MWE Correspondent
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced new regulatory measures aimed at strengthening state oversight of strategic mineral exports, signaling a shift toward greater resource sovereignty amid intensifying global competition for critical metals.
The announcement was made on 22 February 2026 in Kinshasa, where the Ministry of Mines unveiled revised export monitoring guidelines targeting cobalt, lithium, coltan, and copper shipments. Officials stated that the new framework seeks to improve transparency, increase domestic processing, and curb illicit mineral flows.
Congo remains the world’s largest producer of cobalt and a major supplier of copper — both essential to electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure. With demand rising sharply across Europe, China, and the United States, Kinshasa is positioning itself to secure stronger negotiating leverage in the global critical minerals supply chain.
The reforms include stricter licensing rules for foreign operators and expanded inspection authority for state agencies. According to ministry officials, future mining contracts must incorporate clearer provisions for local value addition and technology transfer.
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The measures come as global competition for African resources intensifies, particularly in cobalt-rich regions such as Haut-Katanga. According to data from the World Bank Extractive Industries Program, governance reforms in mining sectors remain central to improving revenue transparency and reducing illicit outflows.
Recent debates in Parliament have also focused on environmental safeguards and community compensation in mining provinces. Civil society groups argue that strengthening oversight must go hand in hand with enforcing environmental standards outlined under international frameworks such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
The policy shift aligns with broader continental discussions under the African Union regarding mineral beneficiation and reduced raw material exports. By prioritizing domestic processing and regulatory clarity, Congolese authorities aim to avoid patterns historically associated with extractive dependency.
Economic analysts caution that implementation will determine success. While the reforms strengthen Congo’s negotiating position, enforcement capacity and infrastructure constraints remain significant challenges.
Still, the February 22 announcement marks a clear message: Congo intends to play a more assertive role in the global race for strategic minerals.
