South African investors urged to explore opportunities beyond mining in DRC

South African investors have a significant opportunity to expand their presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) beyond the mining sector. According to Prof Serge Tshibangu, chairman of the US·Europe·Africa Business Council, investment in the DRC can support businesses that create jobs, expand production, and serve both economies. The commercial opportunity lies in combining Congolese resources and demand with South African finance, engineering, and industrial expertise.

The DRC's rich mineral deposits, including cobalt, copper, manganese, and others, make it a strategic player in the energy transition and advanced manufacturing. However, an investment strategy focused solely on extraction would overlook opportunities in processing, industrial services, and infrastructure supporting production. Beyond critical minerals, hydropower development could support manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, and regional electricity trade. This presents a chance for investors to diversify their portfolios and contribute to the country's economic growth.

The agriculture sector also offers opportunities in commercial production, agro-processing, storage, and distribution. Both sectors depend on investment in systems that connect producers to markets. Additionally, consumer demand creates opportunities in financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, education, housing, transport, and digital technology. To succeed, investors must identify customers they can serve commercially and develop projects that are commercially viable.

Examples of successful mining investments in the DRC include Kamoa-Kakula, operated by Kamoa Copper SA, and Kibali, a gold mine operated by Barrick. These projects demonstrate the potential for large-scale international mining investment in the country. However, to unlock the full potential of the DRC, investors must look beyond mining and explore opportunities in other sectors. The Banana deep-water port and Lobito Corridor are critical infrastructure projects that could reduce logistical constraints and improve access to international markets.

To achieve sustainable businesses and national development, partnerships between investors, governments, and local businesses are essential. Governments must provide policy clarity, regulatory certainty, efficient investment facilitation, and transparent processes. Investors must bring patient capital, technology, expertise, and skills transfer. The relationship between South African and Congolese businesses should be reciprocal, with opportunities for Congolese businesses to expand into South Africa.

South Africa is well-positioned to contribute to the DRC's economic growth, with its financial institutions, engineering capabilities, mining services, industrial capacity, and infrastructure experience. Standard Bank and Vodacom already have a presence in the DRC, alongside South African mining services, engineering, and other businesses. These relationships provide a basis for a more deliberate trade and investment partnership between the two countries.

An investment conference, "Investing in DRC: The South Africa, USA and Europe Coalition," will take place in Johannesburg on 16-17 November 2026, aiming to connect investors, development finance institutions, commercial banks, policymakers, and Congolese project owners. The event's objective is to match capital and expertise with projects that can deliver commercial and developmental value. For South Africa, success will be measured by expanded production, jobs, and stronger regional markets.

Key points

• Investors must assess infrastructure deficits, security conditions, regulatory complexity, and institutional capacity when investing in the DRC.
• Partnerships between investors, governments, and local businesses are essential for sustainable businesses and national development.
• South Africa and the DRC can benefit from a reciprocal investment relationship, with opportunities for businesses to expand in both countries.