Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo holds some of the world's most valuable mineral reserves, producing approximately 70% of global cobalt (essential for EV batteries), along with significant copper, coltan (used in smartphones), gold, diamonds, and tin. The mining sector, centered in the Katanga (Haut-Katanga) and Kivu provinces, attracts major investments from Glencore, CMOC, Ivanhoe Mines, and Barrick Gold.

Despite extraordinary natural resource wealth, DRC remains one of the world's poorest countries by GDP per capita. The economy is highly dependent on mining exports. Agriculture employs the majority of the population but contributes relatively less to GDP. The country has massive hydropower potential, with the Grand Inga Dam project (if realized) capable of generating 40,000 MW.

Key challenges include security instability in eastern provinces, infrastructure deficits, governance weakness, and limited financial inclusion. The country's strategic importance for the global energy transition (cobalt, copper, lithium) is driving increased international interest.