Online Reporter
Lincoln Towindo in LUBUMBASHI, DRC
THERE is need for stronger trade and investment cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), building on the momentum of recent business engagements between the two countries, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the DRC Lieutenant-General (Retired) David Sigauke has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 DRC Mining Week here, Amb Sigauke said Harare and Kinshasa focus on implementing trade and investment agreements sealed during the recent outward trade missions by Zimbabwean companies to the DRC.
“We share a very long history with the DRC, which took off in 1998 when Zimbabwe came here to assist the DRC, and this was followed by a strengthening of our political, economic and trade relationship,” said Amb Sigauke.
“However, we now need to move beyond politics. We must follow up these engagements with real action and investment.”
He said the recent Kolwezi Business Meeting in the Lualaba province, where Zimbabwean companies secured several opportunities in both the mining and agricultural sectors, offers a solid starting point.
“We had around eight companies from Zimbabwe participating, and the opportunities presented were not only in mining but also in agriculture and the broader trade of goods and services,” he said.
This year, seven Zimbabwean companies are exhibiting at the DRC Mining Week, one of Africa’s leading mining and industrial investment platforms, which brings together regional governments, mining houses, service providers, investors and development partners.
The trade mission, which is being facilitated by ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organisation, aims to integrate Zimbabwean companies into the DRC’s mining value chain by tapping into the country’s growing demand for mining inputs, equipment and support services. Amb Sigauke underscored the need to convert trade show engagements into tangible economic outcomes.
“We don’t want to continue coming to expos without action. By the time we meet again, we should have companies that have invested here in the DRC, and likewise companies from the DRC investing in Zimbabwe. We need progress.”
The DRC Mining Week, held annually in Lubumbashi, serves as a strategic platform for stakeholders in Africa’s mining and industrial sectors to network, negotiate partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
The event also features high-level policy discussions, technical workshops and showcases cutting-edge mining technologies.
