Critical Minerals Value-Grab: Africa’s share of mineral revenues is stuck at about 10% despite holding 30% of reserves, as only ~10% of global exploration landed on the continent in 2024—fueling a push to capture more value from copper, cobalt and lithium amid US-China competition. Mining Governance: DR Congo is tightening state control over geological data by building a national mineral databank from airborne surveys and digitised archives under a $180m mapping push, with access likely to be fee-based—aimed at boosting Kinshasa’s leverage in future mining deals. US-DRC Trade Signal: US copper imports from DR Congo hit a record 53,290 tonnes in July, lifting Congo’s share of total US imports to 23.9%, as strategic ties deepen. Ebola Pressure Point: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is at a “tipping point,” with Bundibugyo strain driving thousands of cases and deaths; health partners are expanding surveillance, treatment and safe burials while warning of “Ebola fatigue.” Eastern Ceasefire Watch: A new mechanism to monitor the eastern DRC ceasefire could help, but analysts warn expectations should be tempered by fragmented conflict conditions. Kinshasa Safety & Transport: A rare DC-8 freighter (9S-AJO) suffered a runway excursion at N’Djili, with nose gear collapse and no reported fatalities—highlighting aging fleet risks. Human Tragedy: Fires in eastern DRC (Bukavu schools) and Kinshasa (wedding hall) killed dozens, underscoring weak fire safety and emergency response. Business Mobility: The US published E-2 investor visa eligibility lists that include DR Congo (Kinshasa), tied to bilateral investment treaties.