Emerging
May 26, 20261
Russia signals interest in mining and high-tech cooperation with DR Congo
Russia said several of its companies are interested in investing in mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to remarks by a senior Security Council official in Moscow. The Russian side also expressed interest in expanding cooperation on information security, financial technology, peaceful nuclear energy and space exploration.
Quick Facts
- expressed interest in investing in mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- discussed bilateral cooperation at the First International Security Forum
- sought to advance cooperation in information security
- said Russia could expand cooperation in financial technologies, peaceful nuclear energy and space exploration
- Alexander Venediktov
Russian officials said on Tuesday that companies from Russia are interested in investing in mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the central role of the Central African country's mineral wealth in bilateral ties. The comments were made by Alexander Venediktov, deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, during a meeting with a Congolese delegation at the First International Security Forum in Moscow.
Venediktov said Russia also wanted to deepen cooperation with the DRC in information security, describing it as an important element of territorial integrity and sovereignty. He added that Moscow would be ready to expand ties in several other advanced sectors, including financial technologies, peaceful nuclear energy and space exploration.
The remarks point to Russia's broader effort to expand economic and technological engagement with African partners. No specific projects or investment commitments were announced, but the Russian side said multiple companies were looking at opportunities in the DRC's mining sector.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in mineral resources and has long attracted foreign interest in its mining industry. Russia's latest statements suggest a wider agenda that combines resource investment with cooperation in strategic technologies and security-related areas.
Why This Matters
This signals a potential widening of Russia's economic and strategic footprint in a mineral-rich African state. For businesses and policymakers, it may mean new competition for mining access, fresh partnership opportunities in strategic sectors, and a closer link between resource investment and security-technology cooperation. Readers tracking sanctions, African geopolitics, or commodity supply chains should watch for whether these remarks turn into concrete deals or remain exploratory.
Timeline & Sources
May 26, 2026
WireVenediktov met with a delegation from the DRC at the First International Security Forum in Moscow.
May 26, 2026
WireTASS reported that Alexander Venediktov said Russian companies were interested in investing in mining projects in the DRC.