The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made a powerful statement in Washington, D.C., as Minister of Mines Louis Kabamba Watum led the country’s delegation at the U.S.-DRC Economic Forum — an event that highlighted the nation’s determination to attract investment, boost local mineral processing, and accelerate economic diversification.
Officially opened by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the forum brought together high-level representatives from government, finance, and industry across both nations. The DRC’s message was clear: it aims to turn its mineral wealth into a foundation for industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth.
Unlocking Local Value and Global Partnerships
In meetings with a former World Bank director and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Minister Watum outlined the DRC’s initiatives to channel mining revenues into productive local value chains — a strategy designed to strengthen the African middle class and stimulate inclusive development.
Watum also engaged with executives from Vitol, the global energy trading leader, who expressed interest in expanding partnerships with Congolese state-owned enterprises such as Gécamines. The discussions centered on copper, iron, and aluminum — minerals vital to the global energy transition. Follow-up technical sessions are already planned in Kinshasa to explore deeper collaboration.
Ensuring Transparency in Strategic Transactions
An international consortium has shown interest in acquiring the assets of Chemaf, one of the DRC’s key cobalt and copper producers. Minister Watum emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, national interest protection, and balanced negotiations.
“The priority is to safeguard Gécamines’ strategic assets while promoting a win-win framework that benefits both investors and the Congolese people,” he affirmed.
Driving Digital Transformation Through Innovation
A major highlight of the mission was the DRC’s progress in digitalizing its mining sector. Minister Watum held talks with leading U.S. technology companies about the Kinshasa Mercantile Exchange (KME) — a blockchain-powered digital commodities platform designed to enhance mineral traceability, strengthen transparency, and modernize global trade in Congolese resources.
Expanding the DRC’s Institutional Footprint in the U.S.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Center for Expertise, Evaluation, and Certification (CEEC) officially launched its first representative office in Washington, D.C.. This office will streamline certification processes, facilitate export transactions, and deepen cooperation between U.S. stakeholders and Congolese authorities.
This milestone underscores the DRC’s proactive approach to economic diplomacy and its intent to attract long-term, responsible investment in critical minerals.
A Renewed Vision for the Mining Future
Under President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s leadership, the DRC is reshaping its extractive sector into a model of transparency, innovation, and inclusive growth.
“Congo is back,” declared Minister Watum, encapsulating the spirit of a nation poised to reclaim its rightful place in the global strategic metals economy.
