In early February 2026, a high‑level Presidential Business Roundtable between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was held in Washington, D.C., bringing together government leaders and leading business figures from both nations to strengthen economic ties and attract investment. The event underscored a growing strategic partnership anchored in shared commercial interests and long‑term cooperation on critical sectors.
Hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce through its U.S.–Africa Business Center, the roundtable took place against the backdrop of President Félix‑Antoine Tshisekedi’s official visit to Washington. The forum created a platform for direct engagement between the Congolese head of state, senior U.S. business executives and private sector representatives to explore shared opportunities.
During the discussions, President Tshisekedi outlined the DRC’s economic priorities, emphasising a reform agenda designed to make the country a more attractive destination for U.S. investment. Key areas highlighted included critical minerals, infrastructure, technology, energy, agriculture and digital transformation. The President stressed the importance of forging partnerships that would generate employment, enhance local capacity and support sustainable growth.
The event also reinforced the broader U.S.–DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed in December 2025, which aims to deepen cooperation across economic and security dimensions. As part of this arrangement, the DRC has begun designating a Strategic Asset Reserve (SAR) list — offering preferential investment access to U.S. companies as a way to encourage transparent, long‑term engagement, particularly in the critical minerals sector.
A shared focus on responsible investment and economic development framed the roundtable’s objectives. Both countries emphasised the role of private sector engagement in building resilient supply chains, supporting local industry and advancing socioeconomic progress in the DRC. The discussions also reaffirmed the belief that economic growth and private sector development are essential pillars for long‑term stability and prosperity.
For the DRC, the Washington roundtable represented a chance to showcase opportunities beyond mere resource extraction — signalling its intention to attract diversified investment that benefits Congolese citizens and strengthens national industry. For the United States, the event marked an important step in securing strategic partnerships that diversify supply chains for critical minerals while fostering diplomatic and economic collaboration.
As both governments move forward with implementing the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the business roundtable stands as a key milestone in U.S.–DRC economic relations — one that could shape future trade, investment and shared prosperity.
