Libreville, 24 July 2026 – The Republic of Congo has initiated an annual review of its infrastructure-for-minerals contract with China, known as Sicomines.
The assessment, which took place on 24 July at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, was presided over by Anthony Nkinzo Kamole, the Director of Cabinet to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. During the review, concerns were raised regarding the delivery of promised infrastructure.
The audit revealed that only 822 million dollars of the intended 3 billion dollars in infrastructure projects have been completed, with 685 million dollars not accounted for. Moreover, no railway kilometers have been constructed as per the agreement.
The evaluation, which is conducted annually to identify challenges and propose solutions, was attended by key structures including the Agency for the Coordination, Monitoring, and Execution of the Sicomines Agreement (APCSC), Gécamines, the Agency for Major Congoese Works (ACGT), the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministries of Finance, Infrastructure, and Mines.
The APCSC’s Director General highlighted the importance of such reviews in optimizing the strategic partnership between the RDC and China. Chinese representatives at the meeting expressed satisfaction with the evaluation process, emphasizing that it would highlight each party’s contributions, address project challenges, and showcase visible results on the ground. They also emphasized the need to recognize persistent difficulties and challenges to enhance the strategic partnership.
The findings of this audit are expected to influence the future of the RDC’s infrastructure and mining sectors, prompting further scrutiny and potential renegotiation of the Sicomines agreement.
The government is committed to a comprehensive review to ensure that the promised infrastructure benefits the country effectively.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
