Online Reporter
Lincoln Towindo
A business delegation from Zimbabwe will participate at the 2025 DRC Mining Week, which is set to begin in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Tuesday as part of efforts to deepen the country’s export footprint in Central Africa.
The event will run until Friday.
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.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru underscored the strategic importance of the trade mission.
“The DRC is a critical market for Zimbabwean exporters, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sectors,” said Mr Majuru.
“This trade mission provides a targeted platform for our businesses to secure contracts, forge partnerships and tap into regional value chains.
“With the DRC’s vast mineral resources and infrastructure needs, Zimbabwean companies have a competitive edge in supplying high-quality inputs and technical expertise.”
The DRC Mining Week is one of Central Africa’s premier platforms for the extractive sector, attracting a wide range of stakeholders, including procurement officers, mine operators, government officials and regional suppliers.
Zimbabwe’s delegation will comprise officials of companies involved in engineering, mining consumables, electrical systems, rubber and conveyor products, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and consumer goods such as horticultural inputs and leather accessories.
These officials will participate in business matchmaking sessions, exhibitions and market familiarisation tours.
Beyond sales and promotion, the mission will provide critical insights into the DRC’s regulatory environment, distribution networks and buyer preferences,
helping Zimbabwean exporters build long-term and sustainable trade relationships.
The DRC’s import market, valued at US$10,7 billion in 2024, is dominated by machinery (US$1,8 billion), electrical equipment (US$1,1 billion), vehicles (US$1,02 billion) and fabricated metals (US$484 million).
This presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwean manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), producing tools, spare parts, trailers and construction materials.
ZimTrade has already undertaken several trade promotion activities across key regions in the DRC to tap into this demand.
Zimbabwe’s exports to the DRC have more than doubled from US$12,6 million in 2022 to US$26,6 million in 2024, driven primarily by mineral fuels such as coke and coal.
However, vast opportunities remain to diversify exports into manufactured goods, consumables and mining-related services, especially in light of the DRC’s ongoing industrial and infrastructure expansion.
Participation in the DRC Mining Week also aligns with Zimbabwe’s regional integration agenda under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, SADC and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which promote greater market access and reduced trade barriers.
With its booming mining sector and rising consumer demand, the DRC remains a high-potential market for Zimbabwean goods and services.
