DRC's economic growth driven by minerals

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded an economic growth rate of about 6.5 percent in 2024, largely fueled by its production and export of copper and cobalt, according to the World Bank. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electronics and electric vehicles, but the DRC's economy remains heavily reliant on their extraction.

Manufacturing's shrinking role in DRC's economy

The manufacturing sector's contribution to the DRC's GDP dropped from 13.9 percent in 2017 to 9.8 percent in 2025, as reported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This decline occurred despite an average economic growth of 7.2 percent between 2021 and 2025, one of the highest in Central Africa.

Report highlights progress and challenges

The data on the DRC's economic trends are part of a report prepared for the 42nd session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (CIE) for Central Africa, set to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in October 2026. The report evaluates the progress of economic diversification since the adoption of the Douala Consensus in 2017, a regional agreement aimed at promoting economic development.

Manufacturing value added per person declines

According to data from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the value added per person in the manufacturing sector decreased from 66 to 57 dollars between 2017 and 2025, in 2020 constant dollars, a drop of about 14 percent. This decline indicates a weakening of the sector's economic impact on the average person.

Mining growth reduces manufacturing's share in GDP

Jean-Luc Mastaki, director of the Sub-regional Office for Central Africa at UNECA, noted that the rise in mining exports, especially copper, has reduced the relative weight of manufacturing in the DRC's GDP. This happens when extractive industries grow faster than manufacturing, even if the latter's total output increases.

DRC exports raw minerals, limiting value creation

Companies in the DRC continue to export raw mineral concentrates rather than processing them further, which limits the creation of additional value. Despite having significant metallurgical capabilities, especially for copper and cobalt, the country lacks the infrastructure to transform these minerals into higher-value products.

DRC's manufacturing share lags behind regional peers

While the DRC's manufacturing sector contributes more to its GDP than Angola and Gabon, its growth is slower compared to those countries. In 2025, manufacturing made up 22.5 percent and 24 percent of GDP in Malaysia and Thailand, respectively, according to UNIDO data, highlighting the gap between the DRC and more industrialized economies.

Challenges to industrialization in the DRC

UNECA identifies several obstacles to industrialization in the DRC, including an energy shortage, inadequate logistical infrastructure, financing difficulties, lack of skilled labor, and challenges in the business environment. These factors hinder the development of manufacturing and related industries.

Special economic zones as potential solutions

UNECA believes that special economic zones (SEZs) could help address some of these challenges by attracting investment and promoting local industrial development. The Musompo SEZ in the Lualaba province is part of a regional initiative with Zambia to build a value chain for electric batteries.

Study highlights weaknesses in the DRC's industrial strategy

A 2026 study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) found that the DRC's mineral wealth alone does not ensure industrial competitiveness. Energy supply and access to financing were identified as key weaknesses in the country's industrial plans.

DRC faces challenge of converting mining growth into industrial development

Halfway through the Decade of Economic Diversification (2021–2030), the DRC must address the challenge of transforming its mining-driven growth into sustainable manufacturing activities that create value and employment. This will require strategic planning, investment, and policy reforms to support industrial development.