raw exports by:

Expanding exploration and production capacity.
Developing infrastructure and transport.
Investing in training and local skills.
Promoting inclusion of youth and women in the mining sector.

A Pan-African Vision

Kabamba linked Congo’s mining strategy to the African Union’s African Mining Vision 2050, which seeks to transform natural resources into engines of industrialization and continental renaissance.

Congo’s Commitment

In closing, the minister reaffirmed the DRC’s long-term ambition:

“The future is here. The future is now. The DRC is reaching out to committed partners to build sustainable, equitable, and shared growth — for our people, for Africa, and for the world.”