The Democratic Republic of Congo has appointed Louis Watum Kabamba, a veteran mining executive, as its new mines minister in a cabinet reshuffle.
Kabamba, who previously served as minister of industry and development of small and medium enterprises, replaces Kizito Pakabomba in the role.
This appointment comes ahead of key decisions on potential foreign investments and cobalt exports, as Congo engages in peace talks in Washington and Doha to attract Western investment into its vast reserves of critical minerals.
Kabamba’s experience leading Ivanhoe Mines’ DRC operations and Kamoa Copper SA is expected to champion investor-friendly reforms while demanding deeper local benefits.
He may support a proposed quota system for cobalt exports, favoring larger producers with greater employment potential and social interventions.
The new cabinet also includes opposition politicians Floribert Anzuluni as regional integration minister and Adolph Muzito as budget minister, with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and foreign, defense, and interior ministers retaining their positions.
