A New Momentum: Strengthening the Ties Between the DRC and the UK

by Prof. NDOLAMB NGOKWEY, PhD, M.P.H, M.A. DRC Ambassador to the UK

As the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the United Kingdom, I have the privilege of representing a nation rich in history, potential, and ambition. The DRC, the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, stands at a pivotal moment in its relationship with the UK. It is a moment defined by the need to recognise the shared history between our nations, while also fostering new partnerships that can propel both our economies and societies forward.

Few people know of the role British citizens played in the DRC’s history, even before the Belgian colonisation of the Congo. From the contributions of David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley—renowned explorers of what is today the DRC—to the work of Edmund Morel, a British journalist and political activist who co-founded the Congo Reform Association, British citizens have been pivotal in shaping Congo’s past. Morel’s efforts helped launch an international movement to expose the abuses in the Congo Free State. Historical ties such as these serve as a strong foundation for building a future based on mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared interests.

Today, the DRC embraces its motto: Rule of Law, Peace, Work, which captures the aspirations of the Congolese people. Our nation seeks justice, security, and decent jobs—priorities reflected in President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s six commitments for his second term in office: job creation, economy diversification, protection of household purchasing power, improved security, access to quality public services, and enhancement of basic infrastructures. These commitments are not only essential for the welfare of our population but also signal our readiness for greater international engagement.

In this context, the DRC is open for business. With a land area the size of Western Europe and a population of over 100 million people, predominantly young, the DRC represents both a vast market and a reservoir of skilled labor. Our nation is blessed with unparalleled and unique biodiversity, an array of natural resources, including an abundance of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. The country holds approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, vital for electric vehicle batteries. In 2022 alone, the DRC exported minerals valued at over $14 billion, much of which was directed to global markets.

Beyond minerals, the DRC boasts extraordinary hydropower potential, with the capacity to generate 100,000 megawatts, accounting for a quarter of the world’s hydropower potential. The Congo River, the second longest in Africa, is at the heart of this potential, offering immense opportunities for green energy generation. Additionally, with 80 million hectares of arable land and the world’s second-largest rainforest, the DRC is positioned to contribute significantly to global food security and climate change mitigation efforts. This is why we say DRC is a country with a solution for the World.

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Europe has long been one of the DRC’s key trading partners. In 2022, trade between the DRC and the European Union (EU) exceeded €5 billion, with the EU being one of the largest markets for Congolese raw materials. Furthermore, the UK, following Brexit, has renewed its focus on building stronger bilateral trade relationships with African nations. In the last few years, trade between the UK and the DRC has grown significantly, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors. The UK’s imports of Congolese minerals and agricultural products provide essential inputs for British industries, while DRC imports British manufactured goods and expertise in sectors such as finance and technology. This is a mutually beneficial relationship that we aim to expand as the trade balance is quite low compared to the opportunities. According to the Office of National Statistic (ONS), the total trade balance between the UK and DRC £262 million a decrease of 23.2% or £79 million from the previous year.

However, trade alone cannot address all of the challenges that the DRC faces. For decades, Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict, often overlooked by the international community despite the immense humanitarian crisis it has created. Over seven million people have been displaced within the country, and critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals has been destroyed. The loss of lives and livelihoods cannot be ignored, and it is imperative that the international community, including the UK, step up its support for peacebuilding efforts in the region.

The government of the DRC has always pursued peaceful relationships with our nine neighbouring countries. Despite the conflict, our primary focus remains on allocating resources for the development of the country and the improvement of our citizens’ welfare, rather than diverting these resources towards prolonged warfare. Peace in the DRC is not only crucial for the development and stability of our own country but also for the entire Central African sub-region. A stable DRC would facilitate greater regional trade and integration, allowing us to fully realize our economic potential and contribute more effectively to global markets.

Peace is essential for business and trade. Instability not only disrupts internal markets but also discourages foreign investment. The international community, particularly the UK, can play a vital role in supporting peace in the DRC through multilateral efforts. The DRC is a member of various international organizations and has consistently advocated for multilateral solutions to global challenges such as conflict resolution, environmental protection, and economic development. The UK, with its long-standing commitment to multilateral diplomacy, is a natural partner for the DRC in these endeavours.

For example, through the EU’s partnership programs with Africa, significant investments have been made in the areas of infrastructure, health, and education. The EU’s pledge of €150 billion under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package demonstrates the potential for even deeper cooperation. As the DRC continues to rebuild and modernize its infrastructure, there are vast opportunities for European companies to engage in sectors ranging from renewable energy to digital technologies.

In this era of climate change, the DRC’s natural resources, particularly our vast rainforest, serve as one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, playing a critical role in combating global warming. Partnerships between the DRC and the UK are essential for protecting these resources while also promoting sustainable development. European countries have already begun to recognize this, as evidenced by the recent commitment of €500 million by the European Commission to help preserve the Congo Basin rainforest. Such collaborations are crucial, not only for environmental protection but also for promoting economic development that benefits local communities. Levelling up rural communities’ lives can also be through investments into agriculture to create jobs and boost exportations. DRC is particularly advantaged by having vast arable lands spanned on both sides of the equatorial line favouring production throughout the year.

Our diplomatic efforts in the UK are guided by a clear roadmap that prioritizes political, economic, cultural, and public diplomacy. Our embassy is committed to increasing trade and investment between our two countries, promoting Congolese culture in the UK, and facilitating partnerships between our universities and research institutes. We also engage with the Congolese diaspora in the UK, a vibrant community that contributes to both our nation and its host country. 

The DRC has much to offer, and as we look to the future, our goal is to build partnerships that reflect the aspirations of the Congolese people. We seek not only investment but also collaboration in areas such as education, health, and scientific research. We believe that by working together, we can create a future where peace and prosperity are the hallmarks of our nation’s relationship with Europe To this effect, it is crucial for Europe and the UK to consider converting the development aid into investment as the latter contribute to job creations and economic prosperity.  Investment in local beneficiation joint-ventures would help create technological knowledge transfer and open an internal market for EU/UK whilst securing access to supply chains.

This is a new momentum for the DRC. With our shared history as a foundation, the opportunities for growth and partnership with the UK are immense. The time is now for the UK and the DRC to seize this new momentum and work together towards a brighter, more prosperous future for both our peoples

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