Egypt and DR Congo Explore New Mining Partnerships
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi met with DR Congo’s Minister of Mines Louis Watum to discuss strengthening mining cooperation and expanding partnership opportunities between the two countries.
Egypt and DR Congo Explore New Mining Partnerships
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026, with discussions focusing on better utilization of mineral resources, higher economic returns and broader investment cooperation.
Badawi said the mining industry extends far beyond exploration and extraction, covering infrastructure, energy, construction, engineering works, technical services, processing and the integration of mineral products into industrial and commercial markets.
He added that this integrated approach creates significant opportunities for Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo to establish investment partnerships that benefit from the capabilities, expertise and resources available in both countries.
Badawi highlighted the growing global demand for minerals, especially those used in strategic industries and advanced technologies, stressing the importance of developing projects that capture greater value from mineral resources.
He said expanding mineral processing and manufacturing can increase economic returns, create jobs, support exports and strengthen mining value chains through projects that transform raw materials into higher-value products.
The minister stressed the importance of cooperation between governments, private-sector companies, financial institutions and specialized firms, supported by strong infrastructure, reliable energy supplies and efficient logistics and engineering services.
The talks also addressed opportunities to connect Egyptian and Congolese companies and benefit from Egyptian expertise in infrastructure, energy, construction, engineering and technical services.
Both sides discussed knowledge transfer, capacity building and the development of joint projects that could support mining-sector growth and promote more integrated mineral value chains.
Watum expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt and benefiting from the experience and capabilities of Egyptian companies involved in mining-related industries and services.
He said closer cooperation could contribute to the development of DR Congo’s mining industry and improve the economic value generated from the country’s extensive mineral resources.
The two ministers agreed to continue coordination, identify priority areas for cooperation and connect companies and institutions from both countries to advance practical investment partnerships and joint mining projects.
