Johannesburg, South Africa | 24 March 2026

The organisers of the DRC Mining Week expo and conference have welcomed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie (FIP), recently signed in Cape Town.

VUKA Group, the organisers of the annual flagship mining gathering in Lubumbashi, described the agreement as a step towards stronger cross-border cooperation across the SADC mining value chain and sustainable economic development.

According to the IDC, the MOU is the first of its kind and is intended to foster collaboration in areas of mutual economic interest between South Africa and the DRC for regional benefit.

Countries well‑placed to cooperate

Closer cooperation is a logical strategic move given the DRC’s mineral endowment and South Africa’s mining capability, technology base and financial ecosystem.

“The DRC holds vast mineral reserves, while South Africa brings decades of mining expertise, advanced technology and established financial institutions that can support cross‑border ventures,” said Samukelo Madlabane, Events Director – Mining at VUKA Group.

DRC Mining Week success story

Over two decades, DRC Mining Week has become a key meeting point for operators, suppliers, policymakers and investors active in the Copperbelt, supporting partnerships and market entry for regional service providers.

DRC Mining Week 2026
Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
Location: Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC