More than fifty delegates from sixteen nationalities have arrived in Lubumbashi DRC, for a five -day trade mission organized by Equity Group. The mission, which aims to unlock business opportunities, foster economic collaboration, and connect investors with key partners in the mining-rich Katanga region, will also bring together one hundred and twenty Congolese delegates.
For the first time, the mission will extend to Kolwezi, a key mining hub northwest of Lubumbashi, where most of the country’s mining operations are based. The trade mission has attracted a diverse group of entrepreneurs from Kenya, DRC, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Poland, Germany, and the United States. Delegates are seeking to establish business footholds in the region, which is known for its significant copper and tin deposits.
Welcoming the entrepreneurs, some of whom were attending the DRC missions for the second time, Equity Group Director of Trade Relations, AQ Hamza, said Equity has conducted more than forty inbound and outbound missions in the last four years, fifteen of which were to the DRC.
He further highlighted the bank’s commitment to facilitating connections and partnerships for investors. “It’s good to see familiar faces of people who have been on our trade missions before, struck deals, and are back to strike even more deals. These missions are not about tourism; they are about connecting you with the right partners on the ground,” said Hamza.
Seizing opportunities
Equity BCDC associate director for commercial projects, Paty-Paterne Mushagalusa, encouraged delegates to use the pre-summit meeting to network and build relationships. “Equity has been at the forefront of bringing people together, connecting businesses and countries to seize opportunities in the East and Central Africa region. We are keen to see the effort we are making in partnership having an impact on your businesses,” he said.
Among the delegates is John Wainaina, who registered Beracah Enterprises SURL in Lubumbashi after attending a previous mission. Wainaina shared how he connected with a Kenyan entrepreneur during a closing dinner, which led to the formation of his company. “My break came when I met a Kenyan investor who encouraged me to form a company. I later returned to finalize the registration and opened an account with EquityBCDC. This time, I’m excited about the inclusion of Kolwezi in the itinerary, as I see opportunities to supply machinery to mining companies there,” he said.
For first-time participants like Daniel Lwanji from Tanzania, the mission offers a chance to explore untapped opportunities. Lwanji, managing director of Oakley Company, expressed optimism about the DRC’s mining sector. “As experts in mining tools, we have come to Congo knowing there are vast opportunities. Congo mines every kind of mineral, and we bring solutions to help the nation mine better, faster, and more efficiently while securing a sustainable market for our products,” he said.
The delegates praised Equity Group for tailoring trade missions to meet their needs. “Equity has made what could have taken us 10 years happen in just three days by connecting us to the Congo market,” said one participant.
Thomas Muto Lo’Buda of Bros Group of Companies, based in South Sudan, reiterated the value of Equity’s role in easing market entry. Lo’Buda, the group senior business strategy, investment and industrial analyst shared how his company had previously operated in the DRC but retreated due to challenges in accessing the market. The company operates in real estate and construction, petroleum hospitality and healthcare as well as gold and mining.
Comeback Chance
“We previously had business in Ariwara, Aru and Ondila but then we closed it. That was from 1999 to 2002 but now we are looking for a comeback chance. In those years things were different; but also back then we didn’t have a trusted partner that knows the terrain like Equity,” said Lo’Bud, adding that when the opportunity arose to come Lubumbashi with Equity the company took it seriously.
“My interest here in DRC is in the energy sector, specifically renewable energy, and we are looking forward to establishing business here in Congo. We have been in a good relationship with Equity in South Sudan and this is our opportunity to be able to expand our business. It is good that this is being spearheaded by a financial institution like Equity. It is a good move for Africa businesses through an African-led institution like Equity, so I have a lot of expectation that this will strengthen us as Bros Group of companies to work together with Equity in the Congo market,” he said.
Equity Group’s trade mission continues to demonstrate its value in connecting businesses, fostering partnerships, and unlocking opportunities in the DRC. With Kolwezi now part of the itinerary, delegates are optimistic about tapping into the vast potential of the mining-rich Katanga region and beyond.
