DRC trade missions open new frontiers for investment and business growth across Africa
Sponsored by Equity Bank
A section of Delegates, Equity Group, and EquityBCDC leadership, led by EquityBCDC Ag Managing Director Willy Mulamba (front row, centre) and Equity Group Director of Trade Relations AQ Hamza (back row, centre), during the recent Trade Mission facilitated by Equity Group.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its vast natural resources and emerging sectors, is quickly becoming a key player in the African economic landscape. Equity Group Holdings, through its ongoing Trade Missions to DRC, is strategically positioning itself and its partners to capitalise on these opportunities, unlocking new trade and investment pathways that span the African continent.
The recent fourth edition of Equity Group’s Trade Mission, held in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, brought together delegates from across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the DRC itself. The mission is part of Equity’s broader efforts under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and recovery across the region post-Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing global economic challenges.
A platform for growth
The goal of these trade missions is simple yet profound: To create lasting partnerships, business and investment opportunities that span key sectors like agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and mining. With Equity Group’s strong regional presence and deep understanding of local markets, the missions offer a unique platform for foreign investors to explore and engage with DRC’s diverse economy.
"These missions are a crucial part of the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, as they aim to connect business networks across Africa and beyond," said AQ Hamza, Director of Trade Relations at Equity Group. "By offering business-to-business sessions, site visits, and introductions to local and regional partners, we provide investors with a clear understanding of how to navigate the DRC market."
Delegates attending the mission include both first-time visitors and seasoned investors returning to finalise business ventures. For instance, Nancy Ndung’u, a delegate representing Kenya’s tea sector, is optimistic about the market potential in DRC, especially in light of the country’s rapidly growing population and demand for consumer goods.
The opportunities are equally vast in sectors such as logistics. Kevin Kinge, Strategic and Innovation Manager at Siginon Group, expressed his excitement at discovering new avenues for expansion beyond Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi, particularly in the transport of goods like cement and rice.
“Most of what is consumed in Kinshasa is imported, which presents a major opportunity for our logistics business," Kinge said. “Through the mission, we are gaining valuable insights and connections to enhance our footprint in this rapidly growing market.”
The CEO of Gocongo Aziz Khabirpour takes delegates on a tour of his farm and biscuit factory in Lubumbashi. The farm, which sits on over 8,000 hectares of land, is one of the projects being financed by Equity.
The Congolese market, a powerhouse for investors
Kinshasa, with a population nearing 20 million, offers vast opportunities for investors, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, food supply, healthcare, and infrastructure. The city’s strategic position and growing demand for goods and services make it an attractive destination for foreign capital. As Willy Mulamba, Ag Managing Director of EquityBCDC, put it, “Kinshasa is just a dot on the map compared to the vast opportunities across the entire DRC. We must look beyond the capital and explore the potential in other cities.”
In addition to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, located in the mining-rich Katanga region, offers a wealth of business possibilities, particularly in mining-related logistics and infrastructure. During the mission, delegates toured key industrial sites like the Somika copper and cobalt mine and the Bags & Sacks company that manufactures specialised sacks for the mining industry.
Lubumbashi's proximity to major ports in Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, and Maputo also enhances its appeal as a logistics hub. Delegates, like Woinde Muro, Director of Imperium Opes, expressed their excitement about expanding their logistics business in the region. “Thanks to the connections made during this mission, we are now in talks with Somika for direct transport contracts, marking a significant step for our business.”
Partnerships for progress
One of the most compelling aspects of the Trade Mission is the emphasis on building long-term partnerships. Investors are not simply introduced to markets; they are guided through the nuances of local business practices, cultural considerations, and regulatory frameworks. This guidance is facilitated by Equity Group’s extensive network and local expertise, which allows investors to hit the ground running.
At the mission’s plenary session, Michel Maswapu, Director of Investments at the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (ANAPI), highlighted the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving job creation and economic transformation in the DRC. “The role of EquityBCDC in supporting MSMEs cannot be overstated. These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and financial support is critical to their success,” Maswapu noted.
Equity Group’s approach is designed not only to attract external investments, but also to create a thriving ecosystem for local businesses. “We are here not just to support foreign investors, but to connect them with local businesses, fostering a spirit of collaboration that drives growth across the region,” said Hamza.
As Equity Group continues to expand its reach across the continent, the vision captured under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) is becoming clearer. By 2030, the Group aims to serve 100 million customers, supporting 25 million borrowing businesses and creating 25 million jobs across the region. The ongoing Trade Missions to DRC and other countries in East and Central Africa play a pivotal role in realising this ambitious vision.
Equity Group’s presence in the DRC, through its subsidiary EquityBCDC, is already making a significant impact. With 76 branches and nearly 2.4 million customers in the DRC alone, the Group is committed to expanding its footprint and enhancing its services to meet the growing demand for financial products and services.
“The future is bright for the DRC and the entire region,” Mulamba concluded. “By working together, sharing expertise, and fostering partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of this continent and drive sustainable economic growth.”
As the Trade Mission continues to unfold, it is clear that the path to prosperity in East and Central Africa is one of collaboration, innovation, and investment. Equity Group’s commitment to this journey is not just about opening doors for investors, but also about building bridges that will shape the future of the African economy.
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