Kipushi Delivers on President Tshisekedi’s Promise: 19 Local Businesses Sign Subcontracting Contracts with KICO, Creating Jobs and Opportunities
KIPUSHI, DRC – The promise made by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo during the inauguration of the zinc mine in Kipushi in November 2024 has now become a reality. On this historic day, 19 Congolese-owned companies officially signed subcontracting agreements with Kipushi Corporation (KICO), a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines, opening the door to both direct and indirect job creation in the Haut-Katanga province.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Miguel Kashal Katemb, Director General of the Autorité de Régulation de la Sous-Traitance dans le Secteur Privé (ARSP), who emphasized that this milestone was part of President Tshisekedi’s broader commitment to promoting Congolese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and ensuring local communities benefit from the country’s vast mineral wealth.
“This is clear proof that the President’s promises are not mere words, but concrete actions that improve lives and boost our economy,” said Miguel Kashal Katemb during the event.
The occasion was attended by national and provincial deputies, political and administrative leaders, as well as respected figures from the Kipushi territory.
Before the contracts were signed, the ARSP Director General held a public accountability meeting with the local population, outlining how President Tshisekedi is fulfilling the commitments he made during his campaign and his 2024 visit to Kipushi.
Background
During the November 2024 inauguration of the zinc mine, President Tshisekedi pledged to create jobs and empower Congolese SMEs by ensuring they have access to subcontracting opportunities in the mining sector. Today’s ceremony marks a significant step in fulfilling that promise, ensuring that local entrepreneurs are directly involved in the mining value chain.
The newly signed contracts are expected to boost economic activity in the region, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and foster skills development for the workforce in Kipushi and surrounding areas.
This achievement also aligns with the government’s vision of using the country’s mineral resources to drive inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of mining projects are shared equitably with the Congolese people.
Author: Mangwa
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Tags: #DRC #Kipushi #FélixTshisekedi #KICO #IvanhoeMines #ARSP #SMEs #MiningDevelopment #MecamediaAfrica