Highlights:

• Kinshasa and Brasília sign multiple agreements covering visas, diplomatic work, and military cooperation.
• Collaboration expands to agriculture, health, environment, and electoral projects.
• Trade reached a record $259 million in 2024, up 28% from the previous year.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Brazil signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding on August 11, reinforcing diplomatic, security and economic cooperation, the DRC government said.

The agreements include visa exemptions for holders of special passports and authorization for paid work for diplomats’ dependents. In the security sector, both countries pledged to strengthen the operational capabilities of the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), acquire equipment, exchange expertise in the military industry, and train special jungle units.

“The signing of these agreements testifies to the shared desire of the two States to consolidate their diplomatic relations in the service of the well-being of their peoples,” the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X.

The countries also collaborate on strategic sectors including agriculture, health, biofuels, environment, and elections. A technical cooperation program launched in 2022 trains small-scale Congolese agricultural producers.

Trade between the two nations hit a record $259 million in 2024, up 28% against 2023. Last year, Brazil exported $191.5 million worth of sugar, poultry, and pork to the DRC while the Central African nation exported crude oil valued at $67.6 million. In 2023, Félix Tshisekedi became the first Congolese president to pay an official visit to Brazil.

Lydie Mobio