Kinshasa, December 11th, 2025 (CPA).-The official launch of the “Leopard Business Village-Expo” project, organized on the sidelines of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN) in Morocco to promote tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been announced for December 19th in Rabat, the CPA learned Thursday from the Ministry in charge of Tourism.“The Leopard Business Village-Expo project will be launched on December 19th in Rabat, Morocco, to realize the vision of Minister Didier Mazenga, who is clearly determined to promote business tourism, culture, and South-South cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the diversification of the national economy,” said Jean-Marie Nkambwa, Communications Officer.The Minister in charge of Tourism, Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, was recently in Rabat to assess the feasibility of the official launch of this project, a veritable pop-up embassy for the DRC that will operate throughout the African Cup of Nations. This major initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Think Tank DRC Strategy, the organization responsible for the technical implementation of the project. Minister Didier Mazenga was accompanied by his colleagues, Didier Budimbu, Minister of Sports and Leisure; Yolande Elebe, Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage; Chrispin Mbadu, Deputy Minister for Francophonie and the Congolese Diaspora; experts from the tourism sector; and numerous public and private economic operators. During his short stay in Rabat, Didier Mazenga praised the commitment of the partners and recalled that this event is held under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
He emphasized that this innovative platform constitutes “a junction of cultures, economic diplomacy, and African creativity, which will operate until January 17th, 2026,” while recalling that the DRC has adopted its identity slogan for this initiative: “The DRC, Heart of Africa.” With all the elements in place, the actual launch will take place on December 19th, two days before the start of the competition. Through the Leopard Business Village, the Democratic Republic of Congo is affirming its desire to shine, build, influence, and open doors for its talents, businesses, and youth. This project is a sign of African unity, economic dynamism, and confidence in a shared continental future. So during the CAN, the Leopards will not feel alone. They will also benefit from the support of the Ministry in charge of Tourism. ACP/