• UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ports explores investments in DRC’s Matadi, Boma ports

• Talks included infrastructure, mining, trade, and financial cooperation plans

• UAE-DRC trade imbalance persists; UAE expanding mining and energy footprint
  

Abu Dhabi Ports, the UAE’s state-owned ports operator, is exploring potential investments in the ports of Matadi and Boma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The discussions were held during a meeting on Sunday, November 16, between DRC President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan.

Details of the company’s plans have not yet been disclosed. According to the Congolese Presidency, the possible projects are part of a wider infrastructure plan that includes developing the Lobito corridor, building two dry ports, and constructing roads linking Kolwezi to Dilolo and connecting the DRC with Angola and Zambia.

The initiative is intended to deepen economic ties between the two countries. According to the Presidency, the discussions also focused on mining cooperation, financial intelligence sharing to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, and closer coordination between the two central banks. The two sides additionally reviewed progress on a pending free trade agreement and considered organizing an economic forum to attract investment.

Trade currently tilts in favor of the UAE. Between 2021 and 2023, Congolese exports to the Emirates averaged $1.059 billion per year, while imports reached $1.89 billion, leaving the DRC with an annual deficit of about $650 million. Congo’s exports to the UAE are dominated by mineral products such as refined copper, gold, and diamonds.

Congolese exports could grow further following the acquisition by Emirati conglomerate IRH/IHC of a 56% stake in Alphamin Resources, the operator of the Bisie tin mine, an indication of the UAE’s expanding footprint in the country’s mining sector.

Separately, two other Emirati firms, Lone Star Ltd and Business Gate, are exploring renewable-energy projects in Tshopo province.

Boaz Kabeya, Bankable