The Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating their strategic partnership, with a focus on transforming local critical minerals, investments, infrastructure, and security in the Great Lakes region. This commitment was made during the second meeting of the Joint Steering Committee, held on November 5, 2026, in Paris, France. The two governments aim to move beyond mere engagement and achieve concrete results in their cooperation.
The partnership seeks to promote a pragmatic approach, centered on results, peace, security, economic growth, responsible investment, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity. Economically, the US and DRC want to move beyond traditional mining practices, focusing on local transformation, refining, technology transfer, and job creation in the DRC. They emphasize the need for high standards of transparency, good governance, and environmental protection, as well as increased participation from Congolese businesses and workers.
Infrastructure development is another key aspect of this cooperation, with the US and DRC identifying the Sakania-Lobito corridor and the Grand Inga project as crucial for economic development and regional integration. Grand Inga is seen as a platform for reliable electricity production, industrialization, mineral transformation, agro-industry, and regional energy integration. The two governments recognize the potential of these projects to drive economic growth and stability in the region.
On security, the US and DRC stress that stability in eastern DRC is essential for achieving economic ambitions. They emphasize the importance of fully implementing the Washington Peace Accords, while reaffirming their commitment to respecting Congo's sovereignty and territorial integrity. To translate these commitments into action, several priorities have been identified, including operationalizing the Strategic Asset Reserve, mobilizing American investors, and accelerating technical and institutional work on Grand Inga.
The US and DRC aim to measure the success of their agreement by its contribution to stability, economic opportunities, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. This partnership is seen as a significant political and economic signal, with its impact depending on the translation of these commitments into tangible results for the Congolese population. The two governments are committed to a pragmatic and result-oriented approach, with a focus on concrete outcomes.
The partnership between the US and DRC has the potential to drive economic growth, stability, and development in the region. By focusing on local transformation, infrastructure development, and security, the two governments can create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards. The success of this partnership will depend on the effective implementation of these commitments and the active participation of Congolese businesses and workers.
According to Didier Kebongo, the US and DRC are working together to turn these commitments into reality. The two governments are committed to a collaborative approach, with a focus on achieving concrete results and driving sustainable development in the region. The partnership between the US and DRC has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of the Congolese people, and its success will depend on the continued commitment and cooperation of both parties.
Key points
- The US and DRC are focusing on local transformation of critical minerals, infrastructure development, and security in the Great Lakes region.
