The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ARE) has approved two applications submitted by Beijing-based Green World Energie for a solar photovoltaic project in the Mutshatsha area of Lualaba province.

The project will have an installed capacity of 200 megawatt-peak (MWp) and include a battery storage system with a capacity of 581 megawatt-hours (MWh). It is designed to supply a steady 30 megawatts of power to the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex.

Kamoa Copper, the operator of the complex, signed a power purchase agreement with Green World Energie in early April 2025.

One of the approvals concerns an independent power producer licence, while the second covers the sale of electricity within the province. The authorisations were issued to Trésor Maneno, legal counsel for Green World Energie, clearing the way for the Minister of Energy to formally grant the production and sales licences.

Construction of the project has already begun ahead of the issuance of the licences. According to a project status report published in late October, construction was 46% complete at that time. Commercial commissioning is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.

The project runs in parallel with another solar-plus-storage development led by Nairobi-based CrossBoundary Energy DRC. Together, the two projects are expected to provide the Kamoa-Kakula complex with 60 MW of continuous power. CrossBoundary Energy DRC signed a power purchase agreement and launched construction at roughly the same time as Green World Energie. As of late October, construction on its project was 42% complete, with commercial commissioning also planned for the second quarter of 2026. The status of its regulatory approvals remains unclear.

Electricity demand at the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. According to projections published by developer Ivanhoe Mines, total demand is forecast to reach 347 MW by December 2028, up from 208 MW in December 2025. Under the company’s procurement plan, all of that power is expected to come from renewable sources.

Boaz Kabeya

Plusieurs véhicules de transport en commun n’ont pas circulé, le 26 janvier 2026, dans la ville de Kinshasa, en réaction aux nouvelles mesures annoncées par les autorités, a constaté Bankable. Cette situation a contraint de nombreux travailleurs, fonctionnaires, enseignants et élèves à parcourir de longues distances à pied dans plusieurs quartiers de la capitale.

Dans un communiqué publié le 19 janvier, le gouverneur de la ville-province de Kinshasa, Daniel Bumba, avait annoncé le lancement, à cette date, d’une opération de contrôle de conformité au Code de la route. Plus de 3 000 agents issus de la Police nationale et de différents services spécialisés du gouvernorat ont été déployés dans l’objectif de lutter contre les embouteillages, l’indiscipline routière et les accidents — des facteurs qui pénalisent, selon le gouverneur, la productivité, la qualité de vie et la sécurité dans la capitale.

D’après le communiqué, les contrôles portent notamment sur le permis de conduire, le contrôle technique, la vignette, l’autorisation de transport et l’assurance pour les véhicules destinés au transport en commun. Le gouvernorat insiste également sur l’obligation de respecter la grille tarifaire officielle. Les contrevenants s’exposent à des amendes, à l’immobilisation ou à la mise en fourrière de leurs véhicules.

À ces mesures s’ajoutent de nouvelles restrictions concernant les camions et les véhicules de livraison. Le gouverneur a précisé que les camions de 20 tonnes et plus, ainsi que les véhicules de livraison, ne pourront circuler que de 22 h à 5 h les lundis, mardis et mercredis. Les autres jours, les entrées dans la ville resteront autorisées de 22 h à 5 h, mais une fois à l’intérieur, ces véhicules pourront circuler, livrer et sortir sans limitation d’heures, dans le respect du Code de la route.

Cette disposition modifie partiellement la décision prise par le ministère de l’Économie en juin 2025, à la suite de trois semaines de grève des camionneurs provoquées par les restrictions de circulation. Le communiqué ministériel stipulait alors que tous les camions, quelle que soit leur charge ou leur configuration, étaient autorisés à sortir, circuler et livrer librement dans la ville de Kinshasa, à condition de respecter le Code de la route, tandis que les entrées dans la capitale demeuraient limitées à la plage horaire de 22 h à 5 h du matin.

Timothée Manoke

Lire aussi :

Kinshasa : fin de la grève des transporteurs, le ravitaillement reprend

L’Autorité de régulation de l’électricité (ARE) a remis à la société Green World Energie, basée à Pékin (Chine), deux avis conformes relatifs à un projet de centrale solaire photovoltaïque d’une capacité de 200 mégawatts-crête (MWc), intégrant un système de stockage par batteries de 581 mégawattheures (MWh), à implanter dans le territoire de Mutshatsha, dans la province du Lualaba. Cette centrale, d’une puissance constante de 30 MW, doit alimenter le complexe cuprifère de Kamoa-Kakula. Un contrat d’achat d’électricité a été signé début avril 2025 entre Kamoa Copper, opérateur du complexe, et Green World Energie.

Le premier avis concerne la demande de licence de production indépendante d’électricité, tandis que le second porte sur la licence de commercialisation de l’électricité dans la même province. Ces documents ont été remis à Me Trésor Maneno, avocat-conseil de Green World Energie. Ils ouvrent la voie à la signature, par le ministre de l’Énergie, des licences de production et de commercialisation d’électricité.

Mais, sans attendre la délivrance de ces documents, Green World Energie a déjà débuté les travaux de construction de l’infrastructure. Selon le dernier état d’avancement du projet, publié fin octobre dernier, son taux de réalisation atteignait 46 %, et sa mise en service commerciale est prévue pour le deuxième trimestre 2026.

Ce projet est jumeau à un autre porté par CrossBoundary Energy DRC, basée à Nairobi (Kenya). Ensemble, ils visent à doter Kamoa-Kakula d’une puissance continue de 60 MW. CrossBoundary Energy DRC a également signé un contrat d’achat d’énergie et lancé les travaux quasiment au même moment. Fin octobre, le taux d’avancement de ce second projet était de 42 %, et sa mise en service est également prévue pour le deuxième trimestre 2026. Mais, pour l’heure, on ignore où en est l’entreprise dans ses démarches administratives.

La demande d’électricité du complexe cuprifère Kamoa-Kakula devrait augmenter de manière significative dans les prochaines années. Selon les projections publiées par son développeur Ivanhoe Mines, la demande totale atteindra 347 MW en décembre 2028, contre 208 MW en décembre 2025. Selon son plan d’approvisionnement, toute cette énergie devrait provenir de sources vertes.

Boaz Kabeya

Lire aussi :

Kamoa-Kakula : la demande électrique projetée à 347 MW d’ici fin 2028

Solaire : le Chinois Hongfuhan prêt à investir 158 millions $ pour Kamoa-Kakula

Électricité : Kamoa Copper projette d’installer 120 MW de solaire sur son site minier

A project to modernise public transportation through the introduction of electric buses is under review in Kasai-Oriental province, according to the provincial governor’s office after an official meeting in Mbujimayi.

On Jan. 23, 2026, Governor Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo received a delegation from StarCharge at his official residence. The delegation was led by Andrew Tan, the company’s regional head for Africa and the Pacific. According to the governor’s office, the initiative follows discussions launched during the governor’s official visit to China in November 2024, which explored the possibility of technical and financial partnerships to address urban mobility challenges in the province.

During the Jan. 23 meeting, the two sides discussed assessing local conditions for the creation of a public transport company built around electric mobility. “At its core, the project is green electric mobility. It includes not only electric buses, but also energy production from renewable sources such as solar and wind, as well as the design of charging stations. It is an entire development chain that can also benefit schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure,” Tan said.

The governor’s office said a team of StarCharge engineers has already been deployed on the ground to carry out feasibility studies. The work includes assessing costs, implementation timelines and the different operational phases, in coordination with provincial technical services.

No amount or definitive schedule has been communicated at this stage. However, the provincial executive mentioned 2026 as the target year for completion, subject to the conclusions of the ongoing studies and the structuring of the partnership.

StarCharge is a Chinese company specialising in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and related mobility solutions. It operates networks of charging stations and develops energy management platforms. Its operations are mainly concentrated in China, where it works with several automakers and companies in the new energy sector.

Boaz Kabeya

Un projet de modernisation du transport public par l’introduction de bus électriques est actuellement à l’étude dans la province du Kasaï Oriental, selon des informations communiquées par le gouvernorat provincial à l’issue d’une rencontre officielle tenue à Mbujimayi.

Le 23 janvier 2026, le gouverneur Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo a reçu, à sa résidence officielle, une délégation de StarCharge, conduite par Andrew Tan, responsable de la zone Afrique et Pacifique. Selon le communiqué du gouvernorat, cette initiative s’inscrit dans le prolongement des discussions entamées lors de la mission officielle du gouverneur en Chine, en novembre 2024, qui avait porté sur la possibilité de nouer des partenariats techniques et financiers pour répondre aux défis de la mobilité urbaine dans la province.

Lors de l’échange du 23 janvier, il a été question d’évaluer les conditions locales de création d’une société de transport public fondée sur la mobilité électrique. « Le cœur de ce projet est la mobilité électrique verte. Il s’agit non seulement des bus électriques, mais aussi de la production d’énergie à partir de sources renouvelables comme le solaire et l’éolien, ainsi que de la conception de stations de recharge. C’est toute une chaîne de développement qui peut aussi bénéficier aux écoles, aux hôpitaux et à d’autres infrastructures publiques », a expliqué Andrew Tan.

Selon les services du gouverneur, une équipe d’ingénieurs de StarCharge aurait déjà été déployée sur le terrain pour conduire des études de faisabilité. Ces travaux portent sur l’évaluation des coûts, des délais de mise en œuvre et des différentes phases opérationnelles, en coordination avec les services techniques provinciaux.

Aucun montant ni calendrier définitif n’a été communiqué à ce stade, même si l’exécutif provincial évoque 2026 comme année de concrétisation, sous réserve des conclusions des études en cours et de la structuration du partenariat.

StarCharge est un acteur chinois spécialisé dans les infrastructures de recharge pour véhicules électriques et les solutions de mobilité associées. L’entreprise opère des réseaux de bornes de recharge et développe des plateformes de gestion énergétique, avec une présence principalement concentrée sur le marché chinois, où elle collabore avec plusieurs constructeurs automobiles et acteurs du secteur des énergies nouvelles.

Boaz Kabeya

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Mobilité verte : Vingroup veut introduire plus de 60 000 véhicules électriques à Kinshasa

Transport en commun : Kinshasa attend près de 500 nouveaux bus

Developing DRCPass, the national digital identification system for the Democratic Republic of Congo, requires $97.1 million in capital expenditure. These costs cover only the equipment, systems, infrastructure, and facilities needed for deployment, according to a Ministry of Planning document.

The project is structured as a public-private partnership signed in June 2025 between the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and New Information and Communication Technologies and the Singaporean company Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. This agreement followed the validation of the proposal by the PPP Management Consulting and Coordination Unit (UC-PPP) a little over a month earlier. The deal makes Trident the exclusive provider of the country's electronic identification services (e-KYC), based on Web 3.0 technologies. The Ministry of Planning document indicates the partnership runs for a 20-year term.

At this stage, no communication from the government or Trident

There has been no communication from the government or Trident so far specifying whether the company must raise the full amount of funding for the partnership. In a press release issued on Sept. 16, 2025, Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd announced it had raised $2.6 million. The company said the funds would mainly support the expansion and commercialization of DRCPass in the DRC. Separately, President Félix Tshisekedi announced on Sept. 26, 2025, a $1 billion public investment under the National Digital Development Plan for the 2026-2030 period. This plan includes the rollout of a digital identity for citizens and residents.

The DRCPass system is built around four priority use cases. It is intended to enable biometric authentication for SIM cards linked to a blockchain-verified identity to reduce fake registrations and fraud risks. It will also provide easier access to e-government platforms and online services through a single identifier for all digital public services. For financial services, the system will integrate a one-click e-KYC solution with automated risk assessment and immediate access to credit services to strengthen financial inclusion. Finally, it will serve as a secure digital identity document for public and private transactions, as a complement to physical documents.

Timothée Manoke

Pour développer le DRCPass, qui constitue le système national d’identification numérique de la RDC, les besoins en investissements (CAPEX) c’est-à-dire les dépenses strictement liées aux équipements, aux systèmes, aux infrastructures et aux installations nécessaires au déploiement s’élèvent à 97,1 millions de dollars, selon un document du ministère du Plan.

Ce projet fait l’objet d’un partenariat public-privé signé en juin 2025 entre le ministère des Postes, Télécommunications et Nouvelles technologies de l’information et de la communication et la société singapourienne Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd, un peu plus d’un mois après la validation du dossier par l’Unité de conseil et de coordination de la gestion des PPP (UC-PPP). L’accord attribue à Trident le rôle de fournisseur exclusif des services électroniques d’identification (e-KYC) de la République, fondés sur des technologies Web 3.0. Le document du ministère du Plan indique que le PPP porte sur une durée de vingt ans.

À ce stade, aucune communication du gouvernement ou de Trident ne précise si l’entreprise devra mobiliser l’intégralité du financement lié au PPP. Dans un communiqué publié le 16 septembre 2025, Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd a toutefois annoncé avoir levé 2,6 millions de dollars, précisant que ces fonds seraient principalement utilisés pour soutenir l’expansion et la commercialisation du DRCPass en RDC. Parallèlement, le président Félix Tshisekedi a annoncé, le 26 septembre 2025, un investissement public d’un milliard de dollars destiné au Plan national de développement du numérique pour la période 2026-2030, au sein duquel figure notamment la création d’une identité numérique pour les citoyens et résidents.

Le DRCPass repose sur quatre usages prioritaires. Il doit permettre l’authentification biométrique des cartes SIM, associée à une identité vérifiée par blockchain, dans l’objectif de réduire les lignes fictives et les risques de fraude. Il offrira également un accès simplifié aux plateformes d’e-gouvernement et aux services en ligne, grâce à un identifiant unique permettant la connexion à l’ensemble des services publics numériques. Sur le plan financier, le système intégrera une solution d’e-KYC en un clic, avec évaluation automatisée du risque et accès immédiat à des services de crédit afin de renforcer l’inclusion financière. Il servira enfin de pièce d’identité numérique sécurisée, complémentaire aux documents physiques, pour les transactions publiques et privées.

Timothée Manoke

Lire aussi :

Identification numérique : Trident lève 2,6 millions $ pour déployer le DRCPass

Numérique: Tshisekedi promet un milliard $ d’investissement public d’ici 2030

Alphamin Resources Corp said tin production at its Bisie mine in North Kivu rose 7% year on year to 18,576 tonnes in the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2025.

Output was broadly in line with the company’s revised guidance of 18,000 to 18,500 tonnes, after operations were temporarily suspended in March 2025 for security reasons.

EBITDA rose 25% to $341.4 million in 2025 from $274.0 million in 2024, Alphamin said, citing higher volumes, the impact of extensions at Mpama South and a higher average selling price.

The company said current tin prices and stable output should support cash flow and could allow for higher dividends. It said it paid $123 million in dividends in 2025, or C$0.11 per share, compared with C$0.09 in 2024. It expects to decide on its next dividend in April 2026 after publishing audited accounts.

Tin prices were expected to rise about 10% in 2025 to $33,000 per tonne from $30,066 in 2024, according to World Bank projections. Tin hit a record high of around $53,460 per tonne on Jan. 14, market data showed, amid supply concerns including in Indonesia and Myanmar.

Targets 20,000 tonnes in 2026

In Indonesia, authorities announced an operation to shut about 1,000 illegal mining sites in Bangka Belitung, a move likely to tighten supply from informal channels. Indonesia accounts for roughly one-sixth of global tin mine production, according to international statistics.

In Myanmar, the Man Maw mine remains central to regional supply. Authorities in the Wa region have signalled a possible restart, but administrative delays and operational uncertainty have kept the market volatile.

While demand from electronics, soldering, packaging and chemicals, as well as electrification-related uses, continues to support prices, some analysts have pointed to the growing influence of financial factors. The International Tin Association (ITA) has warned that the market can become vulnerable to corrections when fund positioning is elevated, even when supply is disrupted.

For 2026, Alphamin targets production of about 20,000 tonnes, in line with its targeted annualised rate. The company said achieving that goal depends on uninterrupted operations, and noted a resurgence of security incidents in North Kivu. The mine is located away from the worst-affected areas, but the risk remains high and a deterioration could disrupt activity.

PM, with Ecofin Agency

Exploitée par Alphamin Resources, la mine d’étain de Bisie (Nord-Kivu) affiche une production de 18 576 tonnes d’étain pour l’exercice clos au 31 décembre 2025, soit une hausse de 7 % sur un an. Cette performance est globalement conforme à sa guidance révisée (18 000 à 18 500 tonnes), après une suspension temporaire des opérations en mars 2025 pour des raisons de sécurité.

Sur le plan financier, le bénéfice avant intérêts, impôts, dépréciation et amortissement (EBITDA) est annoncé à 341,4 millions de dollars en 2025, en hausse de 25 % par rapport aux 274,0 millions de dollars enregistrés en 2024, grâce à l’augmentation des volumes, à l’effet des extensions (Mpama Sud) et à un prix moyen de vente en progression.

Alphamin estime que la combinaison du cours actuel de l’étain et de la stabilité de la production est « de bon augure » pour les flux de trésorerie et, potentiellement, pour la hausse des dividendes. En 2025, la société indique avoir versé 123 millions de dollars de dividendes, soit 0,11 dollar canadien par action (contre 0,09 en 2024). La prochaine décision sur les dividendes est attendue en avril 2026, après la publication des comptes audités.

Selon les données publiées par la compagnie, le prix moyen de l’étain a augmenté de 13% en 2025 à 34 388 dollars. Début 2026, l’étain a franchi un niveau historique autour de 53 460 dollars la tonne, le 14 janvier, selon des séries de marché largement reprises par les acteurs. Une partie du rallye s’explique par des inquiétudes sur l’offre, notamment en Indonésie et au Myanmar.

20 000 tonnes visées en 2026

En Indonésie, les autorités ont annoncé une opération visant à fermer environ 1 000 sites d’extraction illégale à Bangka Belitung, un élément susceptible de peser sur le flux d’approvisionnement informel. À l’échelle mondiale, l’Indonésie représente autour d’un sixième de la production minière d’étain.

Au Myanmar, la mine de Man Maw un pivot de l’offre régionale reste au cœur des anticipations : les autorités de la région Wa ont multiplié les signaux de reprise, mais les modalités administratives et les incertitudes opérationnelles entretiennent la volatilité.

Si la demande structurelle (électronique/soudure, emballage, chimie, et nouveaux usages liés à l’électrification) soutient le métal, plusieurs analyses insistent sur le rôle croissant des facteurs financiers. L’International Tin Association (ITA) souligne que le marché peut devenir vulnérable à des corrections lorsque le positionnement des fonds atteint des niveaux élevés, même en présence de chocs d’offre.

Pour 2026, Alphamin vise une production d’environ 20 000 tonnes, un niveau correspondant à son rythme annualisé ciblé. Mais l’atteinte de cet objectif dépendra de la continuité des opérations. La société affirme observer une recrudescence d’incidents sécuritaires dans la province du Nord-Kivu : la mine est éloignée des zones les plus touchées, mais le profil de risque reste élevé et une dégradation pourrait perturber l’activité.

PM avec l’Agence Ecofin

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Étain : hausse des prix jusqu’en 2027, mais la RDC reste à la marge de la valeur ajoutée

The Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX), which represents over 600 companies, recently concluded a high-level trade mission to Kinshasa from December 15 to 17, 2025. This mission aimed to revitalize economic exchange between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Morocco. This is a strategic priority because bilateral trade has remained sluggish and volatile, fluctuating between $37 million and $60 million in recent years.

In this exclusive interview, Kawtar Raji, Secretary General of ASMEX, outlines the mission’s core priorities. As a Moroccan attorney and co-founder of the law firm Gauvin & Raji, which has operated in the DRC since 2023, Raji also discusses the essential frameworks needed to turn "South-South" ambitions into tangible and long-term business ventures.

Bankable: From December 15 to 17, you led a diverse ASMEX delegation representing sectors such as engineering, agribusiness, and digital technology on a mission to the DRC. What were the specific objectives behind this initiative?

Kawtar Raji: I led this mission on behalf of the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX) as a first step in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the DRC’s National Investment Promotion Agency (ANAPI) in July 2023. The agreement sets out a framework to strengthen ties between Moroccan and Congolese business leaders by identifying opportunities, supporting companies, and organizing economic events.

The mission we carried out last December also underscores Morocco’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Ultimately, we want to raise our economic partnership to match the long-standing friendship between Morocco and the DRC.

Despite the tight timetable ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, we decided to proceed with the mission because we wanted to send a clear message to business communities in both countries. The message was clear. Both sides are determined to move forward together, expanding the presence of Moroccan companies in the DRC while welcoming Congolese businesses to Morocco in return.

This progress was made possible thanks to ANAPI’s strong support at every stage, from planning and logistics to arranging meetings with public authorities and key economic partners.

In that regard, this mission officially launched our partnership with ANAPI. Further missions will follow, with the aim of organizing a flagship event such as a major economic forum in 2026. We focused on sectors aligned with the DRC’s priorities and where ASMEX members are keen to explore the Congolese market. Going forward, we are working with ANAPI to identify additional strategic sectors beyond infrastructure and construction to include in upcoming missions.

After this first mission, what concrete indicators, whether contractual, relational, or institutional, show that the initiative was successful?

Several indicators point to encouraging early results from this mission. First, we received strong institutional support. We met with two ministers: His Excellency Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Minister of Planning. Both reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to supporting economic cooperation and to making trade between our two countries easier. For Moroccan business leaders, that message matters because it provides reassurance that the institutional environment is supportive and open to dialogue.

The Moroccan private sector is looking for long-term, sustainable partnerships that create value on both sides.

Second, the B2B meetings were well attended and highly productive. Many Congolese companies came to meet our exporters and showed strong interest. I am confident these discussions will translate into concrete outcomes.

Third, our cooperation with ANAPI continues to gain momentum. We plan to deepen this partnership through sector-focused B2B missions and by building a pipeline of investment and co-investment projects in the DRC. ASMEX can then help mobilize Moroccan investors around these opportunities. In addition, the Congolese Agency for Large Works (ACGT) presented several promising projects, particularly in infrastructure.

Ultimately, our goal is to build a strong and lasting partnership between Morocco and the DRC.

After the mission, do Congolese buyers see “Made in Morocco” as premium, or more as a competitively priced alternative for the local market?

That is a great question. We are still at an early stage, and both sides are in a market discovery phase. This will help us identify the most promising segments and clarify where Moroccan products fit in terms of price and quality.

Some exporters in our delegation are already active in the DRC and are looking to strengthen and expand their presence. However, most were visiting the market for the first time to build new business relationships. As these partnerships develop, we will be able to assess more clearly how our products and services align with local purchasing power and expectations.

From what you’ve said, you’re not just looking for short-term deals. Is the long-term objective to position Morocco as an industrial and technology partner for the DRC?

Exactly. The Moroccan private sector is looking for long-term, sustainable partnerships that create value on both sides. The vision set out by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is clear: Morocco must help build win-win cooperation across the African continent.

Intra-African trade is still relatively low, at around 15 percent. That is sharply different from regions such as Europe and Asia, where most trade happens within the region. The challenge for African businesses is to unlock this potential by building stronger commercial and industrial partnerships across borders.

I believe Morocco and the DRC can play a leading role in that effort, given their shared history, strategic position, and economic weight. This is also fully in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

What is the current legal framework for trade between Morocco and the DRC? And what needs to happen for trade to move under AfCFTA preferences?

In principle, trade between our two countries can qualify under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), provided both Morocco and the DRC have ratified the agreement and put in place their tariff concession schedules. The key issue is ensuring Moroccan and Congolese exporters can effectively benefit from these preferences while complying with rules of origin and the agreed tariff reduction timelines.

Just a few days before our arrival in the DRC, Morocco hosted a business forum on the AfCFTA. Several African ministers attended, including the Congolese Minister of Foreign Trade. Those discussions confirmed a shared commitment to accelerating regional integration through the AfCFTA framework.

There is sometimes a misunderstanding about the situation in the DRC, often linked to confusion about insecurity in the eastern part of the country. We need to reassure partners and clarify that while there is conflict, it is limited to one region, and most of the country continues to function normally.

That said, we cannot wait for every AfCFTA mechanism to be fully in place before expanding trade. We also discussed the option of a bilateral trade agreement with the Congolese Minister of Foreign Trade. A dedicated bilateral framework would send a strong signal and could deliver clearer and faster outcomes for businesses in both countries.

Since the ANAPI agreement was signed, several Moroccan companies, including major banks, have carried out exploratory visits. Yet concrete deals have been slow to follow. What is holding things back?

Unfortunately, there is sometimes a misunderstanding about the situation in the DRC, often linked to confusion about insecurity in the eastern part of the country. We need to reassure partners and clarify that while there is conflict, it is limited to one region, and most of the country continues to function normally.

Another factor is the absence of key bilateral agreements, particularly on double taxation and investment protection. These instruments would improve legal certainty for investors by complementing the existing Congolese legal framework, including the Investment Code. They would also send a strong signal and help accelerate decision-making. I am confident that trade and investment will increase once these frameworks are in place.

That said, ASMEX has not waited for these agreements to be finalized before taking action. We are on the ground to show Moroccan investors and exporters that real opportunities exist in the DRC, and that the market should be approached with a strategic, long-term perspective.

Do you know what is delaying the signing of these bilateral agreements?

Finalizing these agreements requires a meeting of the Morocco-DRC joint commission to finalize the terms. To our knowledge, the commission is expected to meet soon. That should allow both sides to complete a package of bilateral agreements, which would then be ready for signature by both heads of state.

The DRC has a population of more than 100 million, with growing food demand. How do you approach agribusiness, and do you see scope for joint ventures to produce locally?

Our approach is based on co-development. The DRC has enormous agricultural potential, particularly because of the scale of its arable land. By combining that with Moroccan expertise, agricultural inputs, and investment capacity, we can develop high-impact projects that strengthen food security and also supply regional markets.

This potential will be even stronger as legal and regulatory reforms move forward and the business climate continues to improve. That will create real opportunities for Moroccan investors, including joint ventures for local production.

Beyond mining, where do you see the biggest opportunities? Which sectors should Moroccan companies focus on?

Yes, opportunities go well beyond mining. I would highlight infrastructure and construction, including major urban development projects such as Kinshasa’s expansion. Moroccan companies have recognized expertise in these areas and can compete effectively alongside Chinese and Turkish firms.

Energy is another strategic sector. Morocco has long been committed to the energy transition and has strong experience in renewables. That expertise can be leveraged to support the DRC’s needs.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors also offer significant potential, from improving access to care to building local capacity for medicine production and distribution, as well as upgrading hospital infrastructure.

Morocco also has extensive experience in banking and finance across Africa. Bank of Africa is already present in the DRC, and other institutions could follow to further strengthen the country’s financial sector.

The DRC is a demanding market that takes time to build, and it rewards those who are prepared to move forward cautiously.

Finally, Morocco has major industrial players and a strategic geographic position linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas, supported by an attractive network of free trade agreements. The objective is to develop Moroccan-Congolese joint ventures while also attracting international investors who can use Morocco as a base and then expand into the DRC.

Your firm, Gauvin & Raji, has been established in Kinshasa since 2023. What legal or strategic advice would you give to Moroccan companies looking to establish a long-term presence in the DRC?

First, identify a trusted local partner. While there is generally no legal requirement to partner with a local entity, except in certain areas such as subcontracting, understanding the local business environment, practices, and decision-making dynamics is essential to launching successfully.

Second, protect your partnership and your operations from day one. That means working with a law firm that can safeguard the investor’s interests. In a joint venture, for example, the articles of association and shareholders’ agreement must be carefully drafted. Each party’s rights should be clearly defined, and governance must be designed to avoid deadlock. Strong legal structuring is critical to reducing risk and ensuring long-term stability.

Our approach is to get involved early by connecting companies, identifying opportunities, and structuring joint ventures. We then provide ongoing legal support to help prevent disputes and secure investments over the long term.

The DRC is often described as a challenging business environment. As a legal professional based there since 2023, how do you assess the business climate today?

I follow developments closely, including the reforms already underway, those planned next, and the clear commitment to improving the business environment. A lawyer’s role is not only to identify legal risks, but also to manage them through the right contractual protections and governance structures.

For investors, the question is not only what still needs to improve, but how to take a long-term view and be part of the market’s transformation. There is real momentum, and it is reflected in improving economic indicators and sustained interest from international partners. The IMF, the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and other institutions have signaled continued confidence in the country. There is also a strategic agreement between the DRC and the United States that is currently being finalized.

The DRC is a demanding market that takes time to build, and it rewards those who are prepared to move forward cautiously.

Interview by Aboudi Ottou