Mining Crackdown: About 300 Chinese nationals were detained in Kolwezi over alleged illegal mining on other firms’ concessions; some were later released after the Chinese embassy intervened. The arrests highlight the permit disputes accompanying the DRC’s fast-growing copper sector. Digital Economy: DRC and France discussed fibre and satellite connectivity, AI and online safety, as Kinshasa advances digital plans through 2030. Internet penetration stood at 43% in early 2026. Mineral Trade: The UN warned that illicit mineral trafficking in the Great Lakes region continues to finance armed groups. Regional mining ministers endorsed recommendations to improve traceability and accountability. Kolwezi Expansion: Copper and cobalt mining is moving into residential areas, raising relocation concerns as investment and demand for critical minerals grow. Ebola Funding: Africa CDC says donors sent about $962 million directly to response organisations, but only around $220 million was disclosed in a recent review. The agency cited serious reporting gaps, while stressing that the discrepancy does not by itself prove embezzlement.
AGP Executive Report
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Ebola Funding: Africa CDC says more than $700 million in donor funding for the DRC’s Ebola response remains unaccounted for because most implementing organisations did not provide financial details. The agency says this points to serious reporting gaps, not necessarily embezzlement. Digital Economy: DRC and France discussed expanding internet access through fibre and satellite, developing AI and improving online safety, as Kinshasa advances its digital strategy through 2030. Mining and Accountability: Belgian police searched properties linked to President Félix Tshisekedi’s family in a money-laundering investigation tied to allegations of diverted mining resources; First Lady Denise Nyakeru Nkana denies the claims and says she will cooperate. Minerals and Security: UN officials warn illicit mineral trading helps fund armed groups, while reports of foreign contractors operating in the conflict zone add to concerns over the security and control of mineral supply chains. In Kolwezi, expanding copper and cobalt mines are also pushing into residential areas, putting some residents at risk of relocation.
Conflict and Investment: Former president Joseph Kabila has taken the lead of a new political-military alliance with figures linked to M23, which says it will oppose the government by force. The move deepens uncertainty around eastern Congo’s mineral-rich trade routes and the wider investment climate. Mining and Communities: In Kolwezi, expanding copper and cobalt operations are pushing into residential areas, raising relocation concerns as global demand and foreign investment grow. Mineral Governance: The UN warns that illicit mineral trafficking continues to fund armed groups; regional mining ministers have endorsed steps to improve traceability and accountability. Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is scheduled to begin in June 2027, while a refurbished airstrip in diamond-rich Tshikapa has increased flights and could improve commercial access.
Mining Pressure: Kolwezi’s copper and cobalt mines are expanding into neighborhoods, putting residents at risk of relocation as demand for critical minerals draws more investment. The DRC produces about 70% of the world’s cobalt. Minerals and Security: The UN warns that illicit mineral trade helps fund armed groups and is urging stronger tracking of supply chains. Former president Joseph Kabila’s new political-military coalition, which includes figures linked to M23, adds uncertainty around the mineral-rich east. Transport Links: Construction of a road-rail bridge between Kinshasa and Brazzaville is scheduled to start in June 2027, while a US$326,000 upgrade to Tshikapa’s airstrip has increased flights from one to three a week, improving access to a diamond-rich region. Energy Investment: President Félix Tshisekedi has set guidelines for the Grand Inga hydropower project, which is projected to generate up to 40,000 megawatts and millions of jobs; he said local communities’ interests must be protected.
Public Finance: Municipal councillors from 24 provinces have staged a week-long sit-in outside Kinshasa’s Finance Ministry, alleging half their operating allowances have been withheld for 18 months and demanding full payment. Mineral Trade: The UN warns that illicit mineral trafficking in the Great Lakes region continues to fund armed groups; regional mining ministers have endorsed stronger traceability and accountability. Transport: A $326,000 upgrade to Tshikapa’s airstrip has increased flights from one to three a week, improving access to diamond-rich Kasai and opening commercial opportunities, though funding for the service remains uncertain. Infrastructure: The Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is scheduled to begin construction in June 2027, with both governments signing an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Tshisekedi has also set guidelines for Grand Inga, a proposed 40-gigawatt power project. Critical Minerals: Competition over DRC resources is increasingly focused on processing and value capture, as the government faces pressure to secure greater local benefits from its mineral wealth.
Public Finance: Municipal councillors from across the DRC have staged a week-long sit-in outside Kinshasa’s Finance Ministry, demanding the full payment of operating allowances. They say only half their allocations have reached them for 18 months. Eastern DRC: Former president Joseph Kabila now leads the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, a new coalition joining AFC-M23 figures that says it will pursue its aims by force. The move adds uncertainty for businesses and mineral supply chains in the conflict-hit east. Mineral Trade: The UN warned that illicit mineral trafficking continues to fund armed groups and urged stronger regional controls and traceability. Transport: A US$326,000 upgrade to Tshikapa’s airstrip has increased humanitarian flights from once to three times a week, with local officials hoping the improved access will also support commercial travel. Infrastructure: Kinshasa says construction of the road-rail bridge to Brazzaville is due to start in June 2027; both governments have signed an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Energy: President Félix Tshisekedi has set new directions for the Grand Inga hydropower project, stressing that development must protect local communities. The project’s estimated capacity is 40,000 megawatts.
Eastern DRC: Reported drone attacks in South Kivu forced government-aligned forces from several positions, adding to insecurity in a region critical to trade and mineral production. Mineral Trade: The UN warned that illicit mineral trafficking continues to fund armed groups; regional mining ministers endorsed recommendations to improve transparency and traceability. Transport: A US$326,000 upgrade to Tshikapa’s airstrip has tripled WFP flights to three a week, with officials expecting better links for commercial travel as well as aid. Mining Investment: A three-year airborne mapping project will survey more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to raise the country’s geoscientific coverage from 22.27% to 46.1% and guide investment. Energy: President Félix Tshisekedi set directions for developing the 40,000-megawatt Grand Inga project, stressing protection for local communities. Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is scheduled to begin in June 2027, with both governments signing an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Digital Services: Kinshasa and Africell RDC are exploring cooperation on digitising municipal services, transport and tourism.
Minerals & Investment: The DRC’s three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 sq km, aiming to identify deposits and strengthen the country’s hand in attracting investment and negotiating access to critical minerals. Transport Links: A US$326,000 upgrade to Tshikapa’s airstrip has raised UN flights from one to three weekly, improving access to diamond-rich Kasai and opening prospects for commercial travel, though funding is at risk. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks agreed to advance a US$300 million, 200km Zambia-DRC power line, designed to supply up to 550MW to mines and industry. Regional Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa-Brazzaville road-rail bridge is now scheduled to start in June 2027, with both governments signing an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Business Risks: Joseph Kabila’s new leadership of a politico-military front aligned with M23 adds uncertainty to eastern Congo’s conflict and mineral corridors as peace talks continue.
Regional Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is now scheduled to begin in June 2027, with both governments and Africa50 advancing preparations. Mining and Security: Erik Prince’s Vectus Global, initially hired to help collect mineral taxes, has expanded into security and mining operations. A reported September ambush in South Kivu left about 20 people dead or wounded, highlighting risks around the conflict and mineral business. Power for Industry: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks plan a 200-kilometre, US$300 million line linking Zambia to Kolwezi. It could deliver up to 550MW to the Copperbelt and support mining and industry. Energy and Digital Plans: Félix Tshisekedi has set guidelines for developing Grand Inga, stressing protection for local communities. Kinshasa is also exploring an Africell partnership on digital public services, city transport and tourism. Mineral Exploration: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to expand geological coverage and attract investment.
Cross-Border Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is scheduled to start in June 2027, with both governments signing an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Mining and Security: A reported ambush on a team working for Erik Prince’s Vectus Global in South Kivu left about 20 people dead or wounded, highlighting the risks surrounding the company’s security and mining work. Energy: Tshisekedi set guidelines for the Grand Inga hydroelectric project, stressing that local communities must be protected. Separately, FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks plan a $300 million, 200-kilometre power line to bring up to 550MW to the Copperbelt. Mineral Investment: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to expand geological coverage and guide investment. Kinshasa Services: The provincial government is exploring a partnership with Africell to digitise administration and finances, improve urban mobility and promote tourism.
Cross-Border Infrastructure: The Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is now scheduled to begin construction in June 2027, with both governments signing an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Energy: Félix Tshisekedi has set new guidelines for Grand Inga, stressing that the 40,000-megawatt project must protect local communities. Separately, FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks plan a $300 million power link that could supply up to 550MW to the Copperbelt. Mining: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to expand the DRC’s geological coverage and guide investment in its mineral resources. Mining Risk: An ambush on a team working for Erik Prince’s Vectus Global highlights the dangers of the contractor’s expanding role in mineral tax collection, security and mining services. Digital Services: Kinshasa is exploring a partnership with Africell RDC to digitise city administration and finances and improve transport services.
Cross-Border Infrastructure: The DRC and Republic of Congo have signed an agreement with Africa50 to advance the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge, with construction now targeted for June 2027. Energy: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks plan a $300 million, 200-kilometre power link from Zambia to Kolwezi, capable of supplying up to 550MW to the Copperbelt. Grand Inga: Félix Tshisekedi has set development guidelines for the hydropower project, stressing that local communities must be protected; its proposed capacity is 40,000MW. Mining: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to expand the DRC’s geological coverage and guide investment. Digital Services: Kinshasa is exploring a partnership with Africell to digitise city administration and finances and improve urban mobility. Mining Security: A deadly ambush involving a team linked to contractor Erik Prince has highlighted the risks around security and mining operations in the east.
Eastern DRC Stability: President Félix Tshisekedi told African Union facilitators that peace commitments must produce concrete results, as conflict continues to threaten communities and mineral operations. Regional Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is now scheduled to start in June 2027; the two governments signed an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Energy: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework to develop a $300 million power link from Zambia to Kolwezi, with capacity to deliver up to 550MW to the Copperbelt. Mining: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres and expand geological coverage to guide exploration and investment. Grand Inga: Tshisekedi set development priorities for the proposed 40,000MW hydropower project, stressing that local communities must be protected. Kinshasa Services: The provincial government and Africell are exploring cooperation on digital administration, urban mobility and tourism.
Cross-Border Infrastructure: Construction of the Kinshasa–Brazzaville road-rail bridge is scheduled to start in June 2027. The two governments signed an agreement with Africa50 to advance the project. Energy: A $300 million, 200-kilometre power line linking Zambia’s Kalumbila to Kolwezi is planned to deliver up to 550MW to the DRC’s Copperbelt, supporting mines and industry. Grand Inga: President Félix Tshisekedi issued guidance on developing the 40,000MW hydropower project, stressing that local communities’ interests and living conditions must be protected. Mineral Investment: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres to identify mineral potential and guide investment. Kinshasa Digitalisation: The provincial government is discussing a partnership with Africell to digitise administration and financial systems and explore projects in urban mobility and tourism.
Grand Inga: President Félix Tshisekedi has set guidelines for developing the proposed hydropower project, stressing that local communities must be protected. The scheme is projected to generate 40,000 megawatts and potentially support eight million jobs. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed an agreement to finance and operate a planned 200-kilometre link from Zambia to Kolwezi. The estimated $300 million interconnector could supply up to 550MW to the DRC’s mining and industrial sector. Mineral Mapping: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to improve geological data and guide mining investment. Kinshasa Services: The provincial government and Africell are exploring cooperation on digitising public administration and municipal finances, urban mobility and tourism; no deal has been announced.
Grand Inga: President Félix Tshisekedi has set guidelines for developing the hydroelectric megaproject, stressing that local communities must be protected. The project is estimated to have 40,000 MW of capacity and potential to create eight million jobs. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework agreement to finance and build a 200-kilometre power line between Zambia and Kolwezi. The $300 million project could deliver up to 550 MW to the DRC’s mining and industrial hub. Mineral Mapping: A three-year, state-funded survey will use aircraft to map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to improve geological data and attract investment. The programme is expected to raise national geoscientific coverage from 22.27% to 46.1%. Kinshasa Digital Services: The provincial government and Africell RDC are exploring cooperation on digitising municipal administration and finances, improving urban mobility and promoting tourism; no deal has yet been announced.
Digital Services: Kinshasa is exploring a partnership with Africell RDC to digitise city administration and finances, improve urban transport and promote tourism. No agreement has been announced. Power and Mining: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework to develop a $300 million, 200-kilometre power link from Zambia to Kolwezi, with capacity to supply up to 550MW to the Copperbelt. Mineral Exploration: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey using seven aircraft to map mineral potential across nine provinces, aiming to improve geological data and attract investment. Gold and Conflict: In Tanganyika, armed militiamen say they are guarding an artisanal gold mine run by a Chinese company, illustrating how conflict economies can shape access to mineral resources. Passport Contract: Belgian firm Semlex and 13 other defendants have been referred to trial over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax fraud linked to the DRC passport contract; the allegations have not been proven.
Digital Services: Kinshasa’s provincial government is exploring a partnership with Africell RDC to digitise administration and municipal finances, improve urban transport and develop tourism services. No agreement has been announced. Power for Mining: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework to build a 200-kilometre, US$300 million line linking Zambia’s Kalumbila to Kolwezi. With capacity of 700MW, it could deliver up to 550MW of electricity to the Copperbelt. Mineral Exploration: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne mapping programme covering more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to improve geological data and attract investment. Mining Security: In Tanganyika, armed militiamen say they are paid $100–$150 a month to guard an artisanal gold mine run by a Chinese company, showing how conflict economies complicate investment in the country’s mineral-rich east.**
Mineral Exploration: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey using seven aircraft to map mineral potential across nine provinces, aiming to attract investment and improve knowledge of its largely unexplored subsoil. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks plan a 200km, $300 million transmission line linking Zambia to Kolwezi. The 700MW interconnector could supply up to 550MW to the DRC’s mining and industrial hub. Trade Routes: A deadly Congo River boat collision has renewed concern over safety on waterways that serve as key routes for travel and commerce; overcrowding and poor vessel maintenance remain common risks. Mining Technology: KoBold Metals is using AI and historical drill records to guide lithium exploration, combining new soil samples with decades-old geological data. Business Accountability: Belgian passport contractor Semlex and other defendants will face trial in Brussels over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax fraud tied to the DRC passport deal; the allegations have not been proven.
Mineral Investment: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey across nine provinces, using seven aircraft to map mineral potential and attract investment. Power & Mining: A consortium including the DRC’s investment fund, Trafigura and Gridworks plans a 200-kilometre, 700MW transmission link from Zambia to Kolwezi, aimed at supplying the Copperbelt and expanding mining and industrial capacity. River Trade: A collision on the Congo River killed at least 30 people and left dozens missing. River transport is a key trade lifeline in western DRC, while overcrowding and night navigation remain persistent safety risks. Critical Minerals: KoBold Metals is using AI to analyze soil samples and historical drill records to target lithium exploration, as the DRC seeks a stronger position in strategic-mineral supply chains.
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