News (330)
KoBold Metals, the U.S.-based mining company backed by heavyweight investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is stepping up its campaign to secure rights to the Manono lithium deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a site widely seen as having “the potential to become a large-scale, long-life lithium mine.” According to a January 2024 estimate, Manono could hold 669 million tonnes of resources grading 1.61% lithium.
On May 6, 2025, KoBold and Australia’s AVZ Minerals issued a joint statement titled Developing Manono for Peace and Prosperity, signed by their respective CEOs, Kurt House and Nigel Ferguson. The companies announced they had “reached consensus on a commercial framework to enable the rapid development of the Manono deposit.”
The statement specifies: “This framework provides for AVZ to cede its commercial interests in the Manono lithium deposit to KoBold, at fair value.” The document further claims this agreement would allow KoBold to “quickly” mobilize more than a billion dollars “to bring Manono’s lithium to Western markets.”
But the Congolese government maintains that AVZ no longer has any rights to Manono, arguing those rights were lost when state-owned Cominière terminated its partnership with AVZ in 2022. AVZ is contesting the move before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, where it has already secured an order for Cominière to pay €39.1 million in penalties for non-compliance with injunctions. However, the tribunal has yet to rule on the core ownership issue.
KoBold’s January offer proposes to resolve the dispute by granting “appropriate compensation” to AVZ in exchange for relinquishing its claims on Manono. The company says it is prepared to develop the southern part of the deposit, while the northern section would remain under the control of the Chinese group Zijin Mining.
Manono Lithium SAS-a joint venture 61% owned by Zijin (via Jinxiang Lithium) and 39% by Cominière-was granted an operating permit in September 2024 for part of the deposit. The company plans to begin lithium production in the first quarter of 2026.
An offer for “peace and prosperity”
So far, Congolese authorities have not commented publicly on KoBold’s offer. The May 6 joint statement suggests no favorable response yet. “AVZ has undertaken to propose to the Congolese government a temporary suspension of the ICSID arbitration proceedings to facilitate discussions,” the document states.
KoBold and AVZ may be trying to pressure Kinshasa by leveraging the current warming of US-DRC relations, considering the May 6 statement, which reads: “AVZ and KoBold are cooperating with all stakeholders, including the US government, the DRC government, and AVZ’s current development partner.”
AVZ and KoBold frame their proposal as a contribution to “peace and prosperity,” promising “thousands of well-paying jobs for the Congolese, over several decades.”
Kinshasa recently offered the Trump administration a mining agreement in exchange for its support toward resolving the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC. Since then, the issue has been the subject of bilateral discussions, and Washington is actively involved in the resolution process.
“A lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will open the door to greater U.S. and Western citizen investment, which will create an ecosystem conducive to responsible and reliable supply chains for things like critical minerals,” declared US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 25, 2025, in Washington, at the signing of the “declaration of principles” for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, the main supporter of the M23 rebellion.
This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Airtel Africa has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to its customers across the continent, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Starlink just received its operating license. Airtel Africa announced the partnership via a May 5, 2025, statement.
According to Airtel DRC, the partnership aims to“connect even the most remote regions with fast, reliable, and affordable internet”by using Starlink’s network to link Airtel’s base transceiver stations (BTS)in hard-to-reach areas to its central telecom infrastructure. This move is expected to slash equipment costs compared to current VSAT technology.
"Thus, this agreement will enable Airtel to offer a higher-quality service with greater capacity than 3G or even 4G while reducing deployment costs, which should accelerate its territory coverage," our source concludes.
For Airtel DRC, this deal is a strategic play in the race for 15 million new mobile internet subscribers expected in the country by 2030, as projected by the GSMA. It also responds to recent moves by competitors Orange and Vodacom, who are expanding rural coverage through a joint venture for solar-powered mobile base stations.
Data from the Congolese telecom regulator shows that as of late 2024, Airtel had 9.66 million mobile internet subscribers in the DRC (29.33% market share), trailing Vodacom (37.78%) and Orange (29.97%), but leading in internet revenue with $365.5 million (37.7% share). The partnership gives SpaceX a chance to expand Starlink’s reach in markets previously limited by high service costs, with African packages ranging from $29 to $40 per month and equipment at $299.
Starlink’s official launch in the DRC is expected in May 2025, and its impact on Airtel’s subscriber growth and market position will be closely watched. Both companies tout the agreement as a major step toward digital inclusion, promising to transform connectivity for schools, health centers, businesses, and rural communities across Africa.
This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko and Ronsard Luabeya (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Carousel Finance, with offices in London and Geneva, is gearing up to launch an investment fund dedicated to the “Kia Kinshasa Mona” (“Kinshasa revealed”) project, which aims to expand the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mandated by the project’s Strategic Oversight Committee (CSSPVK), Carousel is tasked with structuring the financing and mobilizing investors.
On April 18 and 20, 2025, Carousel Finance presented the fund to investors at DRC embassies in France and Belgium. “This fund is designed to finance the main components of the project by securing contracts and remuneration for technical operators and investors in several sectors,” explains Carousel Finance management. According to the same source, the fund will “provide clear risk allocation, efficient operational coordination and a sustainable capital commitment, aligned with the progressive development of the project.” All are “framed by international standards.”
Upcoming Economic Forum
The CSSPVK website, launched in January 2024, puts the total cost of the “Kia Kinshasa Mona” project at $50 billion, though it’s unclear if this matches the fund’s actual fundraising target, as no size has been specified yet.
Carousel Finance is clearly courting major players. In France, the investor meetings drew representatives from Africa Global Logistics, CMA CGM, KPMG, Accor, Nexans, Citi, Sunna Design, Dassault Systèmes, Eiffage, and King & Spalding. In Belgium, the lineup included the Port of Antwerp, IIDG, Besix, Deme, Siemens Belgium, Rawbank, as well as public agencies like Awex and Bio Invest
These sessions are paving the way for a major economic forum in London, date still to be announced. The goal: to “structure concrete commitments around the project,” says Marius Esposito, head of strategic partnerships at Carousel Finance. On April 29, 2025, Carousel’s chairman, Jafar Hilali, met with the DRC’s ambassador to the UK, Ndolamb Ngokwey, to discuss the event.
Planned Works
According to the CSSPVK, seven sub-projects have already been finalized and are scheduled to kick off by June 2025. These include the construction of an administrative and business city, as well as an industrial center entrusted to China State Construction Engineering, a firm chosen for its global expertise and track record in large-scale urban projects. An agreement for these works was signed at the Africa-China Forum in September 2024, and both contracts have been reviewed by the partnership regulatory agency. The total estimated cost for these infrastructures stands at $8 billion, according to Belgian newspaper L’Echo.
Another major project underway is a hospital complex, awarded to a consortium of Antwerp-based International Infrastructure Development Group (IIDG) and Morocco’s Travaux Généraux de Construction de Casablanca (TGCC), with support from Bpifrance, and budgeted at $300 million.
Last March, two additional protocols were signed with Congolese companies: one with Entreprise Kipelo Maschind Multiservices (EKMM) for a 5-megawatt solar power plant and related infrastructure, and another with MJ Center to develop a river transport system connecting Kinshasa to the future city.
Thousands of new jobs
The "Kia Kinshasa Mona" project is a massive $50 billion initiative to create a modern extension of Kinshasa, spanning 43,000 hectares, or about 4.7% of the capital, according to a JICA 2019 study. The project’s developers claim the new city will accommodate up to 5 million people-significant, but still only a fraction of Kinshasa’s estimated 20 million residents, a population growing at 3% per year. They also said thousands of jobs will be created under the initiative.
For now, it is unclear if the project will be integrated into Kinshasa’s Transport Master Plan (PDTK)-critical for connecting the old and new cities.
This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Access Bank DRC closed 2024 with a balance sheet total of CDF1,154 billion-about USD409.8 million at the year’s average exchange rate, still below its USD524 million target. Even at the 2023 rate, it’s only USD489.36 million. The bank reported a CDF3.3 billion capital loss due to franc depreciation. According to the source, a post on the lender’s official LinkedIn page, Access Bank DRC expects a balance sheet total of USD697 million and USD900 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
In a press conference, the bank reported a potential capital loss of CDF3.3 billion, attributed to the depreciation of the Congolese franc in 2024. But even applying the average exchange rate for 2023 (2,350 CDF/USD), on which the targets were based, the balance sheet total of CDF1,154 billion is equivalent to 489.36 million USD, still below the target.
By July 2026, unless the moratorium is extended, Access Bank RDC, like many other banks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will have to comply with new regulations issued by the Central Bank of Congo limiting the maximum holding of a single shareholder to 55%. The Holdings, based in Nigeria, currently holds 99.7% of its Congolese subsidiary’s capital. In addition, several unconfirmed sources report that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is forcing the group to dispose of its assets in the DRC in order to obtain the green light for the acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya (NBK).
In this context, the balance sheet total and its components will be key indicators for potential investors. Beyond the depreciation of the Congolese franc, Access Bank RDC will have to explain the reasons for the deviation from its 2024 forecasts. The publication of the 2024 Pillar 3 report on its website should provide further clarification.
In the meantime, the lender reported that its net income rose sharply to about CDF27 billion, a 91.7% increase over 2023, with a dollar equivalent increase of 59.7% using the 2023 exchange rate.
The bank, more than 80% of whose business is with corporates (according to its 2023 report), also reported an increase in customer deposits to CDF810.7 billion.
"This performance reflects our financial strength and our anchoring in the Congolese economy. Access Bank RDC remains committed to offering quality, innovative and inclusive services," said the bank, commenting on its results.
Further analysis of this performance will better highlight the bank's strengths, but also the challenges it faces.
This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) aims to produce 1.54 billion normo cubic meters (Nm³) of biogas per year by 2030, according to the 2024 annual report of the ANSER, the National Agency for Rural Electrification. Biogas, produced by methanization-the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen-offers a clean cooking energy alternative.
To reach this goal, the Integrated Biogas Program (PIB) was refined in 2024 to structure the biogas market. The ANSER, responsible for the industrial component, plans to attract public and private investment, facilitate financing, secure land and raw materials, establish distribution, and raise awareness about biogas use.
Since 2023, the ANSER has been in discussions with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop financing mechanisms such as credit, subsidies, and guarantees for the program and private sector participants.
To mitigate risks of land disputes and costs, methanization units are planned within the Maluku Special Economic Zone (ZES), 60 km from Kinshasa, with ANSER engaging the ZES agency on this matter.
Raw material supply is secured through partnerships with Kinshasa-based companies like Bralima, Bracongo, and Midema, which have agreed in principle to provide organic waste from industrial processes. Altech has also expressed interest in investing in a biogas filling center and retail distribution to facilitate access.
The ANSER plans to demonstrate the project’s viability by launching a pilot biogas plant with a 10,000 m³ monthly capacity by August 2025 in the Maluku SEZ.
Additionally, the UNDP leads a domestic biogas initiative aiming to equip 500,000 rural and urban households with biodigesters for cooking and lighting.
Aligned with its Energy Compact, the DRC targets a 30% adoption rate of clean cooking technologies by 2030, reducing dependence on solid fuels still used by over 95% of households. This would benefit approximately 40 million people with alternative cooking solutions.
This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko and Boaz Kabeya (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The Kamoa-Kakula mine generated revenues of $973 million in the first quarter of 2025, up 57% year-on-year. Ivanhoe Mines, which runs the mine, released the data on April 30. Kamoa-Kakula is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Over the period reviewed, the mine’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) rose from $384 million to $585 million, doubling net income to $266 million. This profit is shared between the mine's various owners: Ivanhoe Mines and the Chinese group Zijin Mining, who respectively hold 39.6% of the shares, the Congolese state with 20%, and Crystal River with 0.8%.
Copper price trends
Between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, Kamoa-Kakula’s copper output jumped 54% to stand at 133,120 tonnes. Consequently, Ivanhoe sold more copper over the period - 109,963 tonnes in the first quarter of 2025, compared with 85,155 tonnes a year earlier. Also, the metal was sold at a higher average price: $4.19 per pound in Q1 2025, against $3.82 in Q1 2024.
This year, Ivanhoe aims to produce 520,000 to 580,000 tonnes of copper from the mine, and around 600,000 tonnes from 2026 onwards, compared with 437,061 tonnes produced in 2024. However, the level of revenue generated by Kamoa-Kakula will depend on copper price trends.
These prices were greatly impacted by the ongoing US-China trade warn. On the London Metal Exchange, the spot price of copper reached $9,200 per tonne at the end of April, after dropping to $8,500 at the beginning of the month.
This article was initially published in French by Emiliano Tossou
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Soventix GmbH will contribute to the solar energy with storage project to power the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The German firm announced this on April 30, 2025.
According to the announcement, Soventix will be involved in the planning, project management, and supply of components, while CrossBoundary Energy, a developer specializing in renewable energy solutions for businesses, will operate the entire scheme. In early April, Kamoa Copper, the complex’s owner, and CrossBoundary Energy signed a power purchase agreement.
The project includes building a 222 MWp solar power plant, combined with a 526 MWh storage system, capable of supplying a stable 30 MW of power to the mine.
The Kamoa-Kakula complex is one of Africa's most advanced copper projects. The complex could require around 240 MW of energy after the completion of its first, second, and third phases, and when its smelter is fully operational, in 2026. The solar power plant and storage project is just one of the initiatives being implemented to guarantee a clean, stable energy supply.
Already present in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, Soventix expands its footprint in Africa with the Congolese project. For its part, CrossBoundary is backed by the Norwegian fund Norfund, an alliance that supports a basic renewable model tailored to the needs of African heavy industry.
This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Starlink has been allowed to operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to a press release dated May 2, 2025, the country’s telecom regulator, the ARPTC, granted an operating permit to Starlink DRC S.A., the local subsidiary of SpaceX Group's satellite Internet service provider. Starlink is Elon Musk's initiative to provide high-speed Internet access worldwide via a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites.
The firm secured the permit after regularizing its administrative situation. It can now operate in compliance with the DRC’s regulations.
The Congolese people, especially in rural and remote areas, should significantly benefit from the breakthrough. Starlink's services should come online in a few days.
Billionaire Elon Musk's company joins a Congolese market already occupied by 33 ISPs, according to ARPTC's biannual report (second half 2023) on the market observatory for the provision of Internet services. The advent of Starlink also coincides with preparations for the launch of 5G in the DRC.
The same report indicates that the DRC had over 29.9 million mobile Internet subscribers, compared with just 23,267 for fixed Internet in 2023. The penetration rate remains very low for fixed-line (0.024%), compared with 31.49% for mobile. Compared with the previous half-year, the total number of subscribers rose by 15.4%. The Internet services market generated over $599.1 million, but the revenue recovery rate for fixed Internet remains low, reaching just 48.3% among identified providers. According to the 2025 Mobile Economy report, published last March, the DRC is set to welcome 15 million new mobile Internet subscribers between 2025 and 2030.
On a mission to Washington (USA) in March 2025, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital (PTN), met with Starlink representatives. The meeting focused on the possibility of deploying Starlink's satellite technology to improve Internet access, particularly in rural areas where almost 70% of the population remains unconnected. At the end of the discussions, the two parties agreed to take the necessary administrative steps to launch Starlink's activities in the DRC, including drawing up specifications and obtaining operating licenses.
Ronsard Luabeya
Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During his stay, the European official told Congolese authorities about Belgian firms' readiness to support the DRC’s mining sector by providing their expertise. The DRC is a former colony of Belgium.
"We have globally recognized expertise through players like Umicore and John Cockerill, which can handle all of these rare critical materials. And so, if the opportunity arises to also be able to be an investment partner, there's no reason for us to rule it out," Prévot told a press conference on April 28, 2025, after meeting with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi.
Already, there is Umicore, a Belgian company, helping Gécamine, the DRC’s state-owned mining company. In 2024, the two signed a deal under which Umicore refines germanium concentrates from the Big Hill tailings site in Lubumbashi. In October 2024, Gécamine announced its first exports to Belgium, as part of its goal to supply up to 30% of the world's germanium needs.
Belgium is a preferred destination for Congolese diamonds, thanks in particular to the city of Antwerp, a world center for the diamond trade. In 2024, statistics published by the Ministry of Mines show that the DRC exported 4.1 million carats to Belgium, worth $42.03 million. The kingdom thus accounts for 44% of Congolese diamond exports, outstripped only by the United Arab Emirates, which imported 4.9 million carats for $44.9 million.
To offset China’s dominant presence in its mining industry, the DRC has been seeking new investors. Discussions are already underway with the United States, following a "minerals for security" exchange proposal made by Kinshasa. Since then, Washington has been heavily involved in resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.
"Belgium has at no time conceived its mission, through my presence, in a move aimed at exploiting any resource of the DRC. We are obviously observing the motivations of other international players who may sometimes have a more transactional approach to their diplomacy. We are here first and foremost because there is a suffering population and principles of international law to uphold," commented Maxime Prévot.
Within the European Union, Brussels currently appears to be Kinshasa's main ally in the conflict in eastern DRC. In retaliation, Rwanda has suspended diplomatic relations with the kingdom.
This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
At the 41st meeting of the Council of Ministers, held on April 25, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi ordered the demolition of buildings erected in violation of town-planning standards, especially those obstructing drainage channels. This decision comes after floods hit Kinshasa, causing almost 75 deaths and leaving more than 11,000 people homeless, according to the authorities.
The government has set up a crisis unit, bringing together several ministers and the governor of Kinshasa, to ensure that this decision is rigorously enforced. The process includes an awareness-raising phase, followed by formal notices to the offenders, before proceeding with demolitions. The awareness campaign aims to curb social tensions.
On April 10, 2025, Crispin Mbadu, Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, called a meeting of his administration to assess the consequences of the recent floods. He called for the strict application of the ban on issuing town-planning notices in certain non-edificandi zones, notably Ngaliema Bay, the banks of the Ndjili, Lukunga, Kalamu, Bitshaku Tshaku, Basoko, Makelele, and Gombe rivers, as well as the Socopao site in Limete and the Ndanu district.
As part of the Kin-Elenda project, the authorities had already launched demolition operations in November 2024 on houses built illegally along the Funa river, in the communes of Kalamu, Barumbu, and Limete. This work aimed to protect the SNEL substation from flooding and restore the free flow of water.
Boaz Kabeya (intern)
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On April 24, 2025, the SNEL, the DR Congo’s power utility, signed a contract with Chint, a Chinese firm, to rehabilitate the electricity distribution network in northern Kinshasa, covering five communes: Barumbu, Gombe, Kasa-Vubu, Kinshasa, and Lingwala.
Initially, the project aimed to build 60 new low- and medium-voltage cabins, modernize 35 existing cabins, and reinforce a substation and a high-voltage substation. However, the project scope has expanded: 204 cabins will now be renovated, 25,000 subscribers will switch to prepaid billing, and 1,175 street lamps will be installed to improve public lighting.
SNEL Managing Director Fabrice Lusinde said the project, a pilot, will be extended to other communes amid rapid urbanization and growing energy demand. The current network, largely inherited from colonial times, has not been rehabilitated for over 60 years, causing significant energy losses and outdated flat-rate billing.
Founded in 1984, Chint Electric is a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate CHINT Group, specializing in electrical equipment, renewable energy, and intelligent energy management solutions. Present in over 140 countries, the company has carried out several electrification projects in Africa, including Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria.
This article was initially published in French by Boaz Kabeya (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
The diamond market is going through a major crisis, marked by a prolonged drop in demand, due in particular to the growing popularity of synthetic diamonds. This has led to a significant fall in prices. Several corroborating sources say prices have fallen by over 25% since 2022.
The trend is reflected in the average export price from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to official data, it has fallen from $12.5 per carat in 2022 to $9.6 in 2024, a drop of 23.2%.
This situation further complicates the recovery of Société minière de Bakwanga (Miba), which has been in difficulty for over twenty years. The turnaround strategy is based on the potential of the polygon, Miba's historic concession, which still harbors significant diamond deposits.
On April 8, Miba CEO André Kabanda introduced four South African companies- Bond Equipment, Mining Services, Athur Mining, and Consulmet-"interested" in working together to revive the business. These companies are due to submit bids for the supply of modern equipment after visiting the mining infrastructure and sites. However, the continuing fall in prices could dampen investor enthusiasm.
Conditions for a Relaunch
Appointed Chairman of the Board in November 2023, Jean-Charles Okoto undertook a tour of Europe in late 2024 to attract new partners. On this occasion, ASA Resource, a 20% shareholder, pledged to invest $50 million in the relaunch. To date, however, it remains unclear whether this contribution has been made.
While Miba's ambition was to produce 12 million carats by 2025, its activities remain suspended.
Miba's situation reflects that of the sector as a whole. Since 2017, recorded national production has fallen from 17.9 million to 9.2 million carats in 2024.
"Relaunching the sector requires structural reforms to enhance transparency, support artisanal mining, attract industrial investment, and ensure that diamond wealth truly benefits local populations," argues IPIS, a research organization based in Antwerp, in a report published on April 23, 2025.
According to the USGS, the DRC holds around 150 million carats, or 9% of the world's known industrial-grade diamond reserves.
This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
On April 25, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed, in Washington, the "declaration of principles" to draw up a draft peace agreement for discussion on May 2.
The text lays down classic foundations: respect for sovereignty, non-interference, an end to support for armed groups, joint security coordination, return of refugees, support for MONUSCO, and promotion of regional economic integration. But an analysis of the speeches delivered at the signing reveals different priorities for different players.
DRC Puts Peace First
Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, stressed the urgency of the move, saying: "In Goma, Bukavu and beyond, the reality is one of displacement, insecurity and hardship. For us, the urgency of this initiative is not theoretical, it is human."
She also demanded the "immediate, unconditional and verifiable" withdrawal of foreign troops, asserting that, "Peace must come first, then we can build trust, and only then engage in bilateral cooperation."
Rwanda Wants to Address Root Causes
Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, for his part, insisted on the need to tackle the roots of the conflict: "We must address the root causes to achieve lasting peace," he insisted.
Kigali ties these causes to the "complex history" of the region. Rwanda continues to justify the M23's action by the defense of "Rwandophone populations" in Kivu and considers the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), refugees in eastern DRC since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as an "existential threat". The country's stated aim is to achieve "a secure region, free from violent ethnic extremism, and well governed."
US Targets Favorable Ecosystem
The United States, officially a "witness" to the process, is aiming beyond mediation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "A lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will open the door to greater US and Western citizen investment, which will create an ecosystem conducive to responsible and reliable supply chains for things like critical minerals. It's a win-win."
"We are discussing how to build new regional economic value chains linking our countries, including with US private sector investment," confirmed the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs. Washington is currently negotiating a bilateral agreement with Kinshasa to secure access to strategic minerals.
Absent but Influential Players
Beyond the signatories, other players and interests are weighing in on the process. The United States accuses Chinese companies of taking advantage of the chaos to exploit resources illegally.
The governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, recently spoke of the existence of 1,600 illegal companies, mainly Chinese-owned, feeding a vast smuggling network that also benefits Rwanda. According to his estimates, 67% of this illegal production is destined for the Middle East, while China accounts for another significant share. Europe would remain marginal in these flows.
Countries such as Burundi and Uganda, as well as South Africa, which has already lost several soldiers, will also have to take their military interests into account. Finally, internal political tensions in the DRC further complicate the equation.
Authorities accuse former president Joseph Kabila of supporting the rebellion, adding a domestic political dimension to an already complex crisis.
This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
On April 24, 2025, Rawbank revealed its new logo and corporate identity in Kinshasa at a ceremony held at the lender’s headquarters. The change is a milestone for the 23-year-old bank.
“The new logo is a symbol in its own right. It is inspired by the Congolese leopard, the embodiment of power and resilience. The yellow claws represent our strength and capacity for innovation. Yellow evokes vitality, optimism, and prosperity, while the black typography embodies the solidity and reliability of our institution,” explained Rawbank Communication Director Naima Issawi.
Rawbank also has a new fresh slogan: “Rawbank. Au-delà d’une banque, l’avenir commence ici.” (Ed.note: Rawbank. More than a bank, the future starts here.”
According to Rawbank CEO, Mustapha Rawji, the rebranding conveys a “clearer, stronger strategic vision”. He also highlighted plans to accelerate digital transformation and expand financial access across the DRC.
The bank aims to deepen its commitment to a greener, more inclusive economy by supporting local talent, women entrepreneurs, and SMEs, while maintaining its core values of proximity and reliability.
"Rawbank is viewed both as a retail and corporate bank and a key driver of SME support and financial inclusion. This diversity is at the heart of our new identity. It's not a rupture, but continuity towards a more modern banking experience closer to the realities of the market," said Étienne Mabunda, the bank's Commercial Director.
Rawbank strengthened its leadership in 2023, with total assets rising to $5.06 billion from $4.15 billion in 2022. Deposits grew 22.36% to $3.94 billion, and loans increased 19.2% to $1.55 billion. Serving over 500,000 customers, Rawbank remains central to the DRC’s financial ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Luabeya (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho