DR Congo wants the United States to turn its minerals deal into real investments that create jobs, improve electricity access and support local industries.
The two countries signed a strategic partnership in December 2025. However, Congolese officials now want to see more progress on the ground.
According to Reuters, as reported by Business Insider Africa, Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba raised these concerns after talks in Paris on Thursday.
The discussions focused on mining, transport and energy projects.
DR Congo calls for more US investment
The agreement gives American companies preferential opportunities to compete for selected copper and cobalt projects.
However, it does not give US companies automatic ownership of Congolese mines.
Mukoko Samba said both countries should measure progress through completed projects rather than signed agreements.
He also called for more local mineral processing, technology transfers and job creation.
DR Congo is the world’s largest cobalt producer. It is also the second-largest copper producer.
Both minerals are important for electric vehicles, electronics and energy infrastructure.
$1.26 billion railway project discussed
Officials also discussed the Lobito Corridor, a major transport project connecting Central Africa to the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Business Insider Africa, the planned rehabilitation of DR Congo’s Dilolo–Sakania railway will cost an estimated $1.26 billion.
The 1,004-kilometre railway connects mining areas such as Kolwezi and Lubumbashi to Angola’s rail network.
As a result, the project could improve mineral transport and regional trade.
However, the $1.26 billion figure is the estimated cost of the railway concession. It is not a new US funding commitment.
Grand Inga could improve electricity access
The Grand Inga hydropower programme was another major topic during the Paris talks.
DR Congo has significant hydropower resources. However, many households still lack electricity.
According to World Bank figures cited by Business Insider Africa, only around 21% of the population has access to electricity.
In 2025, the World Bank approved an initial $250 million credit for the Inga 3 development programme.
The funding supports project preparation and related development work.
However, the United States did not announce new funding for Grand Inga after the meeting.
Congo wants more jobs and local industries
The United States wants to reduce its dependence on Chinese-controlled mineral supply chains.
Meanwhile, DR Congo wants foreign investment to support its own economic development.
American investors have already entered the country’s mining industry.
For example, US-based Virtus Minerals and India’s Lloyds Metals and Energy acquired copper and cobalt producer Chemaf through a joint venture.
Nevertheless, Congolese officials want more projects to move forward.
Their priorities include better roads and railways, reliable electricity, mineral processing and employment.
For DR Congo, the main goal is clear: the minerals partnership must create lasting benefits for the country’s economy.