DRC Launches “Country Window” Project to Boost Geoscience and Mining Sector

Kinshasa, March 20, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo officially launched the “Country Window DRC” project on Thursday, March 19, a major initiative under the PanAfGeo+ program, aimed at modernizing the mining sector and strengthening geoscience cooperation. The launch, presided over by Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba, took place in Kinshasa and formalized collaboration with the European Union. The project is coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM) and supports the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGN-C) in enhancing its technical and scientific capacities. “The Country Window DRC project represents a significant opportunity to improve our understanding of the subsoil, strengthen the capacities of our institutions, and reduce the risks associated with mining investment. Geoscientific data is a strategic decision-making tool,” said Minister Kabamba. The initiative aims to modernize the acquisition, management, and use of geological data, providing tools to guide investment decisions, improve mining governance, and promote responsible and transparent exploitation of natural resources. Kabamba emphasized that the project is part of the DRC’s broader strategy to transition from a raw materials export model to one focused on local value creation, sustainability, and transparency. EU Support and Strategic Cooperation Fabrice Basile, acting head of the EU delegation in the DRC, hailed the project as a concrete milestone in the 2023 strategic partnership roadmap between the EU and the DRC. He outlined the project’s four main areas of focus: Modernizing geoscientific data management and consolidating the national database. Mapping and assessing resources in priority areas, including artisanal mining sites. Supporting artisanal mining with innovative technologies for decarbonization and waste recycling. Strengthening human and technical capacities in public institutions, including ESG training. “Our ambition is clear: to have a reliable national geoscience database, integrate artisanal mining communities into sustainable value chains, and train a new generation of Congolese geoscientists,” Basile said. Reducing Investment Risks The project is also designed to reduce risks for investors. Jean-Claude Guillaneau, PanAfGeo+ coordinator, explained that the program builds on the previous AfricaMaVal phases, which trained 1,773 experts across Africa. PanAfGeo+ Invest aims to expand the scope, focusing on critical minerals, water resources, and fostering a pan-African network of geoscience experts. Project Scope and Objectives Running from 2026 to 2029, the PanAfGeo+ Country Window DRC targets: Geological and mining reconnaissance in Tanganyika, Kasai Central, and Kongo Central. Feasibility studies for artisanal mining in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. Digitization of geological archives in the DRC and abroad. Mapping artisanal mining nationwide and promoting sustainable, low-carbon practices. Strengthening human capital through training programs and technical equipment provision. The project involves multiple partners, including CTCPM, SAEMAPE, CAMI, and CRGM, and represents a significant step toward enhancing state sovereignty over geoscientific data while promoting sustainable investment and governance in the mining sector. “Improving our knowledge of the geological potential is essential to ensure responsible, transparent, and sustainable exploitation of mineral resources, contributing to national economic and social development,” concluded Minister Kabamba.

Faits rapportés

Kinshasa, March 20, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo officially launched the “Country Window DRC” project on Thursday, March 19, a major initiative under the PanAfGeo+ program, aimed at modernizing the mining sector and strengthening geoscience cooperation. The launch, presided over by Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba, took place in Kinshasa and formalized collaboration with the European Union. The project is coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM) and supports the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGN-C) in enhancing its technical and scientific capacities. “The Country Window DRC project represents a significant opportunity to improve our understanding of the subsoil, strengthen the capacities of our institutions, and reduce the risks associated with mining investment. Geoscientific data is a strategic decision-making tool,” said Minister Kabamba. The initiative aims to modernize the acquisition, management, and use of geological data, providing tools to guide investment decisions, improve mining governance, and promote responsible and transparent exploitation of natural resources. Kabamba emphasized that the project is part of the DRC’s broader strategy to transition from a raw materials export model to one focused on local value creation, sustainability, and transparency. EU Support and Strategic Cooperation Fabrice Basile, acting head of the EU delegation in the DRC, hailed the project as a concrete milestone in the 2023 strategic partnership roadmap between the EU and the DRC. He outlined the project’s four main areas of focus: Modernizing geoscientific data management and consolidating the national database. Mapping and assessing resources in priority areas, including artisanal mining sites. Supporting artisanal mining with innovative technologies for decarbonization and waste recycling. Strengthening human and technical capacities in public institutions, including ESG training. “Our ambition is clear: to have a reliable national geoscience database, integrate artisanal mining communities into sustainable value chains, and train a new generation of Congolese geoscientists,” Basile said. Reducing Investment Risks The project is also designed to reduce risks for investors. Jean-Claude Guillaneau, PanAfGeo+ coordinator, explained that the program builds on the previous AfricaMaVal phases, which trained 1,773 experts across Africa. PanAfGeo+ Invest aims to expand the scope, focusing on critical minerals, water resources, and fostering a pan-African network of geoscience experts. Project Scope and Objectives Running from 2026 to 2029, the PanAfGeo+ Country Window DRC targets: Geological and mining reconnaissance in Tanganyika, Kasai Central, and Kongo Central. Feasibility studies for artisanal mining in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. Digitization of geological archives in the DRC and abroad. Mapping artisanal mining nationwide and promoting sustainable, low-carbon practices. Strengthening human capital through training programs and technical equipment provision. The project involves multiple partners, including CTCPM, SAEMAPE, CAMI, and CRGM, and represents a significant step toward enhancing state sovereignty over geoscientific data while promoting sustainable investment and governance in the mining sector. “Improving our knowledge of the geological potential is essential to ensure responsible, transparent, and sustainable exploitation of mineral resources, contributing to national economic and social development,” concluded Minister Kabamba.