DR Congo seeks deeper ties with China beyond mineral trade

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking to diversify its economic relationship with China beyond mineral exports, which currently dominate trade. Despite a trade surplus with China, the DRC's exports are primarily minerals, particularly copper and cobalt, essential for electronics and electric vehicle batteries. Recent data indicates a decline in trade flows, with a 13% drop in 2023, raising concerns about the sustainability of this economic partnership. President Tshisekedi has expressed a desire to expand bilateral trade into sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and local mineral processing. This aligns with China's commitment to deepen cooperation in various fields, including vocational training and mineral processing. However, the DRC's investment climate remains challenging, with issues such as corruption and a lack of confidence in the business environment hindering potential projects. Recent negotiations with Chinese companies have resulted in significant commitments, including a $7 billion investment in infrastructure from the Sicomines consortium and a $2 billion payment from CMOC. Despite these developments, analysts remain skeptical about the long-term benefits for the DRC, given the unfavorable terms of many mining agreements. Additionally, defense cooperation has emerged as a critical area of interest, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. Tshisekedi has sought China's support in addressing security concerns, especially regarding the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. The DRC's military struggles against these insurgents highlight the need for enhanced defense collaboration with China.