The relations between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are historical and deep, dating back to 1960 after the DRC's independence from Belgium. In April 2019, following President Tshisekedi's visit to Washington, the two countries launched the "Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity," aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving human rights, promoting peace, and attracting American investments. In February 2021, a fifth component, environmental preservation, was added to reflect the shared commitment to climate change.

This partnership enables collaboration on global priorities such as combating the climate crisis, illicit trafficking, security and humanitarian crises, and securing supply chains of essential minerals for the global energy transition.[1]

This partnership has recently intensified through initiatives such as the DRC Mining Week 2023, where the United States reaffirmed its support by launching a $20 million grant to promote investment opportunities in the Congolese mining sector. By identifying and developing opportunities in this sector, the United States aims to mobilize the private sector and ensure sustainable economic growth. The goal is to transform the DRC, rich in critical minerals, into a key player for the green energy transition, while improving local living conditions through responsible and diversified investments. [2]

A 20 Million USD Grant to Promote Mining Investments

On the sidelines of the mining conference held from June 12 to 14 in Lubumbashi, the American government, through its agency for international development (USAID) and Prosper Africa, announced a grant of 20 million dollars. This initiative is part of the Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) program, aimed at boosting trade and investment in Africa to identify and develop opportunities in the mining sector in the DRC, thereby strengthening USAID's capacity to stimulate the local and regional economy.

This $20 million grant aims to support the growth of the mineral sector in the DRC, crucial for the country's economy. By mobilizing resources and attracting investments, USAID and Prosper Africa intend to enhance the competitiveness of the Congolese mining sector. This funding will help create a business-friendly environment, increase exports, and attract new investments, while promoting responsible and sustainable practices in the exploitation of the DRC's mineral resources. [3]

Strengthening the Capacities of the Private Sector

The ATI program's main objective is to add value to the private sector and position the African continent for future growth. To this end, the program focuses on mobilizing capital, resources, and expertise from the private sector. By supporting local businesses, the program aims to enhance their capacity and competitiveness, thereby fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth. The program's integrated approach seeks to create synergies among different economic actors, facilitating the emergence of new business and industrial opportunities on the continent.

According to the USAID statement, the ATI program goes beyond financial assistance by placing a particular emphasis on skill development and access to international markets. By increasing the capacity and competitiveness of businesses, investors, and intermediaries, the program not only boosts intra-African trade but also foreign investments. This strategic initiative is designed to catalyze a virtuous cycle of economic growth, where current investments lead to long-term benefits for the entire African continent, while attracting essential capital and cutting-edge technologies to support this growth dynamic. [4]

The DRC Mining Week Initiative

During the DRC Mining Week 2023, the United States launched an annual program statement (APS) aimed at seeking innovative concepts from the private sector. These initiatives must be capable of quickly generating new exports and investments in responsible critical mineral projects. The goal is to stimulate economic growth by focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions in the mining sector. Since the launch of this statement, the ATI program has received over 40 diverse concepts. These proposals reflect the creativity and dynamism of the private sector in mining development.

After receiving these numerous proposals, USAID, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Mines of the DRC, undertook a rigorous selection process. This meticulous process allowed the number of concepts to be narrowed down to a handful of promising projects. These selected projects are now entering a co-design phase, where stakeholders work together to refine and further develop the ideas. The goal is to ensure that these projects meet high standards of responsibility and sustainability while maximizing their export and investment potential, thereby making a significant contribution to the mining economy of the DRC.

First Grant for ROK Metals

Taking advantage of this opportunity, USAID announced the launch of the first grant for ROK Metals, a Congolese copper cathode processing plant located in Likasi. This grant, amounting to 2 million dollars, represents a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the company's production capacity. With this funding, ROK Metals will be able to increase its monthly production of copper cathodes from 52 tons to 1,150 tons. This significant increase in production not only meets the growing market demands but also the region's industrial development ambitions.

In parallel with the increase in copper cathode production, the grant will also enable ROK Metals to increase its cobalt hydroxide production from 28 tons to 250 tons per month. This development is crucial for the Congolese mining industry, as cobalt is an essential element in the manufacture of batteries and other advanced technologies. By strengthening the production capacity of these critical materials, USAID not only supports local economic growth but also contributes to the stability of the global supply of strategic minerals. This initiative exemplifies USAID's commitment to promoting projects that have a tangible and lasting impact on local and global economies.

Commitment to Diversified and Responsible Investments

As part of this partnership, the American government, in collaboration with the Congolese Ministry of Mines, is focusing on increasing diversified and responsible investments, particularly in cobalt, copper, and other critical minerals. These investments are essential to support the green energy transition, vital for a sustainable future.

Thus, this initiative reflects the desire of the United States and the DRC to strengthen their cooperation to promote sustainable and responsible investments in the mining sector, while boosting economic growth and fostering regional stability.