The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to developing critical mineral supply chains, with a focus on processing more raw materials inside the country. The issue was discussed during the second meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of their Strategic Partnership Agreement, held in Paris on November 5.
The two governments reviewed progress in implementing the agreement, including growing interest from US private investors and an expanding investment pipeline presented by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), according to a joint statement released by the US Department of State.
However, Kinshasa has stressed that the partnership must deliver tangible economic results rather than remain focused on signed agreements. Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba said the success of the arrangement should be measured by completed projects, including local mineral processing, improved electricity access and support for stability in eastern DRC, Reuters reported.
The discussions covered the Lobito Corridor, the Grand Inga hydropower project and opportunities for US companies in mineral processing, exports and the energy sector. Both sides welcomed the signing of the concession agreement for the Lobito Corridor, which is expected to strengthen regional trade and transport connectivity.
The governments also discussed the implementation of recently adopted tax and customs rules for projects covered by the strategic partnership. They emphasised that Congolese workers and businesses should benefit through job creation, skills development and greater participation in investment projects.
No new financing commitments or specific funding amounts were announced following the Paris meeting. The DFC, however, presented an expanding pipeline of potential investments in the country.
The strategic partnership, signed in December 2025, seeks to strengthen economic ties, develop more resilient mineral supply chains and attract investment in mining, energy and infrastructure. For the DRC, a central objective is to capture more value from its copper, cobalt and other mineral resources through domestic processing and industrial development.
