DRC's First Hydrocarbons Conference Calls for Stronger Governance and Supply Security

The inaugural National Hydrocarbons Conference in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, has concluded after two days of discussions on the oil sector's challenges and future. Organized by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) in partnership with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the event brought together key public and private stakeholders under the theme: "Oil, the true backbone of the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo."

Attendees included government officials, provincial authorities, oil operators, mining companies, private sector representatives, and experts. They examined major issues concerning the nation's supply of petroleum products, market regulation, and improving sector governance. Albert Kasongo Mukonzo, director of cabinet for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, officially closed the proceedings. He stressed that securing the supply of petroleum products is a strategic priority for the government, given its critical importance to the national economy and particularly the mining sector, the primary driver of economic growth in the DRC.

Mukonzo reiterated that the executive branch is pursuing reforms to enhance governance in the oil sector, improve market stability, combat fraud, and ensure a regular and sustainable supply across the country. "The structural configuration of our downstream oil sector clearly demonstrates the weight and capital role of the southern zone. Petroleum products increasingly assert themselves as first-rate economic inputs supporting the spearhead of the Congolese economy, namely the mining sector," he stated.

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The structural configuration of our downstream oil sector clearly demonstrates the weight and capital role of the southern zone. Petroleum products increasingly assert themselves as first-rate economic inputs supporting the spearhead of the Congolese economy, namely the mining sector.

Patrick Muland Kabey, provincial president of the FEC/Haut-Katanga, urged participants to engage in constructive dialogue to develop pragmatic recommendations for the sustainable improvement of the oil sector's operations. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among public authorities, economic operators, and all stakeholders. Kabey also reaffirmed the strategic role of oil in the DRC's economic development, highlighting the importance of sustainable and efficient management of the country's oil resources.

During the conference, participants addressed several key questions, including securing the supply chain, customs clearance procedures for petroleum products, compliance with sector regulations, market regulation, and preventing supply shortages.

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The securing of the supply of petroleum products remains a strategic priority for the Government, given its importance for the national economy and more particularly for the mining sector, the main engine of economic growth in the DRC.