News (204)
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosted a seminar last week on the Makayabu Ambassade, a type of salted fish imported from Norway. Held on November 27 and 28, the session specifically aimed to have more of this fish imported into the African country. A Norwegian delegation was present.
The Europeans said one of the major issues preventing the import was a high number of taxes, adding that this fostered smuggling. Many market players reportedly route their imports through neighboring Congo Brazzaville, where import conditions are more favorable.
According to Norwegian statistics, Congo Brazzaville, with a population of less than 6.7 million (World Bank, 2023), has imported almost 11,234 tonnes of fish since the beginning of 2024. In contrast, the DRC, with a higher consumption rate and a potential market exceeding 100 million inhabitants, has imported only 1,540 tonnes.
The DRC government is currently working to implement a decree signed in September 2024 that classifies salted fish as a staple product, aiming to reduce taxes to achieve lower market prices. However, this move may not make Norwegian salted fish more competitive. Since 2023, the average export price (excluding taxes) for Norwegian fish has reached $4.6 per kilogram, marking the second consecutive increase and the highest level since 2021 when it was $2.96 per kilogram. This price increase coincides with a 24.6% depreciation of the Congolese franc against the US dollar. Although prices fell in 2024, Norwegian fish still costs at least $4 per kilogram on the market, which is high for a population where most live on less than $2 a day.
In this context, a viral video features a woman claiming that the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock has allegedly signed a contract with the Norwegian Embassy in the DRC to promote the import of Makayabu from Norway. The communication services of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock responded by stating that "no contract has been signed between the Norwegian Embassy and the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning the marketing of salted fish, commonly known as Makayabu Embassy," as reported by the Congolese Press Agency.
In the challenging situation, the DRC government recently disclosed plans to promote local fishing and aquaculture; an initiative Norway is ready to back. "We believe there is room for both: the fish trade and increasing domestic production in the DRC. I am convinced that the fishing and aquaculture sector can contribute to economic development and improve food security," said Ambassador Odd Molster at the seminar. Opportunities exist to enhance local players' expertise, improve cold chain logistics, and boost fry and fish feed production.
Georges Aureole Bamba
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held its 4th edition of National Tourism Week last week, from November 26 to 30. According to the event minutes, participants urged national and international partners to invest more in the DRC’s tourism industry. Tourism Minister Didier M'pambia Musanga closed the event.
In his closing speech, Musanga emphasized the importance of tourism in building DRC’s reputation. He highlighted the concept of tourist villages and the Projet 145 territories, which not only stimulate local development but also have the potential to create jobs.
Background and Efforts
Several pro-tourism initiatives have been announced since the beginning of this semester. For instance, the government approved a partnership with AC Milan last September. The move aims to leverage the soccer club’s popularity to attract more tourists to the DRC.
The DRC has been focusing on developing tourism for a while. For example, in 2020, the country adopted a development plan targeting 2.5 million annual tourist arrivals, $2.2 billion in revenues, and creating 200,000 jobs. This year, in September, the previous plan was replaced with a new one.
This new plan includes seven main chapters: country presentation, institutional and legal framework, sector diagnosis, orientations and strategies, action plan, financing, and implementation monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The strategy aims to create 500,000 jobs and generate over $7 billion in revenue by 2030.
Despite having great tourism potential, the DRC struggles to develop this sector, due to inadequate infrastructure, security issues, and a lack of international promotion. The government is taking steps to tackle these shortcomings; such as building new infrastructure, and establishing strategic partnerships. Simplifying the visa process could also significantly bolster tourist arrivals in the country.
The DR Congo has at least four major national parks, a rich biodiversity, and diverse cultural sites. The Ministry of Tourism lists 1,000 tourist sites, and nearly 500 species of mammals to observe.
Georges Auréole Bamba
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could absorb 130,000-140,000 tons of chicken meat from the European Union (EU) this year. Bankable made the estimate based on a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) poultry report covering the EU.
This volume would set a record and solidify the DRC's position as the EU’s third-largest chicken meat buyer. The UK and Ghana are first and second, with 725,000 tonnes and over 200,000 tonnes, respectively.
The DRC’s poultry meat imports from the EU doubled between 2019 and 2021, reaching 120,000 tonnes. However, they fell below 100,000 tonnes in 2023. According to the USDA, poultry meat shipped from the EU to the DRC and other African markets primarily consists of frozen, mechanically deboned dark meat.
The anticipated increase in chicken meat imports from the EU in 2024 is largely attributed to its low price, which allows consumers to meet their growing demand for animal protein. According to data from Trade Data Monitor (TDM) compiled by the USDA, between January and June this year, the FOB price (free on board) for a tonne of European chicken meat destined for the DRC was less than $1,000. In comparison, prices were almost $4,000 for Guinea and around $2,250 for Benin.
A 2018 study by the Dutch Agronomic University of Wageningen estimated that an imported chicken costs around $2.30 in the country of origin, which is already lower than the feed costs for producing a chicken in Kinshasa.
Local producers face significant challenges due to major constraints such as lack of capital and limited access to inputs (particularly feed and veterinary products), which undermine their competitiveness. There are also concerns about dumping practices, that are criticized by NGOs. Indeed, some manufacturers have been taking advantage of export and input subsidies to send products at prices that local players in Africa cannot compete with.
The DRC has significant potential as a market for EU chicken meat due to its growing demand for affordable protein sources. However, local producers struggle against economic constraints and unfair competition practices.
Espoir Olodo
The Kamoa-Kakula complex produced 45,019 tonnes of copper concentrate in November 2024. Ivanhoe Mines, the facility’s owner, disclosed the output on December 3; it is the highest monthly volume produced this year. From January to November 2024, the Congolese complex delivered 390,061 tonnes of copper concentrate.
Since the commissioning of a third concentrator at the site last June, Kamoa-Kakula has consistently broken its monthly production records. The mine is expected to deliver between 425,000 and 450,000 tonnes in 2024, compared to 393,551 tonnes in 2023. The complex is set to produce even more next year than this year. Kamoa-Kakula has recently achieved an annual production capacity of 600,000 tonnes.
Kamoa-Kakula is a joint venture with Zijin Mining (39.6% stake), China CITIC Bank, and Ivanhoe Mines as its major investors; Ivanhoe is the largest shareholder (39.6% stake). While the mine's production is subject to sales agreements with Chinese companies, the Congolese government has recently expressed its intention to participate in the buyer selection process.
"The State must get involved so that it can guarantee the credibility of the organized bidding process and be confident that any future buyer selection process will enable Kamoa Copper SA to receive competitive bids and obtain the best possible terms for the sale of its products," states the minutes from the Council of Ministers meeting held on October 4.
The increase in copper production at Kamoa-Kakula is part of a broader upward trend in Congolese copper output. Following a 13.5% increase in 2023, BMI forecasts that DRC copper production will grow by a more modest 4.5% in 2024, bringing total output closer to 3 million tonnes. With Peru targeting 2.8 million tonnes this year, the DRC is set to maintain its symbolic status as the world's second-largest copper producer.
Emiliano Tossou
Australia's AVZ Minerals has announced that it has secured $15 million in funding from Locke Capital, a specialist in litigation finance, to support its legal efforts surrounding the Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This financing will cover costs associated with several international arbitration proceedings initiated by AVZ, particularly concerning disputes with the Congolese authorities and partners such as Zijin Mining and Cominière over the PR 13359 exploration permit. This permit, which covers part of the Manono project, is central to a dispute submitted to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
The funds will be allocated to cover legal fees, arbitration costs, and other expenses related to ongoing litigation. AVZ backs the financing with its assets, including its interests in the Manono project and its associated subsidiaries.
A Dispute Against a Backdrop of Falling Lithium Prices
Since 2023, AVZ Minerals has contested the Congolese authorities' decision to award an operating license for the Manono project to Manono Lithium SAS, a joint venture owned by Zijin Mining and Cominière. AVZ argues that the permit violates ICSID provisional orders to maintain the status quo pending a decision on the dispute’s merits.
Manono, a strategic project for AVZ and the DRC, is one of the world's largest lithium deposits. According to company estimates, it contains at least 400 million tonnes of mineral resources grading 1.65% lithium. Manono could significantly leverage the DRC’s lithium potential and bolster its mining revenues. However, legal disputes over mining rights have hindered its development. The $15 million financing recently secured by AVZ should enable the firm to continue its legal proceedings without immediate financial constraints, potentially extending these proceedings by several years.
Global lithium prices have fallen drastically since 2022. For instance, the price of spodumene fell from $6,401 per tonne in December 2022 to around $770 in September 2024 a decline of nearly 90%. This drop is attributed to oversupply while demand grows at a more moderate pace. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global lithium production is expected to reach 194,000 tonnes in 2023, an increase of 81% compared to 2021. However, demand grew by only 63% during this period, reaching 165,000 tonnes. Contributing factors include a buildup of inventories and slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicle sales.
LNK
Air Congo launched its first flights on December 1, from the Ndjili International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Air Congo is a joint venture between the Congolese government and Ethiopian Airlines.
The new carrier first served Mbuji-Mayi, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, and Goma, using the first Boeing 737-800 that arrived on November 30.
"I would like to salute Ethiopian Airlines' partner for its determination to build with the Democratic Republic of Congo a great airline that will enable the Congolese to travel, to open up the country and also, from Kinshasa, to radiate across Africa and the world," said Jean-Lucien Busa, Minister of the Portfolio, upon receiving the aircraft, as reported by Agence Congolaise de Presse.
The effective launch of this new airline marks a significant milestone in the Congolese air transport sector, which now features three companies in addition to private air transport services. This development is also good news for Ndjili Airport and domestic air transport.
On the day Air Congo started its operations, 23 commercial take-offs were scheduled, excluding cargo flights.
GAB
Recently released gold export data from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the first half of 2024 reveal a stark contrast in sales prices. The former Primera Gold company, a joint venture between the state and partners from the United Arab Emirates, achieved an average price of $64,502 per kilogram of gold sold. In contrast, Kibali Gold, which operates one of Africa's largest mines and is 90% owned by Barrick Gold and AngloGold Ashanti, sold its production at an average price of $46,214.8—almost $20,000 less than Primera Gold, which has now been rebranded as DRC Gold Trading after the State took full control of the company.
Artisans in Ituri and North Kivu also obtained a higher price than Kibali Gold, exporting their gold at an average price of $59,500 per kilogram compared to Kibali's $46,214.8, resulting in a difference of over $13,000.
These discrepancies in gold prices were evident in 2023 as well. Primera Gold and artisans sold their production at $59,509 and $38,484.4 per kilogram respectively, while the average price per kilogram from Kibali was just $30,915.6 a difference of nearly $30,000 and $10,000 respectively.
Despite being listed on major financial markets such as New York and Toronto, Barrick Gold, and AngloGold Ashanti have not managed to secure better prices than Primera Gold or small-scale artisans in Tshopo or Tanganyika provinces of eastern DRC, who primarily export unrefined gold.
Although transparency in the extractive sector has improved in the DRC, there are still major issues that prevent a full understanding of the value chain and real opportunities. Neither Barrick Gold nor AngloGold Ashanti provide details on their sales processes, leaving it unclear whether these prices stem from forward agreements or other sales strategies.
Impact on Public Revenues
The differences in pricing have significant implications for public revenues. Kibali Gold is the main contributor to gold export revenues in the DRC, with reported sales accounting for 88.2% of the total in the first quarter of 2024. The central government and the province hosting the mine (Haut-Uele) derive revenue through Sokimo's shareholding but primarily through royalties on sales value and various taxes. If Kibali sells its production at sub-optimal prices, this diminishes the revenue base for a government that requires resources to fund its development policies.
According to market data reviewed by Bankable Africa, the government collected up to $27.8 million in royalties from Barrick Gold alone between January and September 2024. This figure is slightly higher than the $25.5 million collected during the same period in 2023. While royalties increased by 9%, the price of gold on international markets rose by an average of 37% during this timeframe. Nevertheless, Barrick Gold reported an 8% decrease in quantities sold over the same period.
Georges Auréoles Bamba
Zambia faces an energy crisis that could exert pressure on mining operators in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These operators primarily rely on Zambia to compensate for the insufficient supply of the Congolese utility, Société Nationale d'Electricité (SNEL). The operators import electricity directly, particularly in Katanga, or they purchase diesel to fuel their thermal power plants.
Last month, socio-political unrest in Mozambique and a new refundable tax in Zimbabwe complicated transit procedures, forcing Zambia’s petroleum product distributors to alter their routes, thus prolonging supply times and increasing costs.
According to Zambia's energy regulator, the situation is returning to normal. However, the watchdog announced a 4.2% increase in the cost of a liter of diesel, rising from 28.9 to 30.11 kwachas. Despite this increase, prices remain more competitive than fuel from Matadi, in the west of the DRC. Still, the surge will increase the operational costs of mining companies.
Besides the diesel price increase, Zambia recently raised electricity tariffs to improve the financial situation of its power utility, Zesco. This increase amounts to 115% for large consumers such as mining companies. The Zambian regulator has indicated that this hike in electricity tariffs should only last three months.
At the Makutano 2024 business forum held in Kinshasa from November 13 to 15, SNEL Managing Director Fabrice Lusinde revealed that mining companies have spent nearly $4 billion over five years to address their unmet energy needs. He noted that these exports could increase further next year. Last month, Ivanhoe Mines revealed it is negotiating to boost power imports from southern Africa for the Kamoa-Kakula mine via the Zambian interconnector, from 65 MW now to 100 MW by year-end.
Mining operators work with the SNEL to improve supply, but these efforts remain insufficient. Despite its significant hydroelectric potential, access to electricity in the DRC remains limited. Several dams are planned in the 2025-2028 Public Investment Program, but their completion will not fully address the shortfall. The project for a third dam on Inga is still under discussion; experts suggest it may not materialize within the next ten years.
Georges Auréole Bamba
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could use debt swaps to finance climate action. At least, according to Congolese Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde. "As the DRC positions itself as a solution country in the face of climate change, debt swap (or debt-for-nature exchange) represents an innovative opportunity to convert part of our debt into strategic investments," Likunde said at a workshop held on November 21, 2024, in Kinshasa. A study of a swap mechanism for public debt to finance climate action was presented during the session.
Regarding the strategic investments he mentioned, Minister Likunde focused on developing the battery and electric vehicle value chain. He claimed this path would address the need for greening through electric mobility and structural changes by providing quality jobs, improving living standards, and strengthening climate resilience.
According to an October 2022 report from the African Development Bank (AfDB), a debt-for-nature swap involves canceling a certain amount of sovereign debt in exchange for environmental action from the debtor country. This debt can be canceled directly by the creditor, as seen in official bilateral swaps, or bought back at a discount by a donor organization, often a leading NGO specializing in environmental protection, which then proceeds to cancel similar debt.
Regarding the study presented during last week’s workshop, it has identified potential creditors interested in this type of operation. However, the DRC must identify specific projects for the debt-for-nature swap, quantify them, and ensure they meet lenders' criteria.
A double-edged Sword
As more wealthy countries historically the biggest polluters fail to meet their commitments to support poorer countries in financing resilience and adaptation to climate change, there is renewed interest in debt swaps, first used in the late 1990s. However, the DRC could mobilize significant sums differently, given its low indebtedness (less than 16% of GDP). According to official data, the DRC's international debt stood at $6.8 billion at the end of Q2 2024, with 80% held by Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank). Generally speaking, multilateral donors dominate all external debt.
Using debt swaps could also be counterproductive for the country. "At least in the case of commercial debt, any form of renegotiation of the initial terms of the bond or loan, even to conserve biodiversity, will naturally harm the country's credit assessment," believes the AfDB. This could lead to a downgrade of its rating and an increase in future borrowing costs.
In the DRC, the climate emergency is evident through river flooding that forces tens of thousands of families to abandon their fields and homes. The direct consequence is a humanitarian and food crisis that often falls on the government. The country is therefore trying to leverage all existing mechanisms to mobilize resources for climate action. Under a new program with the International Monetary Fund, authorities are working to obtain $1.1 billion in financing dedicated to this cause.
George Auréole Bamba
Biometric driving licenses with microchips are being issued in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Congolese minister for transport announced the operation’s launch on November 25, 2024. Otojuste Sarl, a local firm, partners with the State on the project.
According to a joint order by the Ministers of Transport and Finance, signed on August 2, 2023, the fees are set at $38.5 for category A (two- or three-wheeled vehicles), $71.5 for category B (vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes), and $99 for categories C, D, and E (vehicles over 3.5 tonnes). The same order states that 60% of the revenues will go to Otojuste Sarl, while the remainder will go to the Treasury.
The project began three years after it was officially announced. It is expected to cost nearly $86 million. According to the initial specifications, which have not been publicly amended, the plan includes building 20 permit-issuing centers nationwide with an initial target of issuing five million documents.
While the specific type of investment has not been detailed, it could include a complete technological infrastructure for registering applicants and tracking their progress through biometric licensing, including simulators for practical tests. The investment also covers the production of secure biometric licenses to prevent fraud.
Demand could be high, especially if the government sanctions drivers who do not have a license. With the issuance of this document suspended since 2017, some industry players estimate that the number of people needing a license—whether for a first application or renewal could reach 40 million.
Otojuste may be the State’s exclusive partner on the project but other businesses stand to benefit from the resumed issuance of licenses. These include driving schools such as SEP-Congo, which specializes in large truck driver training, and banks. Indeed, examination fees (both theoretical and practical) and production fees will be paid at bank counters.
Challenges
However, these opportunities come with challenges. Imposing strict controls on driving licenses quickly could impact passenger and freight transport services. The lack of immediately licensed drivers might lead to supply disruptions or complicate travel.
For banks, managing temporary demand for administrative payment services poses a challenge as they need to continue satisfying regular customers whose transactions are often more profitable. These institutions will need to find solutions to reduce waiting times at branches. In countries like Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, digital payment systems have been implemented to facilitate smoother issuance of administrative documents. With the growth of mobile money in the DRC, a similar solution could be explored.
Georges Auréole Bamba
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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Vodacom DRC, a mobile operator, will reinforce the digital skills of a million youths, with the support of Amazon Web Services (AWS). The training program, TechStart, was unveiled on November 13. Trainees will be equipped to meet the skills needs of companies or start their businesses, in line with the government’s ambition to leverage digital technologies to bolster the Congolese economy.
The mobile operator stressed that TechStart should help enhance its Vodaeduc platform, which “has already reached over a million people with its educational content”, thereby strengthening access to essential skills for the future.
Launched in 2017, this free platform provides access to educational resources in video format covering subjects such as math, science, IT, economics, and finance. It also includes content tailored to Congolese school curricula, catering to the learning needs of young people at all educational levels.
According to the World Bank, digital literacy will become a must for African workers over the next decade, even in sectors where they were previously non-essential. Covid-19 sped up the shift. In its 2021 report titled "Demand for Digital Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa: Key Findings from a Five-Country Study," the World Bank forecasts that by 2030, some level of digital skills will be necessary for 50-55% of jobs in Kenya, 35-45% in Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Rwanda, and 20-25% in Mozambique.
The World Bank also estimates that sub-Saharan Africa will create 230 million digital jobs by 2030. Most of these jobs will arise from the growth of digital services, requiring intermediate or advanced digital skills as well as basic digital and financial literacy accessible to all. In this context, Vodacom DRC's digital skills training initiative aligns well with similar efforts led by the Congolese government, particularly through the Ministry of Professional Training and partners like Huawei.
Muriel Edjo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a preliminary agreement for a new program supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). According to an IMF note issued on November 13, 2024, this new three-year program is backed by nearly $3 billion in financing, compared to the $2.5 billion initially requested by the government. It includes a financial package of $1.77 billion under the ECF, up from the planned $1.5 billion, and $1.1 billion under the RSF, up from $1 billion.
The new staff-level agreement still needs to be validated by the IMF Executive Board. While the Board is set to review the document in January 2025, this step should be a formality, as the Board of Directors rarely disavows its services.
The new program aims to improve governance and transparency, foster solid and inclusive growth by combating high living costs, and invest in infrastructure, priority social sectors, and agriculture. It also aims to diversify the economy, create jobs, and improve resilience in the face of climate change.
"The DRC is singularly well placed to play a central role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy, thanks to its vast forest and water resources, as well as its large reserves of 'green' minerals," notes the IMF.
Notwithstanding economic and inflationary pressures, the IMF believes economic growth should remain "resilient" above 5% during the new program. In comparison, inflation should return "to the level of the 7% target set by the Central Bank of Congo by 2026," says Calixte Ahokpossi, the Fund's mission chief for the country.
More funding incoming
For many years now, the DRC has been trying to secure international funding to boost its economy, in line with an ambition to overhaul the economy, through industrial development. The new IMF program should send a positive signal to investors seeking business opportunities in the country.
"This agreement marks a crucial step for the DRC, which could mobilize up to $800 million in budget support," said Congolese Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba during the November 12 meeting between President Félix Tshisekedi and the IMF mission chief.
This program follows the conclusion of a previous agreement made in 2021, which totaled $1.5 billion. Despite a challenging context marked by renewed conflict in the eastern region and the spread of monkeypox, Congolese authorities successfully passed all reviews of the previous program, which the Fund deemed satisfactory.
However, former Finance Minister Matata Ponyo said the IMF is complacent. In an October 12 article published in the scientific journal Congo Challenge, a piece co-authored with economist Jean-Paul K. Tsasa, the former Prime Minister argues that these reviews were completed while the country failed to meet several criteria and benchmarks. The authors also claim that some funds disbursed by the IMF were misappropriated and even accuse the Bretton Woods institution of complicity.
PM with Ecofin Agency
DRC Gold Trading SA officially launched a new branch in Kalemie, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on November 18. This is the firm’s second branch; the first is located in South Kivu. In a press release, the company announced the new branch’s opening, indicating that it wants to "expand its activities of purchasing, marketing, and exporting gold from artisanal and small-scale mining in all the country's gold provinces."
Originally named Primera Gold DRC, the company became DRC Gold Trading on November 13 after transitioning to public control. The State and two public entities acquired the 55% stake previously held by the Emirati company Primera Group under undisclosed terms. The State now holds 55% of the shares, the Mining Fund for Future Generations has 30%, and Gécamines holds 15%.
Despite these changes, DRC Gold Trading said its vision is the same: "To make the DRC the world's largest exporter of artisanal and small-scale gold, through credible, conflict-free supply chains that benefit local communities, both directly and indirectly impacted."
According to the firm’s Managing Director Joseph Kazibaziba, it will be challenging to bring in all artisanally mined gold into the official circuit. "More than 50 tonnes are fraudulently exported to the east coast of Congo, worth more than $5 billion. You can understand that DRC Gold Trading is a strategic company of vital importance to the state," he told the press on November 13 during the ceremony marking the company's name change.
Défis de la compétitivité des prix
So far, DRC Gold Trading has exclusively been active in South Kivu. The firm collected and exported over 5.5 tonnes of gold in 2023, worth over $350 million. With its new branch, the company plans to collect and export more gold. However, this will depend on the competitiveness of the prices offered to mining cooperatives, traders, and approved buyers from whom it sources gold.
DRC Gold Trading plans to export at least 12 tonnes of gold this year–a far-fetched goal, based on data from Bloomberg, relayed by the Ecofin Agency. The figures show that the firm’s gold exports are falling. Since November 2023, shipments have fallen by 50%; a situation attributed to higher black market prices offered to artisanal miners and banking regulations that limit daily cash transactions.
Aware of the challenges ahead, Joseph M. Kazibaziba, who was in Kalemie on November 17, met with traders from Tanganyika province. However, no details were released about this working session, which aimed to discuss the challenges faced by players in the gold sector. Nevertheless, at the opening ceremony of the new branch, the Managing Director of DRC Gold Trading appealed to the people of Tanganyika, saying: "DRC Gold Trading SA relies enormously on your support to accomplish the missions entrusted to it by the President of the Republic. Its success is also that of your province, which will benefit through tax and parafiscal levies, not to mention the jobs generated." The official also assured his audience that the company has sufficient financial capacity to absorb all quantities of artisanal and small-scale gold produced throughout the country's east coast.
Pierre Mukoko
Congolese power utility, Société Nationale d'Electricité (SNEL), has missed out on a sales opportunity of about $4 billion in the mining sector over the past five years. Fabrice Lusinde, the utility’s managing director, disclosed the figure last week, during the 10th Makutano Forum, in Kinshasa. Lusinde spoke during a panel titled "Energy deficit: what if the miners brought the light?"
"Mining customers buy energy from SNEL for around $800 million. But alongside this, they import $200 million worth of electricity from southern Africa and, according to our calculations, they also spend between $500 and $600 million on petroleum products to run their thermal parks. In the end, we realize that the miners have spent around $4 billion over the last five years," he explained. SNEL's assets represent 63% of public holdings.
According to sources consulted by Bankable, from 2019 to 2023, the money spent to bridge the power deficit in the mining sector, on average every year, exceeded the SNEL's average annual turnover. For instance, from 2020 to 2022, the SNEL's average annual turnover was $762 million.
A concerned Lusinde said these monies could have been used to develop hydroelectricity for green energy in the mining sector. "Mining firms are struggling. They want to produce but know that launching a hydroelectric project could take six or seven years, or even five years in some cases. Diesel is expensive but with it, energy can be produced within six months," explained Jean-Pierre Nzuru, Technical Director of Ivanhoe Mines Energy.
Insufficient Investments
However, Nzuru pointed out that mining companies are financing several SNEL power plant rehabilitation projects. For example, he stressed that Ivanhoe Mines Energy has helped rehabilitate around 256 MW of installed capacity. "Combined, miners are rehabilitating a capacity of around 820 MW of installed power. Some projects have already been completed, while others are still in progress," he added.
Founded in 1970, the SNEL still relies on aging production and distribution infrastructure, which prevents it from reaching its installed production capacity. Between 2020 and 2022, the company announced investments of around $203 million, not enough to meet growing energy needs. With an economic profitability of just 3%, the SNEL struggles to borrow long-term on the local market, where banks demand interest rates of at least 13% on government bonds in foreign currency. Additionally, the international market remains inaccessible due to poor perceptions of the country and the company by foreign investors.
The DRC’s power sector has tremendous business. Indeed, besides the market share lost in the mining sector, several billion dollars are lost by electricity operators due to high distribution costs, which leads many households to rely on firewood for cooking. This gap between a clear opportunity and insufficient investment, particularly from public players, remains a challenge in Africa's second-largest country.
Georges Auréole Banda