DRC’s Minister of Portfolio Julie Shiku to participate in DRC Mining Week this June

Event celebrating 21 years of connecting the mining ecosystem 

With just over three weeks to go, anticipation is building across the Copperbelt for the annual mining “pow-wow” of the year. The organisers of DRC Mining Week have confirmed that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Portfolio, Her Excellency Mrs Julie Shiku, will attend the 21st edition of the event, taking place at the Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel in Lubumbashi from 17 to 19 June 2026. 

During the main conference, Minister Shiku will participate in a fireside interview and deliver a keynote address at the WOMEN – Mines & Leadership Forum, a long-standing and influential platform within DRC Mining Week that promotes inclusion and leadership across the extractive sector. 

Her participation follows the earlier confirmation of DRC’s Minister of Mining, H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba, further strengthening the event’s position as the leading high-level gathering for the mining industry in the DRC. 

Strategic importance of Ministerial participation 

The attendance of the Minister of Portfolio carries significant strategic importance for the industry. The Ministry oversees the performance and governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including key entities operating across the mining value chain, most notably Gécamines – the DRC’s state mining company, which is celebrating 120 years of operation in 2026. Gécamines remains central to the country’s mining ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in joint ventures, asset ownership, and the strategic development of copper and cobalt resources. 

As such, the Minister plays a critical role in shaping partnerships, investment frameworks, and the commercial direction of state-linked mining assets. Her presence at DRC Mining Week signals strong government endorsement, provides investors with direct access to decision-makers, and strengthens engagement around public-private partnerships, investment alignment, and sector reform. 

The inclusion of Gécamines’ milestone further underscores the importance of this year’s edition, positioning DRC Mining Week as a platform not only for deal-making, but also for recognising the legacy and future trajectory of one of Africa’s most influential mining institutions. 

Organiser’s Comment 

Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director – Mining, VUKA Group, comments: 

We are honoured to welcome Her Excellency Minister Julie Shiku to DRC Mining Week at such a pivotal time for the sector. The Ministry of Portfolio plays a critical role in overseeing state-owned mining assets such as Gécamines, which has been at the heart of the DRC’s mining industry for 120 years. Her participation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with industry and unlocking value from these strategic assets. Having both the Minister of Portfolio and the Minister of Mining present reinforces DRC Mining Week as the premier platform where government, investors, and operators come together to drive partnerships, advance reforms, and accelerate growth across the mining value chain in the DRC. 

 

Click here to download the programme and register to attend. 

 

About DRC Mining Week 

DRC Mining Week is organised by VUKA Group, a leading Cape Town-based organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across Africa. 

Event details: 17–19 June 2026, Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC 

 

DRC Mining Week is organised by VUKA Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, Nigeria Mining Week, Enlit Africa, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Carbon Markets Africa Summit, Smarter Mobility Africa, ECOM Africa and CEM Africa.

Mining Review Africa, the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

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

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