The US/UK-Africa Business Council, in collaboration with George Washington University, hosted a high-level forum on October 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., focusing on Partnership for Economic Growth and Job Creation, with a special emphasis on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a priority partner. This event served as a strategic platform to bridge policy, capital, and innovation, highlighting concrete opportunities for U.S.-DRC collaboration and inclusive economic growth.
Key Themes and Discussions
- Sustainable Development and Job Creation
- Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Renewable Energy and Infrastructure
- Investment Opportunities in sectors like the Grand Inga hydropower initiative and strategic ventures in critical minerals.
- The event included a strategic briefing for investors that highlighted fiscal reforms, regulatory frameworks, and sectoral opportunities.
Distinguished Participants & Organizations 🗣️
- DRC Government: H.E. Louis Kabumba Watum, Minister of Mining, DRC, and H.E. Dr. Kamba Mulanda, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Security, DRC.
- US Government/Institutions: Hon. O. Felix Obi, U.S. Trade Representative, Executive Office of the United States President, and representatives from the IMF and World Bank.
- Council/Host: Dr. Serge Tshibangu, Founder and Chairman, US/UK-Africa Business Council, and Dr. Şevin Yeltekin, Dean, GW Business School.
- Private Sector/Academia: Executives from Google (Liz Calvey), Vitol, Symbion Power (Paul Hinks), Boeing Africa, Glencore, and Dr. Djordjija Petkoski (Wharton School).
Key Outcomes and Next Steps 🚀
The forum successfully generated tangible outcomes and laid the groundwork for future initiatives:
| Outcome/Next Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Landmark MOU Signing | A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce to advance joint business initiatives, promote trade, and support capacity-building for U.S. and Congolese enterprises. |
| Trade Mission Commitment | An agreement was made to organize a U.S. trade mission to the DRC in December 2025 to foster direct investor engagement with Congolese businesses and accelerate investment projects. |
| Strengthened Partnerships | Expanded networks among government, private sector, and institutional stakeholders reinforced confidence in the DRC's investment environment and its commitment to an open, investor-friendly environment. |
| Follow-up Engagement | Sector-focused working groups are planned for critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, and health. A three-day follow-up conference is scheduled for April 13-16 during the World Bank Spring Meetings to sustain momentum. |
The event reinforced the Council’s role as a catalyst for investment and marked a significant step forward in strengthening U.S.-DRC strategic dialogue and economic partnership.
Would you like to know more about the specific discussions in one of the panel highlights, such as the Private Sector Guide to Investing in the DRC?
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