Daniel Mukoko Highlights Local Industrialization and Value Chains

KINSHASA, March 2, 2026 - The first-ever DRC-Japan Business Forum officially launched on Monday at the Fleuve Congo Hotel in Kinshasa, bringing together Congolese and Japanese business leaders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation. The event was initiated by the Embassy of Japan.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba emphasized the importance of transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo’s economy through industrialization and local processing of raw materials. He highlighted the DRC’s critical mineral resources, exceptional hydroelectric potential through the Inga complex, and geostrategic position in Africa as key assets for industrial partnerships.

“We need to move from extraction to processing,” Mukoko Samba stated, underscoring government ambitions to develop value chains in batteries, advanced metallurgy, recycling, special economic zones, and high-value-added technology partnerships.

He also stressed the potential for Japanese companies to contribute their expertise in electronics, automotive, advanced materials, and clean technology to the DRC’s industrialization efforts. Beyond mining, he pointed to the country’s agricultural potential, advocating for mechanization, smart irrigation, agri-food processing, and technical training as areas for Japanese investment. “Investing in Congolese agriculture is investing in regional stability and the continent’s food security,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister reassured investors regarding ongoing structural reforms, including digitalization of public administration, mining governance improvements, modernization of public-private partnerships, and enhanced business security. He also recalled President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitment, made during a February 5 meeting in Washington, to an investor-friendly environment.

This inaugural forum builds on previous DRC-Japan economic dialogues held in Tokyo (April 2025) and Osaka (June 2025), reflecting a shared commitment to deepen trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two nations.