AGP Executive Report

Grand Inga: President Félix Tshisekedi has set guidelines for developing the proposed hydropower project, stressing that local communities must be protected. The scheme is projected to generate 40,000 megawatts and potentially support eight million jobs. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed an agreement to finance and operate a planned 200-kilometre link from Zambia to Kolwezi. The estimated $300 million interconnector could supply up to 550MW to the DRC’s mining and industrial sector. Mineral Mapping: A three-year airborne survey will map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to improve geological data and guide mining investment. Kinshasa Services: The provincial government and Africell are exploring cooperation on digitising public administration and municipal finances, urban mobility and tourism; no deal has been announced.

Grand Inga: President Félix Tshisekedi has set guidelines for developing the hydroelectric megaproject, stressing that local communities must be protected. The project is estimated to have 40,000 MW of capacity and potential to create eight million jobs. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework agreement to finance and build a 200-kilometre power line between Zambia and Kolwezi. The $300 million project could deliver up to 550 MW to the DRC’s mining and industrial hub. Mineral Mapping: A three-year, state-funded survey will use aircraft to map more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to improve geological data and attract investment. The programme is expected to raise national geoscientific coverage from 22.27% to 46.1%. Kinshasa Digital Services: The provincial government and Africell RDC are exploring cooperation on digitising municipal administration and finances, improving urban mobility and promoting tourism; no deal has yet been announced.

Digital Services: Kinshasa is exploring a partnership with Africell RDC to digitise city administration and finances, improve urban transport and promote tourism. No agreement has been announced. Power and Mining: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework to develop a $300 million, 200-kilometre power link from Zambia to Kolwezi, with capacity to supply up to 550MW to the Copperbelt. Mineral Exploration: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey using seven aircraft to map mineral potential across nine provinces, aiming to improve geological data and attract investment. Gold and Conflict: In Tanganyika, armed militiamen say they are guarding an artisanal gold mine run by a Chinese company, illustrating how conflict economies can shape access to mineral resources. Passport Contract: Belgian firm Semlex and 13 other defendants have been referred to trial over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax fraud linked to the DRC passport contract; the allegations have not been proven.

Digital Services: Kinshasa’s provincial government is exploring a partnership with Africell RDC to digitise administration and municipal finances, improve urban transport and develop tourism services. No agreement has been announced. Power for Mining: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a framework to build a 200-kilometre, US$300 million line linking Zambia’s Kalumbila to Kolwezi. With capacity of 700MW, it could deliver up to 550MW of electricity to the Copperbelt. Mineral Exploration: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne mapping programme covering more than 700,000 square kilometres, aiming to improve geological data and attract investment. Mining Security: In Tanganyika, armed militiamen say they are paid $100–$150 a month to guard an artisanal gold mine run by a Chinese company, showing how conflict economies complicate investment in the country’s mineral-rich east.**

Mineral Exploration: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey using seven aircraft to map mineral potential across nine provinces, aiming to attract investment and improve knowledge of its largely unexplored subsoil. Copperbelt Power: FIS-RDC, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks plan a 200km, $300 million transmission line linking Zambia to Kolwezi. The 700MW interconnector could supply up to 550MW to the DRC’s mining and industrial hub. Trade Routes: A deadly Congo River boat collision has renewed concern over safety on waterways that serve as key routes for travel and commerce; overcrowding and poor vessel maintenance remain common risks. Mining Technology: KoBold Metals is using AI and historical drill records to guide lithium exploration, combining new soil samples with decades-old geological data. Business Accountability: Belgian passport contractor Semlex and other defendants will face trial in Brussels over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax fraud tied to the DRC passport deal; the allegations have not been proven.

Mineral Investment: The DRC has launched a three-year airborne survey across nine provinces, using seven aircraft to map mineral potential and attract investment. Power & Mining: A consortium including the DRC’s investment fund, Trafigura and Gridworks plans a 200-kilometre, 700MW transmission link from Zambia to Kolwezi, aimed at supplying the Copperbelt and expanding mining and industrial capacity. River Trade: A collision on the Congo River killed at least 30 people and left dozens missing. River transport is a key trade lifeline in western DRC, while overcrowding and night navigation remain persistent safety risks. Critical Minerals: KoBold Metals is using AI to analyze soil samples and historical drill records to target lithium exploration, as the DRC seeks a stronger position in strategic-mineral supply chains.

Agribusiness & Sustainability: Yangambi’s palm oil research legacy is getting a new push, with INERA reviving the area’s long-running oil palm breeding know-how after decades of underinvestment. Maritime Safety & Trade: Tragedy on the Congo River—two motorized wooden boats collided near Ngombe-Lukolela in Equateur, killing at least 30 (and dozens missing), with river transport again highlighted as vital but accident-prone. Sports, Youth & Local Economy: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global launched a drive to build or renovate 55 basketball courts across the DRC by 2030, starting in Kinshasa, aiming to reach thousands of young people. Public Health & Aid Funding: Kinshasa says only about 25% of Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures for non-compliant organizations. Mining & Investment Signals: KoBold Metals is using AI to target lithium in the DRC, while Zijin warns flooding at Kamoa-Kakula could cut 2026 copper output—both underscoring how quickly geology and operations can move business outcomes. Conflict & Humanitarian Access: A UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematic civilian targeting in North and South Kivu, adding pressure on the eastern DRC peace process and aid operations.

Eastern DRC Diplomacy: AU high-level facilitators met AFC/M23 leaders in Goma in closed-door talks, but no joint communiqué came out as reports of defections and clashes in North Kivu continued. Humanitarian Access: OCHA warned that violence in Ituri has forced at least five humanitarian groups to suspend or scale down operations, disrupting food, health, nutrition, water and even Ebola-related activities. Ebola Funding Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds and threatens coercive measures against non-compliant organizations. Transport Safety & Trade Risk: Two boats collided on the Congo River near Ngombe-Lukolela in Equateur, killing at least 30 and leaving dozens missing; river transport is vital for movement and commerce, but accidents are common due to overcrowding and poor maintenance. Youth & Local Infrastructure: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global launched a Kinshasa basketball court and plan 55 courts across the DRC by 2030, supporting community youth development. Mining & Local Content: Congo’s subcontracting regulator will require major mining firms to undergo annual audits of subcontracting and local-content compliance from 2027, with sanctions and compliance plans under new rules. Elections/Politics Spillover: A new DRC message to AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé is stirring debate on whether the stalled eastern peace process is gaining real momentum.

River Transport Safety: Two motorised wooden boats collided near Ngombe-Lukolela in Equateur province, killing at least 30 people and leaving dozens missing; officials say bodies were buried and survivors rescued, with the cause still unclear and night navigation blamed in past accidents. Sports & Youth Infrastructure: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global will build or renovate 55 basketball courts across the DRC by 2030, starting with a new Kinshasa court honoring Dikembe Mutombo—aimed at thousands of youth. Ebola Response & Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of Ebola response partners have justified mobilised funds and warns of coercive measures for non-compliance, as the outbreak keeps spreading. Ebola Aid Disruption: OCHA reports humanitarian operations in Ituri have been suspended or reduced due to violence, limiting access to food, health, nutrition, water and delaying Ebola-related logistics. Mining Local Content Push: From 2027, the subcontracting regulator will require annual audits of major miners’ local-content compliance, ordering some operators to end non-compliant subcontracting and expand opportunities for Congolese suppliers. Mining & Investment Signals: KoBold Metals says it is using AI and colonial-era drill logs to target lithium in the DRC, while Zijin warns flooding at Kamoa-Kakula could cut 2026 copper output. Eastern DRC Conflict Watch: A UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in North and South Kivu, triggering international backlash over accountability.

River Transport Safety: Two boats collided on the Congo River near Ngombe-Lukolela in Equateur province, killing at least 22 (and at least 30 reported in other updates) with dozens still missing; authorities say the passenger vessel sank and recovery is ongoing, highlighting how overcrowding and poor maintenance keep river trade risky. Humanitarian Access & Ebola Response: OCHA says violence in Ituri (Djugu) has forced at least five humanitarian groups to suspend or cut operations, disrupting food, health, nutrition, water and even Ebola-related community work and sample transport. Ebola Funding Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have submitted documentation for mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures for non-compliant organizations. Mining & Local Content: Congo’s subcontracting regulator says major miners will face annual audits from 2027 under a local-content push, with orders already issued to companies to fix non-compliant subcontracting. Diplomacy & Regional Business Climate: Tshisekedi’s Makotipoko-related outreach to Brazzaville aims to prevent repeat incidents via joint border patrols and better military communication—an indirect boost for cross-border stability. Eastern DRC Conflict Risk: A UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in North and South Kivu, raising pressure on accountability and worsening operating conditions for aid and commerce. Corporate/Tech in Minerals: KoBold Metals says it is using AI to reprocess colonial-era drill logs and satellite data to target lithium in the DRC, signaling intensifying competition for battery minerals. Sports Infrastructure Deal: NBA Africa and Quest Water Global plan to build or renovate 55 basketball courts in the DRC by 2030, starting with a Kinshasa launch honoring Dikembe Mutombo.

DRC–Congo River Diplomacy: President Félix Tshisekedi crossed to Brazzaville to urge building prevention mechanisms with counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso after a deadly clash between the two countries’ naval forces, putting peace and security at the top of the agenda. Ebola Funding Pressure: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures for non-compliant organizations as cases pass 8,000 and Namibia issues travel advisories. Mining & Local Content: From 2027, the subcontracting regulator will require annual audits of major miners’ local-content compliance and ordered some operators to end non-compliant subcontracting arrangements. Lithium Prospecting Tech: KoBold Metals is using AI to reprocess colonial-era drill logs and GPS-linked field sampling to target lithium in the DRC, aiming to reduce exploration risk. Passport Corruption Trial: Semlex, linked to a Congo passport contract, is set to stand trial in Brussels over allegations of corruption, money laundering and tax fraud. Eastern DRC Security Fallout: A new UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in North and South Kivu, triggering international backlash and renewed scrutiny of the rebel coalition’s claims.

Ebola Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have submitted documentation to justify mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures as the Bundibugyo outbreak tops 8,000 cases and nears 4,000 deaths. Ebola Response Tools: The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone data to predict where Ebola could spread next, helping authorities pre-position resources. Eastern DRC Rights Shock: A new UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in North and South Kivu, documenting reprisals like killings, forced displacement and home destruction—sparking international backlash. Mining & Local Content: From 2027, the subcontracting regulator ARSP will require annual audits of major miners’ local-content compliance and has ordered some operators to end non-compliant subcontracting. Lithium Prospecting Tech: KoBold Metals is using AI to reprocess colonial-era drill logs and GPS field sampling to pinpoint lithium targets in the DRC. Diplomacy for Peace: Tshisekedi’s team delivered a renewed written message to AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé in Lomé, focusing on demobilisation and reintegration steps for eastern DRC. Business & Risk: Belgian firm Semlex is set to stand trial in Brussels over alleged corruption tied to Congo passport production. Aviation Safety: A plane crash near Kenge killed 17 aboard; TRACEP Congo Aviation’s certificate was suspended pending investigation.

Ebola Response & Accountability: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola partners have submitted documentation for mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures to improve traceability as cases top 8,000. Public Health Tech: DRC is using anonymised mobile phone data to forecast where Ebola could spread next, helping target preparedness before cases appear. Mining & Local Content: From 2027, DRC will audit major miners annually on subcontracting and local-content compliance, with regulators ordering corrective plans for non-compliant operators. Lithium Exploration Push: KoBold Metals is using AI to reprocess colonial-era drill logs and GPS soil sampling to pinpoint lithium targets in the DRC. Eastern DRC Security & Human Rights: A UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in North and South Kivu, triggering international backlash. Diplomacy for Peace: Tshisekedi’s team delivered a renewed written message to AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé in Lomé, focusing on demobilisation and reintegration steps. Business & Industry Events: Kinshasa will host Makutano Mining (Nov 22–25, 2026) to drive mineral industrialisation and project financing. Aviation & Safety: A plane crash near Kenge killed 17 and led to suspension of TRACEP Congo Aviation’s operating certificate pending investigation.

Ebola Response Funding: Kinshasa says only about 25% of 97 Ebola response partners have submitted proof for mobilized funds, warning of coercive measures for non-compliance as the Bundibugyo outbreak tops 8,000 cases and nearly 4,000 deaths. Diplomatic Support: France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot pledged additional assistance after meeting President Félix Tshisekedi, with a planned visit to Bunia in Ituri, the outbreak epicentre. Mining & Local Content: From 2027, DR Congo will audit major miners annually on subcontracting and local-content compliance, with regulators ordering some operators to fix non-compliant arrangements. Lithium Prospecting Tech: KoBold Metals is using AI to reprocess colonial-era drill logs and satellite data to target lithium in the DRC, aiming to speed up drilling decisions. Eastern DRC Security & Risk: A UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in North and South Kivu, fueling international backlash and raising operational and humanitarian risks for businesses. Aviation Safety: A Let L-410 crash near Kenge killed 17 people; authorities suspended TRACEP Congo Aviation’s operator certificate pending investigation. Mining Dealmaking: Kinshasa will host Makutano Mining (Nov 22–25, 2026) to push mineral value addition and financing for projects.

Fuel & Trade: The G-7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of reserve diesel/crude over four months, with a frontloaded diesel push aimed at easing global price pressure—an issue that can quickly ripple into DRC transport and import costs. Ebola & Travel Risk: Kinshasa says only about 25% of Ebola response partners have justified mobilized funds, while cases in the DRC have crossed 8,000; Namibia issued a travel advisory urging caution and limiting non-essential trips. Security & Humanitarian Access: A new UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in eastern DRC, triggering global outcry and raising pressure on accountability. Mining & Local Content: From 2027, Congo’s subcontracting regulator will require annual audits and compliance plans to boost contracts for Congolese firms; major operators are being ordered to fix non-compliant subcontracting. Copper/Cobalt Market Signals: Zijin flagged flooding at Kamoa-Kakula that could cut 2026 output, while analysis highlights how Kinshasa’s export quota and Chinese control shape DRC’s cobalt/copper risk and pricing. Diplomacy for the East: Tshisekedi’s fresh letter to Togo’s Gnassingbé is stirring renewed debate on the stalled AU-led peace process. Aviation Safety: A plane crash near Kenge killed 17 and led to the suspension of TRACEP Congo Aviation’s certificate pending investigation.

UN Accountability: A new UN report accuses AFC/M23 of systematically targeting civilians in eastern DR Congo, documenting reprisals like summary executions, forced displacement and home destruction in North and South Kivu—sparking global outcry and renewed calls for accountability. Eastern DRC Peace Talks: Kinshasa has renewed its push for peace by sending a fresh written message to AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé in Togo, with demobilization and reintegration of armed groups at the center of the next steps. Mining & Local Content: DR Congo will audit major mining companies’ subcontracting and local-content compliance annually from 2027, with sanctions and mandatory compliance plans tied to a new law taking effect in January 2027. Copper Market Risk: Zijin warns flooding at the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex could cut 2026 output by up to 57,000 tonnes, underlining how a single Congolese mine can sway global copper prices. Ebola Update: Confirmed DR Congo Ebola cases have crossed 8,000 with 3,901 deaths; Namibia has issued a travel advisory urging essential travel only. Business & Safety: Vodacom Congo marks seven years without a fatal workplace accident, citing stronger safety practices and supplier governance. Aviation Tragedy: A plane crash near Kenge in Kwango killed 17 people; the transport ministry has suspended TRACEP Congo Aviation’s operating certificate pending investigation.