Congo’s Mining Registry director general Popol Mabolia urged Japanese firms to invest in the mineral-rich Central African nation during the Japan-DRC Business Forum held April 20-22, highlighting partnership opportunities with state mining companies Gécamines and Kisenge Manganese.
Leading a Congolese delegation to the three-day event, Mabolia emphasized Congo’s critical mineral resources, particularly cobalt, nickel and manganese as strategic investment targets for Japanese companies such as Sumitomo and Ambatovy seeking to secure supply chains for advanced manufacturing and battery production.
“Congo offers multiple investment pathways, either through partnerships with state portfolio companies and existing permit holders, or by directly applying for mining titles through established registry procedures,” Mabolia told Japanese business leaders. 
The outreach comes as Congo intensifies efforts to attract sophisticated international partners capable of supporting its ambitions to develop domestic processing capacity for its vast critical mineral deposits. Japanese firms with advanced technology in mineral processing and battery manufacturing represent potential strategic allies in Congo’s push to move beyond raw material exports.
This diplomatic-commercial initiative aligns with broader Congolese government strategy to diversify international investment beyond traditional partners, particularly as competition intensifies for access to minerals essential to energy transition technologies.
The mining registry chief’s Tokyo visit reflects Congo’s growing leverage in global mineral markets as demand surges for materials essential to electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and consumer electronics.
