The Democratic Republic of Congo has been challenged at the Kolwezi Business Meeting to shift from exporting raw materials and establish a strong processing industry.
The Katanga Business Meeting (KBM) 2026 concluded with a call for sustainable investments for a competitive Africa.
The three-day, 7th KBM edition devoted to the economic and industrial prospects of the DRC and South Africa closed on Friday.
The deliberations guided by the theme “Investing in a sustainable future for a winning Africa”, drew delegates from Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the DRC.
It focused in particular on the local processing of strategic minerals, the development of the Lobito corridor, energy infrastructure, public-private partnerships, youth employment, industrial skills and regional industrialization.
Participants also considered ways to make the DRC a major player in the global energy transition thanks to its large reserves of copper and cobalt.
“Africa is not lacking in resources, opportunities, or talent. What we need are balanced partners, local transformation, modern infrastructure, and responsible investments capable of producing a lasting impact on people,” said Fifi Masuka Saini the Governor of Lualaba province.
Fifi added, “Our province intends to continue its efforts in improving infrastructure, supporting investors, promoting entrepreneurship, energy development and enhancing value chains around our strategic minerals.”
Costas Coursaris Musunka, the KBM founder said, “a successful Africa will not be built alone. It will be built through strong alliances and a collective will to move forward together. The KBM dynamic must continue in our institutions, in our projects.”
However, several delegates challenged DRC to move beyond the raw materials export model and develop a genuine local processing industry.
