Egyptian Petroleum and Mineral Wealth Minister Karim Badawi met with DR Congo's Mines Minister Louis Watum on the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the mining sector and explore new partnership opportunities. This aims to optimize the use of mineral resources, maximize added value, and increase economic returns. The meeting highlights the importance of collaboration between Egypt and DR Congo.
Minister Badawi emphasized that developing the mining sector involves more than just exploration, extraction, and production. It requires a comprehensive system that includes infrastructure, energy, construction, engineering services, and manufacturing. This integrated approach offers broad opportunities for cooperation between Egypt and DR Congo. Badawi also stressed the need to maximize the value of mineral resources.
Maximizing the value of mineral resources is crucial for increasing economic returns. This can be achieved by expanding partnerships and projects that focus on processing raw materials and utilizing them in value chains. This approach allows for more than just extracting and exporting raw materials. Minister Badawi noted that achieving this requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, financial institutions, and companies operating in the mining sector.
Governments play a vital role in creating a favorable investment environment. This includes developing infrastructure, providing necessary energy and services, and reducing project costs. Such efforts can increase competitiveness and encourage the private sector to invest more in mining activities and related industries. The meeting also touched on opportunities for linking Egyptian and Congolese companies.
The two ministers discussed leveraging the combined expertise and capabilities of both countries in mining, infrastructure, energy, and engineering services. This cooperation can support joint projects, knowledge transfer, and capacity building. It can also promote the development of more integrated mining value chains. DR Congo's Mines Minister Louis Watum expressed his country's interest in enhancing cooperation with Egypt.
Watum highlighted the potential benefits of learning from Egyptian companies' experiences and capabilities in mining-related fields. This cooperation can contribute to the development of DR Congo's mining sector and optimize the use of its mineral resources. The two ministers agreed to continue coordination and identify priority areas for cooperation.
They also plan to connect companies and institutions in both countries and convert cooperation opportunities into tangible partnerships and projects. This aims to achieve mutual benefits and maximize the value of mineral resources. The meeting demonstrates the commitment of both countries to strengthening their cooperation in the mining sector.
Key points
- Egypt and DR Congo are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in the mining sector.
- The two countries aim to maximize the value of their mineral resources through joint projects and partnerships.
- The cooperation includes knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the development of more integrated mining value chains.
