Louis Watum Kabamba takes on new role amid calls for greater value addition in Africa’s mineral sector.
Louis Watum Kabamba, newly appointed Minister of Mines for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is expected to use his platform to highlight the DRC’s push to tap more value from its minerals, especially cobalt and copper, and argue for reforms that strengthen the country’s role in global supply chains. He may also promote new regulatory initiatives, investment incentives, and strategies to increase domestic processing of raw materials.
Kabamba’s selection comes shortly after his appointment in a national cabinet reshuffle, where he was tapped to succeed Kizito Kapinga Mulume as mines minister. Before assuming the role, he served in the Ministry of Industry and SME Development and had a long career in mining operations and management, including leadership roles in Congolese and international mining firms. His technical background and industry experience are being viewed as critical assets for his new mandate.
The DRC recently signed a mining cooperation memorandum with Kazakhstan, signaling interest in expanding partnerships to support infrastructure and downstream capacity. Observers will be watching Kabamba’s remarks for signals on how the DRC intends to balance investor appeal with demands for broader local benefits.
He faces immediate challenges, including enforcement of export quotas, particularly for cobalt and reclaiming mining concessions from underperforming operators, a policy he has already backed in recent statements. The minister’s approach will be crucial in determining whether the DRC can retain more of the mining value chain domestically and reduce dependency on raw exports.
Source: DRC Ministry of Mines