Congo News
IMF backs DR Congo with $442mn as Eurobond plans take shape
IMF approves $442mn tranche, lifting programme disbursements Congo eyes debut Eurobond amid mining-led growth KINSHASA, CONGO – The International Monetary Fund approved a fresh $442mn disbursement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shoring up external support as the government prepares a return to global debt markets. People familiar with the matter said Citibank has been designated to advise
SADC cross-border payments hit record $15.7bn as regional trade flows accelerate
SADC-RTGS posts record monthly settlement value in October 2025 Rising large-ticket payments signal stronger regional trade confidence Southern Africa’s main cross-border payment system recorded its strongest month on record in October, processing transactions worth about $15.7 billion as regional trade and financial flows accelerated. The Southern African Development Community’s real-time gross settlement system (SADC-RTGS) handled 170,164 cross-border transactions in
US backs Angola rail corridor to reshape global critical minerals supply chains
US signs major loan for Lobito rail, boosting mineral exports Project targets lower costs, diversify supply chains from rivals The United States has signed a major loan to rehabilitate Angola’s Lobito Atlantic Railway, a move aimed at reshaping global critical mineral supply chains and cutting export costs from central Africa. The agreement, led by the U.S. International Development Finance
Congo raises $260mn in Eurobond tap as debt pressures persist
Congo raises $260m more via eurobond tap to ease near-term debt High yields underscore investor caution despite market return The Republic of Congo has raised an additional $260 million by increasing the size of a eurobond issued last month, extending its return to international markets after nearly two decades. The follow-on sale, or tap, builds on a $670 million
DR Congo reshapes copper and cobalt exports with US-backed Mercuria deal
New JV targets 500,000 tonnes of copper and cobalt annually Deal backed by up to $1bn in US financing and logistics support KINSHASA, DR CONGO – The Democratic Republic of Congo is overhauling how its strategic minerals reach global markets through a landmark partnership with a major commodities trader. A new joint venture between state miner Gécamines SA and
Can a US-brokered deal finally end the DRC – Rwanda conflict?
Analysts question the absence of key rebel group M23 in the talks Critics warn US mineral interests may undermine lasting peace A US-brokered peace accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has raised fresh doubts over whether it can end one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts. US President Donald Trump looked on as Congolese leader Félix Tshisekedi and
Is Africa becoming the new battleground for China and Asia’s minerals race?
Africa-China trade is booming again, but India, the Gulf and Europe are muscling in on critical minerals — rewriting risk, returns and leverage for investors. Africa’s trade with Asia is surging again – but this time, China is not the only game in town. Across the continent, a quiet reset is under way. Trade between China and Africa hit about
Qatar seals $500mn Ivanhoe Mines deal to secure Africa’s critical minerals
Qatar commits $500mn to Ivanhoe’s DRC expansion Deal strengthens global scramble for copper and energy-transition metals KINSHASA, CONGO – Ivanhoe Mines signs a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), advancing a previously announced $500mn strategic investment that could reshape global access to the DR Congo’s critical minerals. The agreement was concluded during the state visit of
Can the DRC sustain global cobalt demand without deep structural reform?
Surging global cobalt demand is colliding with fragile supply chains, deadly artisanal mining conditions and mounting geopolitical risks centred on the Democratic Republic of Congo. KOLWEZI, DR CONGO– Rising demand for cobalt is projected to exceed 220,000 metric tons by 2026, driven by electric vehicles, AI hardware and grid-scale batteries. But more than 70% of the world’s cobalt comes from