Impact of TICAD 9: DRC once again eligible for Japanese loans

Kinshasa, August 26^th, 2025 (CPA).- The Democratic Republic of Congo has benefited from its removal from the list of countries ineligible for Japanese loans during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama from August 20^th to 23^rd, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.  ‘Under the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the Congolese delegation has consolidated the country’s position as a strategic economic partner and benefited from historic decisions, including its removal from the list of countries ineligible for Japanese loans,’ it is read. ‘This development paves the way for large-scale structural investments in infrastructure, energy and technology,’ the source has added. According to the document, this access to Japanese loans now allows economic cooperation to go beyond development aid to include structural projects.  « The announcement of DRC’s removal from the list of countries excluded from Japanese loans is one of the achievements of TICAD 9. The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Economy, Daniel Mukoko, has welcomed this decision, stressing that it now allows economic cooperation to go beyond development aid to include structural projects, such as the Inga dam and other initiatives currently underway. This measure reflects the macroeconomic progress and debt management achieved by the Congolese government, » the statement has added.  On the security front in eastern DRC, the Prime Minister has reassured Japanese investors represented by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation), who perceive DRC as a promising market thanks to its mineral resources and young workforce, reminding them that the conflicts do not affect all priority economic areas. The government is committed to improve the business climate to ensure the stability necessary for investment, has said the head of government.  JETRO, which represents 194 Japanese companies, organises forums to increase their presence in DRC, particularly in the information, technology and artificial intelligence services.  ‘DRC has secured several key partnerships, particularly in the mining sector. The Kivuvu project, a joint venture between the Congolese company Kerith Resources Ltd and the Japanese company Asia Mineral Limited (AML), aims to mine and process manganese in the province of Kongo Central,’ the source has explained.  With an expected annual production of 2 million tonnes and the creation of more than 1,000 direct jobs, this catalyst project will impact nearly 7,500 people through social and educational initiatives, it is reported.  In addition, the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between JOGMEC (Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security) and Gecamines strengthens cooperation in mining research, including water resources, gas and carbon credits.  TICAD 9 has also established DRC as a reliable partner for Japan.  The agreements signed, the funding released and the bilateral commitments pave a promising path for inclusive economic transformation that is environmentally friendly and beneficial to local communities. The Prime Minister has stated that only 15% of the mining territory is being exploited, offering immense opportunities for serious investors willing to participate in the country’s reconstruction.  With regard to vocational and technological training, Judith Suminwa has emphasised the need to process products locally, whether in agriculture, mining or cultural industries.  CPA/ S. Luniongo/ J. Ngoyi