The Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] is positioning itself as a strategic partner in the global energy transition and a key destination for investment in the new mineral economy, according to an address by Minister of Mines Louis Watum at the DRC Country Showcase during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh.

Speaking from Riyadh, which he described as “a city of vision and industrial strategy,” Watum emphasised the DRC’s readiness to become a strategic partner in the energy transition. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the new mineral economy and invited the Kingdom to help forge an investment corridor that links Saudi capital with Congolese mineral deposits.

“For too long, the world viewed the DRC through a pit-to-port lens, exporting our minerals and jobs, while leaving us with infrastructure deficits,” he said, adding that “that era is over.” The Minister stated that the DRC is no longer just a source of raw materials but is becoming a hub for in-country refining and transformation.

Watum emphasised the country’s importance to the global energy transition, highlighting that the DRC leads in copper and cobalt production. He said the national ambition is to make the DRC a global hub for electric vehicle batteries and renewables. He also pointed to reforms underway, including the digitisation of the mining cadastre, upgrading of laboratories, and alignment with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and other standards to ensure a transparent investment climate.

Addressing concerns around risk, the Minister reiterated comments he made previously on a panel, stating that “risk often just means doing your homework.” He explained that investors who look beyond negative perceptions and take the time to understand the regulatory framework and how the administration works find these two elements to be their “best allies.”

“Laws and regulations protect your investments, protect your assets, give you stability in fiscal regime and orders,” he said. “The administration gives you all the permitting you need for you to deploy capital and technology and execute your business plan with military effectiveness.”

He noted that companies which have embraced this approach are already succeeding in the DRC. He cited multinational companies such as Ivanhoe Mines, Barrick, and Glencore, saying that together they represent more than $45 billion in investment in the country and are still seeking further opportunities. According to Watum, those who follow the laws, work with local communities, and invest in the country’s youth are finding stability and profit.

He highlighted the demographic advantage of the DRC, pointing out that 70% of the population is under the age of 30 and that the country’s mean age is only 18 years. He also announced that the DRC is building special economic zones for battery minerals processing to lower risk and boost both investment teams and returns.

“In this area of mineral competition, we will not be a battleground,” Watum said. “We want partners, not just buyers.” He described the DRC’s business case as offering more than a mine, instead providing “a global supply chain solution.”

He concluded by calling on investors to act now, stating that investing in the DRC means leading the global energy transition, securing supply chains, and sharing in the country’s future growth. “We are ambitious. We are open. We are ready,” he said. “Partner with us, secure your place in the new energy era, and begin your investment journey today in the DRC.”