News (161)
A week ago, Ahmed Mukuna, the quaestor of the Haut-Katanga provincial assembly, led a delegation to a Coordination Unity of the Transforme Project. Mukuna went to find out why Lubumbashi was excluded from the program. This initiative, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), overlooked the capital of Haut-Katanga, despite its participation in the pilot phase of the project, the PADMPME.
Alexis Mangala, the project's National Coordinator, explained that the financing agreement signed with the World Bank in June 2022 dictates which towns will benefit. Currently, only Bukavu, Bunia, Goma, Kananga, Kinshasa, Matadi, Mbuji-Mayi, and the Kasangulu-Muanda Corridor are included.
During the visit, the Haut-Katanga delegation said it would keep pledging its case with the Minister of Finance and the World Bank. They emphasized that this support is crucial for local SMEs, which have protested against the exclusion.
This appeal comes at a time when several cities involved in Transforme have been affected by renewed tensions following an offensive by M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies that began in January 2025. Bukavu and Goma, the capitals of South and North Kivu respectively, are currently under rebel control, threatening economic activities. Meanwhile, Lubumbashi is stable and seems like a viable alternative for the project. However, incorporating Lubumbashi into Transforme would necessitate a revision of the existing financing agreement with the World Bank.
The program directly supports businesses and aims to foster a sturdier entrepreneurial ecosystem. Beneficiaries will be selected through a business plan competition, with three competitions planned between September 2024 and June 2027 to support 800 SMEs and establish 3,050 new businesses. The initiative also aims for 60% female participation among winners and partly focuses on climate resilience.
This article was initially published in French by Boaz Kabeya (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The price of Arabica coffee, a key export for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has surged on international markets. According to Reuters, As of February 12, 2025, Arabica futures were trading at approximately $4 per pound, or $8.80 per kilogram.
The surge is mainly attributed to rising transaction costs on the ICE exchange, where margins have been raised by 10% to $10,410 per contract nearly double what they were a year ago. As a result, many traders have liquidated their positions, further driving up prices.
The DRC's Ministry of Foreign Trade reported a 7.89% rise in the price of a kilogram of Arabica coffee on international markets. Between February 10 and 15, 2025, the price climbed to $7.38, up from $6.84 the previous week.
A study by the University of Liège in Belgium suggests that higher international coffee prices could benefit Congolese producers. However, the country’s eastern region, where most coffee is produced, is currently at the heart of conflicts opposing the Congolese army to invaders–M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies. The storm threatens the Arabica coffee-producing areas in North and South Kivu and Ituri. The invaders have already taken over Bukavu and Goma, the provincial capitals of South Kivu and North Kivu.
Beyond the conflict, the coffee sector grapples with numerous challenges including low productivity, deteriorating infrastructure, and rampant illegal exports. In Ituri province alone, over 80% of the coffee produced is clandestinely exported to neighboring countries, according to recent data from the Office National des Produits Agricoles du Congo (ONAPAC), limiting potential income for the DRC.
The country produced 12,422 tonnes of coffee in 2023, up from 10,729 tons in 2022. According to the data, disclosed by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), Robusta made up over 70% of the output in 2023, and the rest was Arabica.
This article was initially published in French by Boaz Kabeya(intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The projected value of measured copper and copper reserves of the Mutanda mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is $72 billion. Glencore, the Anglo-Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining company, recently disclosed the estimate in its 2024 reserves and resources report.
Based on estimated potential, mineral deposits fall under three classifications: measured reserves, which offer high reliability; indicated reserves, which are reliable but require further confirmation; and inferred reserves, which are less certain.
According to Glencore's latest report, Mutanda boasts measured reserves of 197 million tonnes of ore with a copper grade of 1.94%, yielding a total of 3.8 million tonnes of copper. The cobalt grade in this category is 0.61%, translating to approximately 1.2 million tonnes. By applying the market value of mineral contracts deliverable in one year (February 2026) to these measured reserves, Glencore estimates $41 billion for copper and $31 billion for cobalt, totaling $72 billion.
These projections could change, based on factors like actual resource extraction, complex financial modeling, and the terms of sales contracts over time.
The Mutanda mine is 40 km from Kolwezi, the capital city of Lualaba Province in the southern part of the DRC. Glencore owns 95% of the asset, against 70% of the Kamoto project. The Anglo-Swiss firm has secured two permits valid until 2037 for Mutanda, with the mine's lifespan potentially extending to 20 years pending further investment.
In contrast, the latest report from Kamoto does not mention measured resources but reveals indicated resources that still require further study estimated at 10.4 million tonnes of copper and 1.5 million tonnes of cobalt suggesting a potential mining life of around 15 years.
The figures could spark local stakeholders’ interest, including the Congolese government, which collects taxes and royalties on industrial mines. After smelling opportunity, subcontractors and suppliers linked to Glencore's regional operations could also flock to the project.
This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The long-awaited Mbombo hydropower station project is underway. Construction works for the station were kicked off on 15 February 2025 by Joseph Moïse Kambulu Nkonko, governor of the Kasaï-Central province which houses the station.
Located on the Lulua River, about 9.3 miles (15 km) from downtown Kananga, the station should have an installed capacity of 10 MW. It will enable more people in the region to have electricity. For now, it is not officially known how many direct and indirect jobs the project will create, nor how many people it will benefit.
Set to cost up to $35 million, the plant will be managed by the Agence Nationale de l'Électrification et des Services Énergétiques en Milieux Rural et Périurbain (ANSER). Established in 2016, ANSER is responsible for electrifying areas that lack private funding.
The project should be completed in under 24 months, with a target delivery date in February 2027. Provincial authorities urge residents to follow the plant’s construction, closely. Governor Kambulu emphasized that the project's success hinges on community vigilance and commitment, highlighting the importance of transparency and diligence in implementing this vital infrastructure.
This article was initially published in French by Boaz Kabeya (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL), the public power utility of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), owes over $3 billion, more than three times its sales in 2022. The African Development Bank (AfDB) recently disclosed the figure in its Compact Énergétique National report.
According to the source, SNEL’s debt breaks down into financial debt (over 75%), commercial debt (13%), tax obligations (11%), and social debt (0.3%). Financial debt alone exceeds $2 billion; and stems from mining contracts (42%) and multilateral investment banks (58%).
The Congolese government has committed to restructuring SNEL's commercial and financial liabilities, which account for 88% of its total debt. The plan includes having technical and financial partners buy back portions of SNEL's domestic debt. A comprehensive restructuring study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
This debt restructuring is part of broader reforms to help SNEL fully cover operating costs by 2029. Planned initiatives include separating assets, accounts, and personnel according to value chain segments—production, transport, distribution, and retail—and implementing capacity-building programs and performance-based incentives. The government also intends to introduce a tax amnesty plan for SNEL's arrears to various financial authorities.
A regular payment mechanism for official institutions and other legitimate claimants should also be set up, alongside a new tariff regime designed to allow SNEL to cover its costs while delivering efficient services.
The utility’s financial woes are exacerbated by electricity tariffs that fall below recovery costs. Currently, electricity is billed at an average rate of $0.09 per kilowatt-hour, insufficient to meet operational expenses. Compounding these issues are payment arrears to public entities totaling around $110 million and a low bill collection rate–61% in 2022. This severely hampers SNEL's ability to invest in infrastructure maintenance and expansion, leading to high technical and non-technical losses estimated at 46% in 2022.
SNEL’s restructuring is part of a larger transformation within the DRC's energy sector. Through the National Energy Compact, the government aims to mobilize nearly $37 billion by 2030—approximately $20 billion from private sector investments—to enhance electricity access and modernize energy infrastructure. The goal is to boost the electrification rate, from 21.5% in 2024 to 62% (60 million people) by 2030.
This article was initially published in French by Timothée Manoke (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exported 6,642 tons of zinc between January and September 2024. Over the same period the year before, the country had exported 10.336 tons or 35.74% more, according to the Ministry of Mines.
So far, Congolese authorities have not officially explained what drove the drop. However, the trend could reverse this year, spurred by the ramp-up of the Kipushi mine, operated by Ivanhoe Mines.
Commissioned in July 2024, Kipushi delivered 50,307 tonnes of zinc concentrate during the year, achieving a monthly record of 14,900 tonnes in December, though still shy of its maximum capacity.
The outlook for 2025 is more optimistic. This year, Ivanhoe Mines expects the asset to produce between 180,000 and 240,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate. The burst should significantly boost the DRC’s exports and bolster its mining revenues.
This article was initially published in French by Olivier de Souza
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Two weeks ago, on February 7, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) adopted a battery of measures to "free substantial cash margins to be allocated to direct support for our armed forces” (ed.note: fighting M3 rebels in the east). The measures were adopted during the Council of Ministers held that day. According to the Council’s minutes, the measures include suspending car purchases for political, judicial, and related institutions, except security vehicles, ambulances, and tractors.
While the minutes do not quantify the expected savings, under the DRC’s 2025 Finance Law, around 333 billion Congolese francs (over $118 million) should be used to buy construction and transport equipment. This does not specify how much will be set aside for vehicle purchases.
Besides freezing vehicle purchases, the Congolese government plans budget cuts across several areas, including operating costs for political institutions and ministerial cabinets, as well as their economic interventions. Remuneration for members of public institutions, public representatives, and political cabinets will also be reduced, affecting both basic pay and permanent bonuses after taxation.
Some expenses will be suspended, notably medical evacuations and service missions, excluding those related to revenue mobilization, national security, or diplomatic actions directly related to the conflict in the east.
According to the government, these measures will not affect public investment in strategic infrastructure, such as roads, energy projects, the 145-Territory Development Plan (PDL-145T), roads, counterpart funds for projects financed by external donors, and tax revenue mobilization initiatives.
The government said it would introduce new rules to monitor the cuts and measures. They also plan to issue a weekly report tracking the measures. The document will submitted to the Head of State.
This article was initially published in French by Abigael Kayiba (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Mining sites in Masisi and Kalehe, respectively in North and South Kivu, have been classified as "red" zones, according to an order signed by Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba on February 12, 2025. This designation affects 38 mining concessions, particularly in the Rubaya and Nyabibwe sectors, where coltan and tin ore (cassiterite) are extracted.
"The exploitation and illicit trade in minerals organized by the aggressors establish an illegal supply chain," Pakabomba stated. "Considering that these illegal supply chains constitute the main source of financing for this war of aggression, it is necessary for the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to reconsider the status of certain miners."
Through the move, the Congolese government likely hopes to cut off funding sources for the M23 rebels and their Rwandan supporters. The new decree forbids mining in these "red" zones. This means minerals mined in these areas can no longer be sold legally.
The "red" designation will remain in effect for six months, during which the affected sites may undergo independent audits initiated by the Ministry of Mines or international organizations such as the UN or OECD.
M3 Rebels Gain Territory
Since M3 rebels and their Rwandan allies launched their assault in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on January 23, the Congolese side has reported over 3,000 casualties (and as many injured). The rebels already took over Goma and Bukavu, the respective capitals of North and South Kivu.
Last December, the United Nations (UN) published a report revealing that M23 rebels have been controlling the DRC’s Rubaya mine since late April 2024. The mine is "the largest coltan mine in the Great Lakes region," accounting for approximately 15% of global coltan production.
According to the UN report, at least 150 tons of coltan were smuggled each month from Rubaya to Rwanda, where it is mixed with local production, “leading to the most significant contamination of mineral supply chains across the Great Lakes region”.
This article was initially published in French by Emiliano Tossou
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The M23 rebels moved into Bukavu last Friday, February 14. The Rwanda-backed mercenaries entered South Kivu’s capital after seizing Kavumu airport, 30 km from Bukavu, according to various media outlets–local and international. This advance contradicts the M23's earlier claims and violates a ceasefire request by regional heads of state the week before last.
When the rebels entered Bukavu, President Félix Tshisekedi was on a diplomatic tour in Munich, Germany, where he claimed that Joseph Kabila, his predecessor, instigated the current crisis. The Congolese leader said Kabila doesn’t “dare to own his actions.”
Despite the ongoing conflict’s humanitarian, social, political, and economic implications, the DRC prioritizes diplomacy. On the sidelines of the Munich summit, President Tshisekedi held talks with the Belgian Foreign Minister and an envoy from Donald Trump
Amidst the conflict, the DRC’s airspace has been closed to Rwanda and mining was paused in rebel-controlled areas.
Pierre Mukoko
As the conflict between the M3 rebels and the Congolese army persists in the eastern region, the DR Congo government has mandated open and distance learning in public and private universities. The decision was formalized on February 6, via a decree signed by Higher Education Minister Marie-Thérèse Sombo. It took effect the same day.
“Open and distance learning constitutes a mode of teaching accessible to all and it doesn’t in-person teaching,” the decree reads. “It leverages information and communication technologies (ICT) to provide educational content, carry out learning activities, and conduct exams.”
At the Council of Ministers meeting on February 7, Minister Sombo presented distance learning as a “suitable solution for ensuring the continuity of courses despite the Rwandan aggression.”
However, implementing this approach requires urgent action, including deploying digital platforms for online courses, helping teachers and students to appropriate digital tools, and establishing partnerships to strengthen digital training and infrastructure. Safe learning centers should also be set up.
A major barrier to the e-learning project could be power disruption in the eastern region, as many power facilities have been damaged. This threatens the supply chain; a situation that could make running e-learning platforms harder. Internet connection quality, essential for e-learning, also poses a challenge.
The Congolese authorities said they would set up a special commission to oversee the e-learning project to ensure adaptation to local realities and challenges from instability in certain provinces. The commission will also monitor and evaluate the impact of the measures, adjusting the strategy as needed.
While primarily an emergency response, the project could birth a more modern education system in the DRC. Increased use of digital technology could strengthen the sector's resilience and promote wider access to education, particularly in remote or conflict-affected areas.
This article was initially published in French by Olivier de Souza
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
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During the February 7th council of ministers, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported a drop in suspected Mpox cases nationwide, from 2,707 to 1,842 in the fourth week of the outbreak. "The trend indicates that the measures implemented to combat this epidemic are beginning to produce positive effects," the council’s minutes note.
The U.S. significantly helped the DRC tackle the crisis. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided 50,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine and last year, the U.S. provided the African country $10 million to better handle the health situation.
In late January, Japan also contributed 50,000 doses of the LC16 vaccine and bifurcated needles. This was Japan’s first shipment out of three million doses requested by the DRC.
On February 11, the Ministry of Health announced that Canada would donate 200,000 doses of vaccine next week, facilitated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. These vaccines will be distributed according to the Access and Allocation Mechanism established by Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners.
"The DRC expresses its gratitude to the Government of Canada and Gavi for their partnership in providing 200,000 doses of Mpox vaccine. This demonstrates international solidarity in the fight against this epidemic," said DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about managing the health crisis amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. "Although reported cases have stabilized, the deteriorating security situation has led many patients to leave treatment centers, increasing transmission risks," warned WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last week.
In August 2024, WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency of global concern. The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention classified it as a threat to regional health security. By November, more than 629 deaths had been reported in the DRC due to the outbreak.
Olivier de Souza
The Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced 686,000 ounces in 2024, down from 763,000 ounces in 2023, thus down 10% year-on-year. Barrick Gold, the Canadian from which co-owns the mine, disclosed the figure on February 12, 2025.
Kibali thus fell short of the forecast of its owners for 2024. Indeed, Barrick Gold and its main partner, AngloGold Ashanti, had projected the mine’s output at 711,000 to 800,000 ounces. Barrick’s expectations were based on a 4% increase in the first half of 2024.
However, in H2 2024, the mine’s output dropped by 21% year-on-year. While Barrick has not officially explained this underperformance, AngloGold Ashanti attributed the third-quarter drop to lower gold grades in the processed ore.
This year, Barrick expects its attributable gold production to stand between 310,000 and 340,000 ounces, against 320,000 to 360,000 ounces anticipated in 2024. Bankable estimates that Kibali will produce between 688,000 and 755,000 ounces in 2025, down from its output in 2023.
Barrick and AngloGold each hold a 45% stake in Kibali.
Emiliano Tossou
The Kibali gold mine contributed $316 million to Barrick Gold’s turnover last year. Kibali’s contribution to its co-owner’s revenues shot up 30.8% yearly. The mine’s contribution to Barrick’s operating income also grew, by 15.8%, to $450 million in 2024.
Kibali, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), did better than Barrick’s Malian gold mine, Loulo-Gounkoto. Over the period reviewed, the Malian asset also contributed more, but in lower proportions–respectively 8.25% and 2.25% more on the sales revenue and operating income fronts.
This financial uptick comes despite a decline in production levels. Indeed, Kibali produced just 686,000 ounces (21.34 tonnes) of gold in 2024, the lowest output since 2019 when production peaked at 813,000 ounces. For the first time since then, Kibali has been surpassed by Mali's Loulo-Gounkoto mine, which produced 22.5 tonnes of gold, snatching the Congolese mine’s crown as Africa’s top producer.
Barrick Gold attributes the production drop at Kibali to lower gold content within the ore extracted. The average gold content per tonne processed fell from 3.8 grams in 2019 to just 2.8 grams in 2024. Additionally, the proportion of ore deemed non-commercially viable increased from 74% in 2022 to 78% in 2024.
Partial positive impact
Though Kibali’s output decreased, Barrick Gold paid more royalties to the Congolese government in 2024 than it ever did since 2019: $39 million. Over the past six years, Barrick paid $169 million in royalties to the DRC, reflecting taxes on extracted gold and duties on mining area usage. Barrick Gold owns 45% of the Kibali mine.
As for Kibali’s overall impact on Barrick’s net profit—an important metric for corporate income tax calculations—this remains uncertain and heavily influenced by declared expenses. Barrick reported investing $116 million in its operations last year, the highest since 2019. The figure amounts to 26% of all investments made since 2020. However, cash operating costs have also surged to a record average of $905 per ounce produced, despite the lowest production levels since the mine opened.
Barrick Gold did not directly explain why operating costs and capital expenditure rose but this reflects a broader trend of rising production costs that have escalated annually since 2021. Investments aimed at reducing these costs include the installation of a new 16-megawatt solar power plant on-site.
This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
General Technologies (GT), an Indian technology solutions provider, will invest in the DR Congo's digital infrastructure. In a press release issued on Feb 6, 2025, HT Syndication, a subsidiary of Indian media group HT Media Ltd., said GT successfully signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project with the Congolese government.
The ambitious plan calls for a total investment of $1 billion by 2028, earmarked for constructing three state-of-the-art data centers, developing satellite infrastructure to improve connectivity in remote areas, extending 3G and 4G networks, and deploying 38,000 km of fiber optic cable
"This memorandum of understanding, exclusive to General Technologies (GT), includes an advisory position within the Ministry of Telecommunications. The Congolese government undertakes to provide visas, administrative offices, and land to enable GT to complete the projects by December 31, 2028", the press release stated
As the MoU is a preliminary agreement, definitive agreements are needed to solidify the investment framework; especially since projects sometimes remain at that stage in the DRC. However, if it goes through, the investment could "revolutionize" the DRC's underdeveloped telecoms infrastructure, as GT's promoters claim
Last year, the DRC's telecoms infrastructure index stood at 0.1591 out of 1, according to the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The indicator is a key component of the e-government development index (EGDI), which stood at 0.2715 out of 1. Both figures were behind the averages for Central Africa (0.3354), Africa (0.4247), and the world (0.6382), positioning the DRC at 179th out of 193 nations.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho