Imagine a region striving for lasting peace, not just through treaties, but through shared prosperity. That's the vision driving a crucial economic diplomacy forum in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 250 high-level officials, business leaders, and financial institution representatives will convene on Friday, November 14th, to discuss economic integration in the Great Lakes region.
This gathering, themed "The Great Lakes in Action: Economic Integration for Lasting Peace - Success Stories," is particularly significant because it precedes the 9th Ordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Heads of State and Government. Under the patronage of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the forum highlights the DRC's commitment to regional stability, achieved through collaborative economic development.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Regional Integration and the Public-Private Partnership Council and Coordination Unit (UC-PPP), the forum places economic diplomacy center stage as a key instrument for peace.
Discussions will revolve around three pivotal sectors: infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. These are seen as the engines for boosting trade and creating jobs throughout the region. Several key initiatives will be highlighted, including:
- The Lobito Corridor, connecting the DRC, Zambia, and Angola to the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Tanzania-Burundi-DRC railway, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the East African Community (EAC).
- The DRC-Uganda road corridor, designed to improve cross-border connectivity and investment.
But here's where it gets interesting: the forum will bring together a diverse group of influential figures. Attendees will include Angola's Foreign Minister Téte António, World Bank Country Director Albert Zeufack, UN Special Envoy Xia Huang, and ministers from the DRC and Central African Republic. Representatives from the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), EAC, French Development Agency (AFD), and AfDB will also participate.
And this is the part most people miss: A key announcement will be the unveiling of a regional digital platform. This platform will monitor integration projects in real time, aiming to enhance transparency and collaboration among participating states and investors.
Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, DRC's Minister of Regional Integration, emphasized the core message: "Our region can only consolidate peace if it creates the conditions for shared prosperity... There can be no lasting stability without economic integration -- without roads that connect, energy that powers, and trade that builds trust." As the current ICGLR chair, the DRC is leading regional cooperation, recognizing it as the cornerstone for peace and development throughout the Great Lakes region.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe economic integration is the most effective path to lasting peace in the Great Lakes region? Share your opinions in the comments below!
