NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 6 – Equity Group has organized an Investors’ Roadshow in Kinshasa, DRC, aimed at showcasing trade and investment opportunities within the East African Community (EAC) region.
Ending on March 8th, 2024, it marks the fourth installment of such events organized by Equity Group in the DRC.
Approximately 500 investors from 20 countries worldwide are participating, exploring potential investment avenues in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
The initiative seeks to position the DRC and the East African Region as significant trade and investment hubs globally.
The event builds upon previous successful trade missions and investment forums organized by the Group in various regions, such as the Kenya-DRC, US-Tanzania, Belgium-DRC-Rwanda, Singapore-Kenya, India-Kenya, South Africa-Kenya, and US-Tanzania-Kenya in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively, all aligned with the implementation of its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.
According to the Minister of Industry in the DRC, Julien Paluku, key sectors ripe for investment in the country include agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, and the establishment of a railway network.
Despite challenges, she described the DRC as a stable nation with vast potential, characterized by rapid economic expansion.
“DRC boasts an array of investment opportunities, underpinned by our vast population and abundant arable land,” Paluku said.
“Our government continues to implement measures to foster a conducive environment for investment and I invite you to join us in discovering and capitalizing on the wealth of opportunities that await in the DRC,” she added.
Albert Zeufack, the Country Director of the World Bank in the DRC, highlighted the remarkable economic growth occurring in the country, labeling it as one of the most notable growth stories in sub-Saharan Africa.
He emphasized the vast potential of the DRC, characterized by its expansive territory and rapid economic expansion.
Zeufack stressed the importance of diversification to unlock the full potential of the economy, citing opportunities in mining, agriculture, and value chain creation.
The World Bank is committed to supporting the DRC’s structural development through strategic investment planning, focusing on areas such as access to electricity, infrastructure development, growth in the mining sector, and the establishment of special economic zones.
He invited investors to capitalize on the abundant opportunities in the DRC and participate in shaping its vibrant economy, emphasizing its attractiveness as an investment destination both presently and in the future.
James Mwangi, the Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group, highlighted the organization’s leadership in organizing trade missions and investors’ roadshows over the past three years to promote investment opportunities in Kenya, the DRC, and the wider East African region.
He emphasized the alignment of these initiatives with Equity Group’s vision of driving socio-economic prosperity across Africa.
Mwangi underscored the significance of the March 2024 Investors’ Roadshow, providing foreign investors with a vital platform to explore opportunities in the DRC.
He highlighted the vibrant economies and diverse sectors of both Kenya and the DRC, urging participants to engage directly with these markets and build crucial relationships with key stakeholders.
With Equity Group’s extensive network and understanding of the local business landscape, Mwangi expressed his full commitment to providing valuable insights and guidance throughout the journey.
Celestin Mukeba, the Managing Director of Equity BCDC, highlighted the significant transformation in the banking industry in the DRC over the years, emphasizing its role in driving investment and economic growth.
He expressed dedication to showcasing the vast potential of the DRC to global investors, building upon initiatives such as the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Mukeba emphasized Equity’s role in connecting investors with the right opportunities through the investors’ roadshow.
“We stand ready to provide the necessary financial support and expertise to empower entrepreneurs and investors seeking to capitalize on the boundless opportunities present in the DRC. Together, let us embark on a journey of growth, prosperity, and shared success in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she stated.
The DRC, as the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, boasts vast natural resources, including cobalt, copper, hydropower potential, arable land, and rich biodiversity.
Equity Group, through its extensive network and understanding of the local business landscape, aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to investors participating in the roadshow.
The event will include exhibitions, high-level meetings, and site visits to showcase investment opportunities in the DRC.
With the DRC’s recent accession as a full member of the East African Community, trade barriers are being eliminated, facilitating easier penetration into the DRC market.
Collaboration with DRC authorities and trade organizations is underway to support investors across various sectors and potentially access up to 300 million customers in the East African region.
