DRC in Focus: Geopolitics, Political Economy, and the Evolving Investment Landscape

In 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) moved firmly into the global spotlight — both for its central role in supplying critical minerals essential to the global energy transition and for renewed geopolitical engagement, including U.S.-backed efforts to address longstanding conflict in the country’s east. These dynamics have driven increased international attention across mining, energy, infrastructure and broader economic opportunities.

This Invest Africa webinar examined the political economy of the DRC, recent geopolitical developments, and what they mean in practice for investors and operators on the ground. Panellists explored the gap between international narratives and commercial realities, offering practical insights into risk management, capital deployment and execution across complex operating environments.

The discussion focused on what matters most for establishing and scaling business in the DRC — from navigating political and security dynamics to unlocking long-term, sustainable value in mining, energy and infrastructure. The session also provided an early look at Invest Africa’s planned 2026 DRC engagement, including investor-focused dialogues and a prospective investor mission.

Speakers

Welcome remarks:
• Shannon Stroud, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Africa U.S.

Moderator:
• Joshua Walker, Program Director, Congo Research Group, New York University

Panellists:
• Paul Hinks, Chief Executive Officer, Symbion Power & Chairman, Invest Africa (US)
• Michel Losembe, Managing Director, Tshinu Consulting
• Nabil Saimi, Senior Investment Director, Africa50