DAY 2 OF THE UK–DRC ECONOMIC FORUM IN LONDON
At the opening plenary session on the second day of the UK–Democratic Republic of the Congo Economic Forum, held in London, the Minister for Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, addressed the CEOs of major British companies on Wednesday 3 November 2026.
He emphasised that the DRC is not here as a recipient of aid, but as a strategic economic partner, as it constitutes a sub-regional hub of opportunities and an indispensable driver of the global energy transition; hence, the future of UK-DRC economic and trade cooperation must focus on three major pillars, namely direct investment, the local processing of agricultural and mining products, and smooth, equitable access to markets, he stated
Taking advantage of this platform, the Minister for Foreign Trade called for visa-free entry to the UK and the launch of a direct London–Kinshasa route by British Airways to boost trade
During the panel discussion on critical minerals, mining and industrial value chains, the Minister for Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, invited British investors to come and capitalise on the business opportunities offered by the DRC, which is an excellent destination for business
Taking part in several panel discussions, Alastair Long, the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, and Baroness Sandip Verma, a Member of the House of Lords, reassured the Congolese private sector regarding the signing of joint ventures, whilst commending the Congolese Government for improving the business climate.
