Key Points
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Congo mines minister role goes to veteran Louis Watum.
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Appointment signals push for stability in mining policy.
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Industry players expect reforms in cobalt export management.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has appointed Louis Watum, a seasoned mining executive with decades of experience in Africa’s extractive industries, as its new mines minister in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at bringing stability to one of the country’s most strategically important sectors.
According to a report by reuters, President Félix Tshisekedi named Watum to replace Kizito Pakabomba, who had held the position since 2024.
The appointment comes at a time when the DRC, the world’s top cobalt producer and a major copper supplier, is navigating fluctuating commodity prices, growing demand for electric vehicle metals, and calls for more transparent regulation.
Watum is widely respected among industry players, having previously held senior roles at Randgold’s Kibali gold project and Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula copper development.
His reputation as both a corporate operator and government liaison is seen as critical for balancing investor confidence with national economic interests.
Congo mines minister to face policy challenges
Watum takes office amid heightened tensions over the government’s cobalt export restrictions, which were introduced earlier this year to manage global oversupply and encourage domestic refining.
Industry insiders say his approach to these policies will be closely watched by multinational miners and artisanal cooperatives alike.
“The stability of the mining sector depends on predictable rules,” said a Kinshasa-based mining analyst. “Watum’s track record suggests he understands both the technical and political dynamics at play.”
Appointment seen as signal to investors
Market reaction to the Congo mines minister announcement has been cautiously optimistic.
Several mining firms have expressed hope that Watum will prioritize regulatory clarity and streamline permitting processes.
Congo’s mining industry accounts for more than 95 percent of the country’s export earnings, making the role one of the most politically sensitive in the cabinet.
The DRC’s strategic minerals are also under increasing global scrutiny as Western governments push for supply chains that bypass China.
Reforms might change the export of copper and cobalt
The way Congo handles its mineral wealth may change under Watum’s leadership.
According to analysts, he might review some parts of the cobalt export quota system in order to incentivize businesses that invest in processing facilities and generate jobs in the area.
Despite the high expectations, analysts warn that quick reform may be constrained by long-standing political and practical issues. Nevertheless, Watum has a stronger starting position than the majority of his predecessors due to his industry credibility.
Other economic portfolios were also reshuffled, indicating Tshisekedi’s larger attempt to match his cabinet with the nation’s aspirational investment and infrastructure objectives.
The coming months will show whether Watum can turn goodwill into concrete policy results for Congo’s mining industry.
