Honourable Louis Watum, Minister of Mines of the DRC: Forty-five Billion US Dollars Committed to the Congolese Mining Sector

November 2025

The mining sector of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major pillar of the national economy, representing more or less 80% of budgetary revenues and nearly 50% of public revenues.

According to a survey by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) published in 2023, this sector also constitutes 99% of exports and 55% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Faced with this wealth, it becomes imperative to attract more local investments to maximise the spin-offs.

It is with this in mind that Congolese investors have committed a loan envelope of 45 billion US dollars to the Congolese mining sector. This initiative aims to strengthen the efficiency and profitability of mining operations.

This is what the Congolese National Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, made known. He emphasised the importance of this approach during a press briefing organised by the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, on 27 November 2025 in Kinshasa.

“To succeed in the Congolese mining sector and obtain a good return, investors need to have two best allies, namely the country’s regulatory law that guarantees investments, the fiscal framework and protects your assets. The second ally is the administration that gives you all the authorisations you need to execute the business plan. Those who have understood this have just invested nearly 45 billion in our country to set up the most modern foundry in the world. We can also count on the Congolese who invest up to 45 billion USD in the mining sector,” revealed Louis Watum Kabamba.

Furthermore, in 2024, the mining sector generated 4.36 billion dollars, representing approximately 41.3% of the country’s current revenues, estimated at more than 10.62 billion dollars, according to the financial rating agency Standard & Poor’s.

These figures underline the importance of the mining sector for the Congolese economy, hence the urgency of investing in its modernisation to guarantee sustainable growth.

The commitment of Congolese investors is part of a desire to strengthen governance and transparency in the sector, essential aspects for attracting foreign investment. Rigorous and responsible management of resources could thus reassure investors and foster a favourable business climate.

With such an investment, the DRC must at all costs transform its mining sector into a model of innovation and sustainability. The economic spin-offs of this modernisation could contribute to improving the living conditions of Congolese people, by promoting job creation and generating revenues for the State.

The implementation of ambitious projects could also restore citizens’ confidence in the management of the country’s natural resources.

By the Editorial Team with Divine Mwenda and Celeste Z