Egypt, Congo seek mining partnerships to boost mineral value
Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo are exploring new mining partnerships focused on mineral processing, infrastructure, and related industries, Egypt’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ministry said on Monday.
Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi and DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba discussed expanding cooperation in mining and creating new investment opportunities during a meeting on the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026, the ministry said.
The two countries are seeking to move beyond mineral extraction towards processing and manufacturing to generate greater economic value from their resources, the ministry said.
Badawi said mining development extended beyond exploration and extraction to include infrastructure, energy, construction, engineering services, manufacturing, and links to markets and other productive sectors.
He said that the broader value chain offered opportunities for cooperation between Egypt and the DRC.
“Maximising the added value of mineral resources is a key pillar for increasing their economic returns,” Badawi said, adding that this would require partnerships among governments, private companies, financial institutions, and firms operating across the mining value chain.
Egypt can help create conditions for investment by developing infrastructure and providing energy and other services needed by mining projects, reducing costs, and improving competitiveness, Badawi said.
The meeting also discussed linking Egyptian and Congolese companies and combining their expertise in mining, infrastructure, energy, engineering, and technical services to develop joint projects and transfer expertise.
Kabamba expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt and benefiting from the experience and capabilities of Egyptian companies in mining-related fields.
The two sides agreed to continue coordination, identify priority areas for cooperation, and connect companies and institutions in both countries to develop potential joint projects and partnerships.