DRC Mining Week launches Strategic Council to strengthen its role in shaping the future of mining in the DRC
DRC Mining Week is entering a new phase of its development with the creation of a Strategic Council designed to strengthen the event’s influence on mining policy and investment discussions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Announced during the 2026 edition by Papy Luzala, Managing Director of Vuka Group DRC, the initiative aims to transform Africa’s leading mining conference into a platform that generates strategic recommendations for the country’s mining sector.
A think tank for the mining industry
The newly established Strategic Council is chaired by Simon Tuma-Waku.
Its mission is to bring together government officials, mining companies, investors, financial institutions and civil society representatives to discuss the country’s key mining challenges and opportunities.
According to Tuma-Waku, DRC Mining Week should become more than a networking event—it should evolve into a platform where ideas translate into meaningful decisions for the future of the Congolese mining industry.
Bringing together key stakeholders
The Council’s first meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Mines, the Congolese Banking Association, civil society organizations and private-sector experts involved in human resources and financing.
The diversity of participants is expected to strengthen discussions on strategic issues affecting the mining sector.
A stronger strategic vision
For Papy Luzala, the creation of the Strategic Council reflects Vuka Group’s long-term vision for DRC Mining Week.
The Council will help define future conference themes while identifying internationally recognized keynote speakers capable of addressing major global economic, industrial and geopolitical trends affecting the mining industry.
Aligning discussions with national priorities
Another objective is to ensure that conference debates increasingly reflect the Democratic Republic of Congo’s real economic priorities.
Organizers hope that the recommendations emerging from these discussions will help inform public policy and contribute to the country’s industrial and economic development.
Strengthening national ownership
According to Luzala, involving more Congolese institutions and stakeholders in shaping the conference agenda will reinforce national ownership of DRC Mining Week and enhance its long-term impact on the country’s mining ecosystem.
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