US advances investment push in DR Congo, eyes critical minerals, transport infrastructure

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7-The United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are advancing plans to expand American investment in the Central African country, with critical minerals, hydropower and regional transport infrastructure emerging as key areas of cooperation under their Strategic Partnership Agreement.

The two governments held the second meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) in Paris on Friday, reviewing progress on the agreement and identifying investment opportunities for American companies.

A joint statement released by the US Department of State said the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) had briefed the meeting on its growing investment pipeline in the DRC, while American private-sector interest in the country’s Strategic Asset Reserve (SAR) was also increasing.

“The JSC reviewed progress since the inaugural meeting in February 2026 and welcomed growing U.S. private sector interest in the Strategic Asset Reserve (SAR). The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) briefed on its growing investment pipeline in the DRC,” the statement said.

The discussions also focused on expanding American participation in the DRC’s critical minerals sector, including processing and exports, as well as opportunities in energy development.

Among the projects highlighted was the Lobito Corridor, where the two delegations recognised the signing of a concession agreement as an important milestone towards strengthening regional trade and connectivity.

They also discussed the next steps in developing the Grand Inga hydropower project, which could create further opportunities for investment in the country’s energy sector.

The meeting further reviewed the DRC’s recent adoption of legislation establishing tax and customs rules for projects implemented under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, with both governments committing to coordinate its implementation.

Beyond attracting foreign capital, the partnership seeks to ensure that Congolese citizens benefit directly from investments through employment, skills development and business opportunities.

“The JSC emphasized the goal of ensuring Congolese citizens and workers benefit from the country’s wealth through job creation, skills development, and the growth of Congolese and American companies,” the joint statement said.

The two governments also stressed the importance of transparent and predictable policies in attracting long-term investment, noting that clear and timely implementation of the agreed measures would help sustain investor confidence.

However, the partnership’s economic ambitions remain closely tied to security conditions in the DRC.

“The delegations reaffirmed that peace and security are fundamental to the objectives of the Strategic Partnership Agreement and remain the foundation for lasting prosperity in the DRC,” the statement said.

The Joint Steering Committee provides strategic oversight for implementing the agreement, including assigning responsibilities, setting timelines and monitoring progress across government institutions.

Both countries said they would continue working towards translating the agreement into investments capable of creating jobs, strengthening supply chains and expanding commercial relations.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.