Kamoa Copper SA, one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s leading copper producers, reinforced its commitment to local value creation and regional integration as a Platinum Sponsor at the 6th Katanga Business Meeting (KBM), held May 15–16 at the Lualaba Provincial Assembly in Kolwezi.
Held under the theme “Building Our Future: Focus on Priority Objectives,” the forum brought together stakeholders from across the Congolese economy to discuss industrial policy, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.
Kamoa Copper took center stage at the event, participating as both an exhibitor and a key voice in the high-level discussions. On the opening day, Managing Director Annebel Oosthuizen joined a panel alongside DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, Lualaba Governor Fifi Masuka, and Lobito Corridor Operations Director Nicholas Grégoire to explore the theme: “Lobito Corridor and Industrial Transition: Building the DRC’s Economic Sovereignty.”
Oosthuizen emphasized that Kamoa Copper’s economic model is designed to support the DRC’s industrial transformation. “We are committed to processing our resources locally. With the commissioning of our new smelter—Africa’s largest—we’re making that a reality,” she said. “True economic impact lies in building integrated value chains, supporting local manufacturing, and reducing reliance on imports.”
She highlighted the role of the Lobito Corridor—an emerging regional trade route linking the DRC to the Atlantic port of Lobito, Angola—as a catalyst for industrial growth. “Thanks to the Lobito Corridor, SMEs can now import raw materials, produce locally, serve domestic markets, and export regionally. This is a game-changer.”
Kamoa Copper was the first mining company to export its product through the Lobito Corridor and remains one of its major users. “In 2024, we utilized 50% of the corridor’s capacity. We plan to maintain that share in 2025 and double it by 2026,” said Oosthuizen. “We see this not just as an export route, but as a strategic platform for diversified economic development.”
Since its founding in 2008 as part of the Ivanhoe Mines Group, Kamoa has grown into Africa’s second-largest copper producer and the DRC’s top copper exporter. The completion of its state-of-the-art smelter has further aligned the company with national goals to boost in-country mineral processing and reduce dependency on raw material exports.
Governor Fifi Masuka commended Kamoa Copper during the event, lauding the company’s commitment to responsible mining practices and consistent, ahead-of-schedule tax payments.
Oosthuizen closed her remarks by encouraging Congolese SMEs to leverage the Lobito Corridor. “We tested it—it’s faster and more cost-effective. We urge our local partners to take advantage of this infrastructure for both imports and exports.”
Kamoa Copper’s active role at KBM 2025 reaffirmed its position not only as a mining leader but as a strategic partner in the DRC’s broader vision for sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
