The University of Kolwezi (UNIKOL) officially launched the Geological and Geochemical Mapping Training on Monday, 29 September 2025, under the FEF Project — a strategic initiative aimed at developing the National Geoscientific Data Bank for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This programme is a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM), the French National Geological Survey, and the National Geological Survey of Congo (SNG-C), designed to strengthen the country’s geoscientific capacity.
Strategic Scientific Cooperation
Funded by the French Embassy, the FEF Project equips the DRC with modern tools to manage and share geoscientific data — essential for sustainable planning and responsible resource development.
Yannick Callec, BRGM mission leader, emphasized:
“Training must be seen as a sustainable transfer of knowledge. It strengthens national expertise and enhances geological mapping and exploration.”
Science as a Driver of Development
Professor Sage Ngoy, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at UNIKOL, highlighted the broader societal importance of the programme:
“Shared knowledge is transformative. Every piece of data collected contributes to understanding our world and shaping our future.”
He encouraged participants to approach the training as an “initiatory journey” guided by both rigor and passion.
Empowering the Next Generation of Congolese Scientists
Éric Mantuila, Technical Director of SNG-C, underlined the programme’s inclusive and forward-looking goals:
“The partnerships we are building today aim to prepare the next generation of scientists and equip young researchers to contribute to the sustainable development of our country.”
The fifteen-day training, running from 29 September to 10 October 2025, combines theoretical instruction, practical software training, and fieldwork. The formal distribution of training materials marked the official start of activities.
A Milestone in Knowledge Transfer and Innovation
Born from the strategic partnership between France and the DRC, this training programme represents a major step in technology transfer, capacity building, and scientific innovation. It strengthens the foundation for sustainable resource development and reinforces the shared commitment to advancing the DRC’s geological sector.
