Lualaba Governor Fifi Masuka Saini announced on Jan. 19, 2026, the signing of 16 agreements between the provincial government and Emirati companies at the Kolwezi Congress Village. These documents cover several sectors, including agriculture, mining, health, infrastructure, and tourism.

According to the governor, these partnerships aim to create mutually beneficial collaborations. They are part of President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision for tangible development for the benefit of local communities. At this stage, further details on the content of the documents and the identity of the companies involved are not yet available.

Since 2025, the United Arab Emirates has shown a growing interest in the DRC, particularly in the port, mining, and energy sectors. Abu Dhabi Ports announced its intention to invest in the ports of Matadi and Boma. The company also plans to invest in the development of the Lobito corridor, dry ports, and roads linking Lualaba to Zambia and Angola.

The mining sector is also in focus, with investments in the Bisie tin mine by the conglomerate IRH/IHC. Other projects concern the development of renewable energy. These are led by the companies Lone Star Ltd and Business Gate in the Tshopo province.

These initiatives are part of a broader context of cooperation between the DRC and Gulf countries. During the official visit of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani, to Kinshasa on Nov. 21, 2025, an agreement on visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports was signed. This was accompanied by five memorandums of understanding in the economic, legal, diplomatic, social, and sports fields. Among these initiatives are port projects, cooperation between ministries, and social programs in South Kivu.

Boaz Kabeya