Kenyan Traders Join Global Investors in High-Level DRC Trade Mission
Lubumbashi, DRC, March 24, 2026 — Kenyan traders are among over 50 delegates from more than 16 countries participating in a week-long trade mission in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at unlocking investment opportunities across the region’s mining and allied sectors.
The high-profile roadshow, organised by Equity Group Holdings, will extend to Kolwezi and feature business-to-business forums and site visits designed to link investors with projects and financing opportunities within Katanga’s mineral value chain.
Participants have been drawn from across Africa and beyond, including Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, alongside investors from Europe, the Middle East and Asia signalling growing global interest in the DRC’s expanding market, particularly following its admission into the East African Community.
Equity Group says the mission is structured as a deal-making platform to connect capital with viable projects on the ground, with its DRC subsidiary, Equity BCDC, positioned to structure and finance investments in logistics, energy, subcontracting and agro-processing.
Speaking at the launch, Equity’s Director for Brand and Global Communications, Nicole Dow, said the initiative seeks to bridge gaps between entrepreneurs and high-growth markets. She noted that the programme provides direct exposure to frontier investment opportunities while fostering strategic partnerships.
Stakeholders urged investors to look beyond mineral extraction and tap into emerging opportunities in services, supply chains, energy and the growing consumer economy around mining hubs.
According to Paty Paterne Mushagalusa, the DRC’s position as the world’s leading cobalt producer and a major copper supplier places it at the centre of the global green energy transition, while reforms and regional integration are boosting investor confidence.
Yves Bizunga added that Katanga contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and exports, describing the region as a strategic engine for global energy supply chains and a hub for investment in logistics, energy and supply-chain finance.
Investment agencies also moved to reassure delegates on ease of doing business. Lydia Wabiwa highlighted simplified procedures and incentives, while finance expert Michel Kinkele Orelis pointed to ongoing governance reforms, faster company registration and improved predictability in profit repatriation.
Beyond mining, stakeholders identified agriculture and light manufacturing as key sectors to meet rising urban demand and reduce imports. Eric Lwamba Mayanga noted that the country’s strategic location bordering nine nations and linked to major regional blocs positions it as a gateway to regional and international markets.
The mission includes targeted B2B engagements and site visits in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, with a focus on accelerating deals through tailored financing solutions. Organisers expect the programme to yield concrete partnerships and investment pipelines, strengthening trade ties between Kenya, the DRC and the wider region.
