By: Africa sustainability matters

The United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda have signed a landmark framework integrating mineral governance, regional security, and industrial investment, marking a major shift in the management of Central Africa’s critical resources. The agreement establishes a system in which companies seeking access to minerals must engage directly with the governments in Kinshasa and Kigali, with governance reforms and security cooperation tied to U.S. investment and support.

Central to the framework is the formalization of mineral supply chains in eastern DRC, a region long dominated by informal, illicit networks and armed groups. By requiring legal and traceable sourcing, the deal aims to strengthen state authority, cut off funding to militias, and secure reliable supplies of cobalt, copper, and tungsten for global markets. The U.S. will support security sector reforms and infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor, a key export route designed to bypass intermediaries and strengthen regional integration.

The framework also serves as a strategic counter to China’s dominant presence in the DRC’s mineral sector by emphasizing transparency, traceability, and adherence to higher governance standards. For Rwanda, the deal links its own regulated tungsten sector to regional security and border management cooperation. The approach could impact other global players, such as Saudi Arabia and the EU, while offering an alternative model for mineral governance in Africa.

However, its success hinges on resolving persistent security challenges in eastern DRC, enforcing governance reforms, and ensuring that local communities benefit from industrial investment. If implemented effectively, the framework could become a blueprint for sustainable resource management that balances economic development, state sovereignty, and regional stability