DRC Creates Task Force to Accelerate Critical Minerals Pact with US

The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved the formation of a special task force to accelerate its strategic minerals partnership with the United States, a move aimed at attracting greater Western investment in its world-leading copper and cobalt industries. The decision, detailed in cabinet minutes seen by Reuters, signals a push to strengthen economic and security ties with Washington.

Task Force to Drive Implementation

According to a government account of a September 11 cabinet meeting, the body will be formally known as the "DRC-USA Task Force." Its primary objective is to expedite the execution of the partnership signed between the two nations in December.

Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba stated the task force would help translate the agreement's commitments into "concrete economic and security results" for the Congolese people. The government did not release details on the task force's members or its priority projects. A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted the body was initially planned for February but faced administrative delays.

Geopolitical and Market Significance

The initiative is a key part of the DRC's strategy to diversify its sources of investment beyond China and aligns with U.S. efforts to secure alternative supply chains for critical minerals. The DRC is the world's largest producer of cobalt and the second-largest exporter of copper, both essential materials for electric vehicles, batteries, and advanced electronics.

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This partnership has already yielded tangible outcomes, including:

• A U.S.-backed mining investment through Virtus Minerals.
• Expanded copper offtake arrangements between state miner Gecamines and trading houses Mercuria and Glencore, increasing sales to Western markets.

Broader Economic Planning

The establishment of the task force was approved during the same meeting where ministers endorsed a record $24.8 billion budget for 2027. This represents a 12% increase from the revised 2026 spending plan and highlights the government's focus on infrastructure, security, and economic diversification.