The forum on energy investments held during the DRC Mining Week has put forward recommendations, including the need to transform the political will of governments into actual energy. Participants at the forum emphasized the importance of pragmatism alongside their aspirations.
The event took place on June 14, 2023, in the Bukavu room of the Karavia hotel in Lubumbashi, with John Kanyoni from the FEC Chamber of Mines serving as the moderator. The forum’s central theme was “How to transform the country’s political will into energy?”
One of the panelists, Vincent Di Panzu, the former Director General of the National Electricity Company (SNEL) and Chairman of Trade Power, highlighted that the energy deficit is estimated to be between 700 and 800 MW. Di Panzu suggested the necessity of signing long-term contracts with off-takers, potential buyers.
Professor Jean-Marie from the Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity expressed the view that a specific target should be set to initiate action. He emphasized the need to combat the export of products manufactured in the DRC, calling for investors to integrate energy issues into their activities and establish genuine partnerships.
Mupepele Leonide, the Managing Director of Bicotim, discussed the overproduction of certain raw materials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly cobalt. Leonide explained that the reduced global demand for cobalt, combined with the DRC’s production surplus (producing nearly 180,000 tons compared to a demand of 210,000 tons), has resulted in a decline in cobalt prices. He proposed a strategy to create demand by temporarily freezing exports.
During the forum, Mr. Mabolia from the Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning of the Ministry of Mines (CTCPM) raised concerns about the predominance of mines under private sector control rather than being managed by the Congolese State. He emphasized the need for industrial sovereignty.
Mabolia criticized the lack of control over mining companies’ production in the DRC, particularly among the six major mining companies operating there.
Eric Monga from Kipay underscored the importance of research and study in harnessing the DRC’s potential. He highlighted the successful completion of a solar power plant built by Congolese nationals as a model for inspiration. Monga advocated for the development of mining resources and human capital, the establishment of long-term contracts, and attracting funds to provide solutions. He emphasized the need to add value to mining activities to facilitate further development.
Overall, the forum at the DRC Mining Week emphasized the imperative of converting political will into tangible energy initiatives. The participants presented various recommendations, including the establishment of partnerships, market control, industrial sovereignty, and the integration of energy concerns into mining activities.
