• The DRC and Brazil signed multiple agreements to boost diplomatic, security, and economic cooperation.

• Trade between the two countries surged 28% in 2024, hitting a record $259 million.

• The partnership covers vital sectors, including military, agriculture, environment, biofuels, health, and electoral cooperation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Brazil solidified their bilateral relationship on August 11, 2025. During a government tour of Latin America led by Kinshasa, the two countries inked several agreements and memorandums of understanding.

These agreements include visa exemptions for holders of special passports and permission for diplomats’ dependants to work legally in the host country. This move enhances the personal and professional mobility between the nations.

#RDC: La République démocratique du Congo (RDC) et la République fédérative du Brésil, se sont acheminées vers une redynamisation de leur coopération culturelle, à la faveur d’une mission diplomatique effectuée par la ministre congolaise de la Culture, des Arts et du Patrimoine,… pic.twitter.com/LrGPuNDHE0

— acp.cd (@acprdcongo) August 13, 2025

In security, both governments pledged to boost the operational strength of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). They agreed to acquire new equipment, exchange military expertise, and provide combat training for special jungle units. This military collaboration aims to improve the DRC's defense capabilities in challenging terrains.

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, from the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the significance of this move on social media. She wrote, “The signing of these agreements testifies to the shared desire of the two States to consolidate their diplomatic relations for the benefit of their peoples.”

Beyond security, the two nations actively collaborate on strategic projects in electoral processes, agriculture, environmental protection, biofuels, and health sectors. Since 2022, Brazil supports a bilateral technical cooperation project to train small-scale farmers in the DRC, fostering sustainable development and food security.

Economically, trade between Brazil and the DRC jumped 28% in 2024, reaching a record $259 million, according to the Brazilian government. Brazil primarily exported sugar, poultry, and pork worth $191.5 million. Meanwhile, the DRC exported $67.6 million, mostly crude oil, to Brazil.

This growing partnership builds on momentum from 2023, marked by the first-ever visit of a Congolese president to Brazil. These developments reflect both countries’ ambitions to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties for their mutual benefit.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio 

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum