Dear readers,
For over a century, natural resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been fuelling the world’s progress. Today, it stands at the centre of yet another global shift: the rechargeable battery industry, a cornerstone of the clean energy revolution.
The stakes could not be higher. The Congolese Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development has called the DRC “the solution country” to the climate crisis, pointing to its vast forests, freshwater reserves, and rich deposits of strategic minerals as a “natural response” to global environmental challenges. Over two thirds of the planet’s cobalt supply comes from the DRC and it is the second-largest producer of copper. Meanwhile, new frontiers of extraction loom, with lithium, manganese, and germanium under growing consideration.
Yet, despite being the bedrock of the world’s clean energy future, the Congolese people remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. The numbers are staggering: three-quarters of the population live below the poverty line, as estimated by the World Bank. The healthcare and education systems are in crisis, and the country suffers one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. While the DRC is rich in renewable energy potential, less than one in five Congolese citizens has access to electricity.
Why does this paradox persist? The answer is complex, shaped by global market forces, political inertia, and geopolitical struggles.
One factor casts a long shadow: endemic corruption. At every level of governance, powerful interests—often backed by international investors—hinder progress. Too often, international donors work exclusively with the country’s elite to shape Congo’s development, turning a blind eye to the corruption scandals that surround them and, critically, failing to amplify the voices of ordinary Congolese citizens.
At Resource Matters, we are challenging this status quo. We are dedicated to addressing the paradox of plenty—the stark contrast between Congo’s immense natural wealth and its widespread economic hardship. Our mission is to push for a transparent, equitable, and responsible management of the DRC’s resources—one that delivers measurable socio-economic benefits to its population while minimizing environmental harm.
In 2024, Resource Matters focused on three key areas: (1) strengthening governance over Congo’s strategic mineral sector, (2) expanding access to clean electricity for Congolese citizens and businesses, and (3) fighting large-scale corruption that siphons wealth away from the people.
Transition minerals are not truly ‘clean’ unless they contribute to socio-economic development in the Congo. The energy transition cannot be considered fair if the Congolese population remains without access to electricity. And natural resource governance is only effective when its benefits are equitably shared.
Elisabeth Caesens - Executive Director
Jean Claude Mputu - Deputy Executive Director
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