The Governor of Lomami province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iron-Van Kalombo Musoko, is on a mission to Belgium to explore new cooperation opportunities between Lomami and Belgian provinces, cities, and communes. On October 2, 2026, Musoko visited Saint-Gilles, a commune in the Brussels-Capital Region, accompanied by Belgian Minister of State André Flahaut. This visit aims to examine potential twinning between Lomami cities and Belgian communes, as well as identify joint projects that can be developed within the framework of Belgian communal legislation.
The visit to Saint-Gilles is part of a broader effort to create bridges between local authorities, promote experience sharing, and identify areas of cooperation that benefit local populations. According to Musoko, this approach will enable Lomami to open up to partnerships with foreign institutions and entities, focusing on experience exchange, local governance, and communal development projects. This mission is being undertaken by the Provincial Executive to inscribe Lomami in a dynamic of openness to partnerships.
The Governor's visit to Belgium is also aimed at identifying potential areas of cooperation that can be mutually beneficial to both Lomami and Belgian entities. This includes exploring opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative projects in areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. By forging partnerships with Belgian entities, Lomami aims to leverage expertise and resources to drive development and improve the lives of its citizens.
The twinning of cities and communes between Lomami and Belgium is expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices, expertise, and experiences in local governance. This cooperation will enable Lomami to benefit from Belgian expertise in areas such as urban planning, waste management, and public services delivery. In return, Belgian entities will have the opportunity to engage with Lomami's unique cultural and economic context.
Iron-Van Kalombo Musoko's mission to Belgium is also seen as an opportunity to promote Lomami's economic potential and attract foreign investment. By showcasing the province's natural resources, investment opportunities, and business-friendly environment, Musoko aims to attract Belgian entrepreneurs and investors to Lomami. This could lead to the creation of jobs, stimulation of economic growth, and increased revenue for the province.
The cooperation between Lomami and Belgian entities is expected to be mutually beneficial, with both parties standing to gain from the exchange of experiences and expertise. For Lomami, the partnership will provide access to knowledge, resources, and best practices that can help drive development and improve the lives of its citizens. For Belgian entities, the partnership will offer opportunities for cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and engagement with the DR Congo's growing economy.
The visit by Iron-Van Kalombo Musoko to Belgium has been seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between the DR Congo and Belgium. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and this mission is expected to further consolidate their relations. As Lomami continues to explore partnerships with Belgian entities, it is likely that the province will become an increasingly important player in the region.
Key points
- DR Congo's Lomami province seeks partnerships with Belgian provinces, cities, and communes to drive development and improve the lives of its citizens.
