DRC and US Commit to Developing Critical Minerals Supply Chains

The governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United States have reaffirmed their shared interest in developing critical minerals supply chains to promote local mineral processing. This commitment was made during a meeting of the joint steering committee between the two countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of National Economy. The DRC and US aim to create secure, transparent, resilient, and diversified supply chains.

Both parties stressed the importance of effective coordination among relevant ministries, government departments, agencies, and technical institutions. They also emphasized the need for a regular monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the success of their cooperation. The governments examined ways to encourage responsible investments by eligible American companies and financial institutions in projects that contribute to value addition and sustainable transformation of the Congolese economy.

The DRC and US highlighted the importance of high standards of transparency, good governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility. They also emphasized the need for genuine opportunities for Congolese companies and workers to participate in the development of critical minerals supply chains. This cooperation is expected to promote economic growth, responsible investment, and infrastructure development in the region.

The two governments acknowledged the essential role of strategic infrastructure and regional connectivity in unlocking the DRC's economic potential. They welcomed the holding of the inaugural meeting of the Grand Inga Project Coordination and Governance Committee on October 26, 2026. The Grand Inga project is expected to serve as a major platform for reliable electricity generation, industrialization, mineral processing, and regional energy integration.

The DRC and US discussed the progress of the Grand Inga project under Article X of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). They underscored the need to advance technical, financial, institutional, legal, and regulatory work required to prepare the project. This includes mobilizing public and private financing, as well as consultations with development finance institutions and multilateral development banks.

The cooperation between the DRC and US is based on a pragmatic, results-oriented partnership. This partnership aims to promote peace and security, economic growth, responsible investment, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity. The two governments reaffirmed their commitment to this partnership, following the meeting of February 5, 2026, and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed on December 4, 2025.

The DRC and US cooperation on critical minerals supply chains is expected to have a positive impact on the region. The development of these supply chains will promote local processing, value addition, and sustainable transformation of the Congolese economy. This cooperation will also contribute to the economic development of the region, through the creation of jobs and stimulation of economic growth.

Key points

• The DRC and US have reaffirmed their shared interest in developing critical minerals supply chains to promote local mineral processing.
• The two governments emphasized the importance of high standards of transparency, good governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
• The Grand Inga project is expected to serve as a major platform for reliable electricity generation, industrialization, mineral processing, and regional energy integration.