In a bid to promote investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a group of influential leaders gathered at the East African Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo. The conference, held on November 3, 2023, brought to light the DRC’s untapped business potential, particularly in the context of the global green energy agenda.

Keynote speaker and DRC Information and Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya underlined the country’s significance in the green energy sector. He emphasized the abundance of strategic minerals in the DRC that are poised to power electric cars, making it a prime destination for investors. Furthermore, Minister Muyaya assured investors and neighboring countries that the DRC was ready for business, emphasizing the improved political climate.

One of the central themes of the conference was the importance of fostering cooperation among East African nations to boost intra-regional trade. Minister Muyaya called on political leaders to prioritize cooperation over political differences, as this was hindering economic progress in the region. He highlighted the DRC’s desire to connect with the East African Community (EAC) and the potential for mutually beneficial trade relationships.

Kenya’s Ambassador to the DRC, Dr. George Masafu, praised the recent decision by Kenya and other countries to waive visa requirements for Africans, envisioning this as a significant step toward fostering intra-African trade. Dr. Masafu emphasized that borders should become bridges, facilitating increased economic interaction among EAC nations.

Congo Senator Nzazi Lelo reinforced the message of regional collaboration. He urged East African countries to shift from being consumers to producers of goods, emphasizing the need for cooperation and peace. Lelo described Africa as a gun, with the DRC being the trigger, suggesting that support for the Congolese people would catalyze development across the region.

The conference, the second of its kind organized by the Nation Media Group, aimed to link businesses in the region and beyond. The first edition, held in March in Kinshasa, led to the formation of partnerships and investments. Entrepreneurs and delegates from Kenya and the broader region had the opportunity to connect with businesses from across the continent, expanding their networks and finding opportunities to scale their ventures.