The Democratic Republic of Congo is committed to developing a mining industry that creates value, investments, and opportunities for its people. This was stated by Deputy Jéthro Muyombi at the 5th edition of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026, held in Cairo on September 28-29. The Deputy emphasized that the country wants to move beyond mere extraction and instead focus on transforming its natural resources to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Deputy Muyombi highlighted the current challenges facing the Congolese mining industry, where extracted minerals such as copper and cobalt are exported and then returned as finished products, creating value and jobs elsewhere. He cited the example of copper extracted in Kolwezi and cobalt in Lualaba, which are then transported to Durban and China, only to return to the country as expensive finished products. This, he argued, deprives the Congolese people, particularly the youth, of employment opportunities.
The Deputy emphasized that the DR Congo aims to become a production hub, utilizing its resources to industrialize the country and diversify its economy beyond mining. He stressed that this approach would create a significant number of jobs for the country's youth, who make up 70% of the population under the age of 35. By transforming its natural resources locally, the country can create more employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
Deputy Muyombi noted that a mining industry focused on transformation and local production can create more jobs than traditional mining. He stated that one direct mining job creates four indirect jobs if the transformation is done locally. Furthermore, industries such as manufacturing, packaging, and logistics can employ many more young people, both skilled and unskilled, than modern mining, which is often automated.
The Deputy is participating in the Egypt Mining Forum 2026 as the President of the Sub-Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie at the National Assembly. The forum brings together investors and stakeholders from Egypt and Africa to discuss opportunities and challenges in the mining sector. Deputy Muyombi's participation highlights the DR Congo's commitment to developing its mining industry in a way that benefits its people.
The DR Congo's push for a more transformative mining industry is seen as a response to the country's high youth unemployment rate. With a large and youthful population, the country needs to create employment opportunities that go beyond traditional mining. By developing its manufacturing and logistics sectors, the DR Congo hopes to provide a brighter future for its young people.
The Egypt Mining Forum 2026 provides a platform for countries like the DR Congo to showcase their potential and attract investment in the mining sector. Deputy Muyombi's advocacy for a more transformative mining industry is expected to resonate with investors and stakeholders at the forum. The DR Congo's goal of creating a profitable mining industry that benefits its people is a key priority for the country's economic development.
Key points
- DR Congo aims to develop a mining industry that creates value, investments, and opportunities for its people.
- The country seeks to move beyond mere extraction and focus on transforming its natural resources to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- Deputy Jéthro Muyombi advocates for a mining industry that benefits the Congolese people, particularly the youth, who make up 70% of the population under the age of 35.
