IGF Confirms “Win-Win” Partnership and Increased Infrastructure Funding

Kinshasa March 21, 2026 - Nearly two years after the renegotiation of the Sicomines mining and infrastructure project, the Inspector General of Finance, Jules Alingete, defended the fifth amendment as a successful step toward eliminating corruption and ensuring a balanced partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its Chinese partners. Speaking during the China-DRC Media Forum in Kinshasa, Alingete emphasized that the renegotiation, validated by the President and his cabinet, created a “win-win” arrangement, with $324 million annually earmarked for infrastructure development, in addition to $150 million in dividends for Gécamines. Out of the project’s $900 million in annual profits, roughly $470 million benefits the DRC each year, while the Chinese consortium receives about $400 million. Major Infrastructure Projects Underway Alingete highlighted several projects funded under the Sicomines program, totaling over $650 million disbursed in just two years: Kinshasa ring roads: $145 million disbursed of $383 million planned Mbuji-Mayi - Mwene-Ditu - Kasese - Nguba road: $325 million financed Kananga-Kalambambuji road: $88 million financed Nkamba road (8 km): financed Bukavu-Kamanyola road: $78 million disbursed, delayed due to regional conflict He noted that prior to the review, over 15 years, only $800 million had been delivered for infrastructure, averaging $50 million per year, compared to $350 million per year since Amendment 5. Alingete stressed that nearly 70% of current infrastructure works in the country are funded through Sicomines. Audit and Transparency Measures The government also announced a technical and financial audit of the Sicomines project, covering 17 years from the Kabila administration to the current Tshisekedi government. The audit, to be conducted by international firms, aims to provide clarity on project implementation and pave the way for a potential sixth amendment. Officials assured that the process will not target former regime officials or collaborators but will focus on verifying figures and ensuring transparency. A Response to Criticism Alingete urged the public to ignore critics who question the renegotiation, emphasizing that the project now neutralizes past inconsistencies and corruption. He described the review as a model for balanced partnerships, with substantial infrastructure benefits already delivered and more expected over the next two decades. Social and Health