Mining and investment cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has significantly intensified in 2025, marked by the signing of several new agreements. This collaboration is driven by the DRC's vast mineral wealth, including being the world's leading cobalt producer (over 70% of global output), a major tin producer, and Africa's top copper producer. These critical minerals are increasingly attractive to UAE investors seeking to secure supply chains for the global energy transition and Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 in September will serve as a crucial platform to further solidify these partnerships, featuring a dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable. This event will connect UAE investors with DRC policymakers and mining stakeholders through high-level panel discussions and project showcases. Recent UAE investments highlight this trend: in mid-July, UAE-based NG9 Holding partnered with Congolese mining company Buenassa to develop the DRC's first integrated copper-cobalt refinery, aiming to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually. Additionally, in June 2025, Abu Dhabi's International Resources Holding (IRH) acquired a majority stake in Alphamin Resources for $366 million, gaining access to the DRC's Bisie Tin Complex, one of the world's largest high-grade tin deposits. Beyond mining, UAE investments are also bolstering the DRC's energy infrastructure, with NG9 Holding signing a deal to develop a 46 MW hydropower facility to support mining operations. This strategic alignment underscores the UAE's growing footprint in securing critical mineral supplies and supporting local beneficiation in Africa.