Kinshasa, February 2nd, 2026 (CPA) – The economic forum held in Kinshasa between the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa is a decisive step in building a Congolese industrial economy that creates jobs, said the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense on Monday in Kinshasa, the country’s capital, during the official launch of this economic mission. ‘The mission to explore and identify business and investment opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which was declared open today, is not just another event, but a decisive step in building a Congolese industrial economy that creates sustainable jobs and is fully integrated into Africa and the world,’ said Kabombo Mwadianvita Guy, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of National Defense and Veterans Affairs.
He welcomed the notable presence of the South African delegation, which demonstrates the vitality of the strategic partnership between the two states. This, he added, reflects a shared conviction that Africa’s future will be built through the local transformation of its wealth, industrialization and equitable economic partnerships. The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense also acknowledged the enlightened leadership of the President of the Republic, Tshisekedi, in making the wise choice to move the country away from an essentially extractive economy towards a diversified, industrialized and job-creating economy. This choice, he said, is framed by major strategic instruments, notably the National Strategic Development Plan, which places industrialization at the heart of the structural transformation of the economy and the improvement of the living conditions of our population. the Industrialization Master Plan sets out the roadmap for the development of integrated industrial value chains, a strategic and industrial policy document that guides reforms for the competitiveness, productivity and viability of our industrial fabric. These instruments, said Mr Kabombo, are true compasses, not mere texts, but rather a guiding path that translates a vision: to make the Democratic Republic of Congo a major hub at the very heart of Africa. In addition, the Prime Minister’s representative praised the crucial role played by the Industry Promotion Fund, particularly its general management, in bringing a new dynamic to the institution and opening it up to external partnerships.
Expected results The Deputy Prime Minister also indicated that the expected results of this forum will not only be consistent, but rather a further step towards a strengthened, structured bilateral partnership focused on Africa’s industrial transformation.
He pointed out to economic operators that the Democratic Republic of Congo is open, ready and moving forward, before inviting them to come not only to extract, but to produce, transform, innovate and grow with us. ‘Our market is vast, our population young and dynamic, our resources abundant and our political will firm and robust,’ added Mr Kabombo.
The DRC-RSA Economic Week is co-organized by the Industry Promotion Fund and the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competitiveness, in collaboration with Congolese employers and the National Investment Promotion Agency (Anapi). This mission focuses on four sectors, namely: agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining and energy.