Business in the DRC is booming for South African mining exporters as they return to DRC Mining Week

LUBUMBASHI, Congo, The DR of - April 11, 2023 - PRLog -- South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) will host a South African pavilion at DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi for the fifth time from 14–16 June this year. The South African delegation will comprise companies providing the latest mining technologies, engineering, equipment, services and technical skills.

Last year, the DTIC sponsored 22 companies to showcase their offerings at the event, which is the largest in the Copperbelt and surrounding regions. The department reported that the companies had expressed great satisfaction with the productive engagements at the expo with potential clients and partners, and they had acquired deals and secured sales onsite.

"It is exciting in the sense that it gives opportunities to small- and medium-sized companies to get exposure for their new and innovative products and services," says Siphamandla Kumkani, Trade and Investment Representative at the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

He adds: "the DRC is an important mining country with a huge market for South African companies. This gives them opportunities to showcase, convene business-to-business meetings and establish long-lasting relationships beyond DRC Mining Week, which enables them to generate revenue and create the required jobs in South Africa."

"Mining in their blood"
"The technical know-how, experience and specialist knowledge of our South African exhibitors are in great demand across the mining landscape on the continent, and in the DRC in the particular, as it is fast becoming a key mining destination as the world's largest producer of cobalt" says Patricia Kazaka, event manager DRC Mining Week at the VUKA Group, the organisers of the event for the past 18 years.

"And let's not forget, both countries have mining in their blood," she adds, "they are passionate, ambitious and ready to do business."

Last year, DRC Mining Week attracted nearly 7000 mining professionals in a record-breaking return to Lubumbashi after the Covid pandemic. However, the DTIC also views the event as great exposure for South African mining exporters to opportunities not only in the DRC, but also in the Central and Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

"It is important for Africans to support other African enterprises and industries," Patricia Kazaka states. "This way we strengthen our economies and promote much-needed economic growth and employment in the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area."

Other country pavilions expected to participate in Lubumbashi in June include China, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

DRC Mining Week is organised by The VUKA Group.

http://www.drcminingweek.com