Congo Embraces U.S. Partnership in Minerals Industry

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) does not view increased American involvement in its critical minerals sector as a competition with China. According to the country’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, multiple international partnerships are essential for transforming Congo’s mineral wealth into prosperity.

I don’t like talking about competition. I like talking about complementarity, Wagner remarked in an exclusive interview at the United Nations.

During a meeting at the White House on June 27, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed collaboration with Wagner on Congo’s valuable natural resources. The Trump administration aims to enhance American access to Congo’s copper, cobalt, lithium, gold, and other strategic materials while reducing reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains.

A strategic partnership between Washington and Kinshasa, signed on December 4, 2025, outlines plans for economic cooperation and transparent mineral supply chains. This agreement is part of a broader framework to integrate regional economies and resolve conflicts between Congo and Rwanda.

Further developments include a separate arrangement involving Congo’s state mining company, Gécamines, and commodities trader Mercuria. This could grant U.S. buyers priority access to some copper and cobalt supplies, according to reports in early December 2025.

Wagner stated that U.S.-DRC relations are becoming more structured, benefiting both countries economically. She welcomed increased U.S. interest in Congo that can help turn the nation’s mineral wealth into tangible improvements for its people while offering returns to American partners.

Speaking at a U.N. meeting on critical minerals, Wagner warned against repeating a pattern where raw materials from Africa are exported, and most profits from processing remain abroad. She urged partnerships that involve local processing, technology transfers, industrialization, and fair financing.

The minerals push aligns with a U.S.-mediated peace process between the DRC and Rwanda. Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame agreed on peace measures in Washington on June 27, 2025. The initiative seeks to reduce violence and draw Western investment to resource-rich regions.

Wagner acknowledged ongoing violence but highlighted Washington’s commitment to imposing consequences for violations. She commended recent U.S. sanctions against the Rwanda Defense Force for supporting the M23 rebel group, showing that the process remains relevant.

She emphasized the importance of restoring state authority in eastern DRC to deliver justice and care for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Recently, U.N. experts reported illicit smuggling of coltan from the Rubaya mining area controlled by M23, generating substantial profits for armed groups. Additional U.S. sanctions in June aimed to combat these activities and enhance transparency in regional supply chains.