The Democratic Republic of Congo, traditionally recognized as a leading global supplier of minerals like cobalt, copper, and other valuable metals, is now seeking to diversify its economy by investing in agriculture.
The government recently formalized the Sakania sugar refinery initiative in Haut-Katanga province through a memorandum of understanding signed between Minister of State Muhindo Nzangi Butondo and local customary leaders.
Providing details on the agreement, the Minister explained:
“We have just signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a sugar agro-food industry in the Sakania territory. This act marks the birth of a vast project that will henceforth be known as the Sakania sugar factory.”
The launch, which took place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, forms part of a wider government plan to enhance national food security and cut back on sugar imports, which currently cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
DRC’s effort to reduce sugar imports
Data from the FAO show that the DRC imported more than $150 million worth of sugar in 2025, highlighting a substantial gap between domestic supply and consumption.
By growing sugarcane and setting up modern processing facilities, the Sakania refinery aims to produce its first batch of sugar within two years, creating a local supply chain that can meet national demand and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Minister Butondo remarked, “Today’s ceremony, beyond its symbolic value, represents an important step for the food security of the DRC. As part of our food sovereignty efforts, we want to reduce our dependence on foreign imports, particularly for products like sugar,” underlining the economic and social significance of the project.
The refinery is being developed as an integrated agro-industrial venture, incorporating technical, financial, and environmental studies alongside investment mobilization efforts.
The project also includes a local development fund and a community engagement programme aimed at generating employment, improving local infrastructure, and securing community participation in land allocation and tenure management.
Diversifying beyond minerals
Although the DRC remains a dominant force in the global supply of cobalt, copper, and other rare minerals, the government recognizes the need to broaden its economic base.
With fertile land and abundant water resources, the country seeks to complement its mineral wealth with industrial-scale agriculture, reducing exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices while fostering domestic industries.
The Sakania sugar factory exemplifies a larger strategy to industrialize agriculture, develop value chains, and generate employment, signaling that the DRC is committed not only to mining but also to creating a more diversified and resilient economy.
For both Haut-Katanga and the nation as a whole, the project represents a new chapter in which agriculture becomes central to economic growth and food sovereignty.