Kinshasa, July 14th, 2025 (CPA) . – The possibility of a partnership on strategic minerals between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States in exchange for security has been deemed a major opportunity to transform natural resources locally and create added value for the Congolese population, according to an economics researcher in an interview with ACP on Monday in Kinshasa. « The formalization of a strategic agreement on minerals between the DRC and the United States in exchange for security is a major opportunity to build a robust industrial fabric, transform our mineral resources locally and create added value for the Congolese people. This partnership allows DRC to move from being a mere reserve of resources to a respected strategic player in the global economy, » said Jonathan Muya Kupa, a doctoral student in economics at the University of Kinshasa. According to him, economic sovereignty begins with a thorough understanding of what the Congolese subsoil actually contains, even though the country is considered to have one of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, copper and Colton. ‘Projections show that the global energy transition could cause demand for minerals from DRC to skyrocket, potentially reaching hundreds of billions of dollars over the next two decades,’ he said. Mr Jonathan Muya stressed that to ensure a stable and mutually beneficial partnership, DRC and the United States must work to harmonize their governance standards, particularly in terms of transparency, taxation, environmental protection and contract enforcement. He said that sustainable cooperation depends on a clear understanding of each party’s roles. Mining companies must comply with the law, meet their tax obligations and contribute to community development. ‘The Congolese government, for its part, is responsible for ensuring a stable legal environment, security and infrastructure, while the United States can provide technical and institutional support to promote best practices,’ he said.
A structural transformation of desired minerals
The doctoral student pointed out that even with the best partnerships, mineral resources are not eternal. The revenues derived from their exploitation must serve as a springboard for a structural transformation of the economy, which means channeling them into programs for basic infrastructure, human capital, agriculture, logistics and clean energy. « The example of Dubai is instructive. Once dependent on oil, this city has strategically invested its revenues to build world-class infrastructure, modernise its logistics, embrace digital innovation and diversify into aviation, finance and tourism. Today, oil accounts for less than 1% of its GDP. If Dubai could do it, so can DRC, » he said. As peace efforts progress and strategic minerals become a global priority, the Democratic Republic of Congo has a narrow but decisive window of opportunity.