In 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerged as Africa's leader in mineral exploration investment, attracting $130.7 million, according to a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence published on 21 February 2025. Out of a total of 1.3 billion dollars invested in this sector across the continent, the DRC captured a significant share, propelling the country to ninth place worldwide, ahead of Zambia.
Copper, the mainstay of this performance, accounted for the bulk of the funds, with $71.5 million, surpassing the $65.5 million invested in Zambia, Africa's second largest producer of the metal. In cobalt, another strategic resource, the DRC attracted $8.3 million, ranking second in the world behind Australia ($15.2 million). Although the report does not detail investments in gold, coltan, tin or zinc, the country remains a mining giant, home in particular to the Kibali gold mine, one of the largest in Africa.
This dominance can be explained by the DRC's immense mineral reserves. The country holds around 50% of the world's cobalt reserves and accounts for more than 70% of global production of this metal, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries. At the same time, it is the world's second largest producer of copper, having contributed 65% of the new reserves announced for 2023. Demand for these two metals, which are crucial to the energy transition, is exploding: demand for copper could reach 50 million tonnes by 2050, compared with 32 million tonnes today.
"The DRC is uniquely positioned in terms of strategic minerals, which is attracting investors despite the logistical and political challenges," observes an industry analyst. This dynamic has enabled the country to become a world leader in exploration, reinforcing its key role in supplying the technology and energy industries.
Chinese companies, which control around 80% of the DRC's copper and cobalt mines, largely dominate the mining landscape. This stranglehold reflects long-standing partnerships, but also raises questions about the country's economic sovereignty. Faced with this situation, Kinshasa is seeking to diversify its alliances. Discussions with Saudi Arabia and the United States are underway, with the aim of attracting new capital and reducing dependence on a single player.
If the DRC succeeds in cementing these partnerships, it could not only consolidate its position in mining exploration, but also strengthen its strategic autonomy. In the meantime, the record investments of 2024 confirm its status as a major mining power on the African and global scene.
