Rice and maize among strategic agro-industrial products in the DRC

Kinshasa, March 18^th, 2026 (CPA).- Rice, coffee, chili, palm oil, wheat, cocoa and maize were cited Wednesday among the strategic products for the development of agro-industrial value chains aimed at diversifying the economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the DRC–China Media Forum held in Kinshasa. “Economic diversification can take place at two complementary levels. Firstly, at the national level, it involves using resources from traditional sectors to stimulate the development of varied economic activities. In the case of the DRC, this notably implies the development of agro-industrial value chains around strategic products such as maize, rice, wheat, palm oil, coffee, cocoa or chili,” said Daniel Mukoko Samba. He added that while cooperation between China and the DRC has historically been marked by extractive industries and infrastructure, the time has now come to open a new chapter based on economic diversification and the creation of complete value chains. According to him, excessive dependence on a single sector exposes the national economy to significant vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of fluctuations in international commodity prices. Hence the need to transform mining revenues into a lever for developing other productive sectors capable of generating greater added value, employment and innovation. Mr. Mukoko also highlighted cobalt, for which the DRC is one of the world’s leading producers, describing it as a strategic mineral for the global energy transition. “The challenge for our country is now to progressively develop local processing chains, ranging from raw ore to the manufacture of industrial components, particularly in the field of batteries for electric vehicles,” he said. He further referred to the country’s vast forest resources, noting that a large portion continues to be exported in raw log form. “Local processing of timber would make it possible to develop industries such as furniture, construction, paper production and crafts,” concluded the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the economy.ACP/