AVZ Discussion 2022
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Frank
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Fyi, Speaking of Lobito and it's Corridor, I see whereJust some background on Lobito.
This is essentially a western initiative and is / will be controlled by the west in order to facilitate mineral exports to the US & EU.
NB Parts are already operating and shipments of copper were made from Lobito in August 2024
There are loads more artiles, so DYOR:
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- Connecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Angola to Global Markets through the Lobito Corridor
Connecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Angola to Global Markets through the Lobito Corridor
The Lobito Corridor connects the Southern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), northwestern Zambia and Angola to regional and global trade markets via the port of Lobito.
The Lobito Corridor is the first strategic economic corridor launched under the flagship G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), in May 2023. In the margins of the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, the EU and the US released a Joint Statement, teaming up to support the development of the Corridor.
The Lobito Corridor will unlock the enormous potential of the region, enhance export possibilities for Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, and create added value and jobs through investments and soft measures.
Background
Announced through a EU-US Joint Statement in the margins of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) event at the G20 in India in September 2023, the Lobito Corridor is a key priority under the G7’s PGII.
The EU and the US are co-leading the support for the Corridor's development, including infrastructure investments, soft measures for trade and transit facilitation, investments in related sectors to foster sustainable and inclusive growth and capital investments (agriculture value chains, energy, transport/logistics, technical and vocational education and training) along the Corridor in Angola, DRC and Zambia.
During the Global Gateway Forum in October 2023, the EU and the US signed - together with Angola, DRC, Zambia, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) - a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define the roles and objectives for the Corridor’s expansion.
Scope and objectives
In January 2023, the Ministers responsible for Transport and Corridor Development from Angola, DRC and Zambia, with support and coordination of the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), signed the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA) Agreement. The LCTTFA Agreement aims to provide an effective and efficient route that facilitates the transportation of goods within territories between the three Corridor Member States, through:
The goal is to support greater participation of SMEs in business value chains, mainly in agriculture and mining, with the view of increasing trade and economic growth along the Lobito Corridor and across the SADC Region.
- harmonisation of policies, laws and regulations;
- coordinated joint corridor infrastructure development strategies and activities;
- dissemination of traffic data and business information; and
- implementation of trade facilitation instruments.
Results
Once transport infrastructure connecting all three countries is fully operational, the line will enhance export possibilities for Zambia, DRC and Angola, boost the regional circulation of goods and promote the mobility of citizens. By significantly reducing the average transport time, the Corridor will lower the logistics costs and carbon footprint for exporting metals, agricultural goods, and other products as well as for future development of any mineral discoveries.
Key information
Implementing organisations: Team Europe +, AfDB, AFC and US
Partners: The European Commission, the Government of the United States of America, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
Funding instrument: NDICI
Related document
World Bank Announces $300 Million Project for the Lobito Corridor
The World Bank is preparing a $300 million project for the Lobito Corridor, according to Victoria Kwakwa, the institution’s Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa.
She emphasized that participating countries must create favorable conditions for foreign investment.
“The three countries involved must also focus on improving connectivity.
Each must establish conditions to boost trade, address regulatory barriers, and develop infrastructure that enhances regional connectivity.
This will enable the region to become a hub of commerce and development,” Kwakwa stated, as reported by Lusa.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Kwakwa underscored the need for Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia to collaborate closely and implement policies that support development while fostering trade and essential infrastructure.
The World Bank also announced plans for a job creation initiative targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
This $300 million program aims to support around 12,000 businesses operating along this economic and rail corridor, which stretches from the Port of Lobito through the DRC to northern Zambia.
copperbeltkatangamining
Biden’s First Visit to Angola to Strengthen U.S. Ties with Sub-Saharan Africa
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden is making a historic visit to Angola, fulfilling a pledge to strengthen U.S. ties with sub-Saharan Africa as competition with China intensifies.Biden, the first U.S. president to visit Angola since its independence in 1975, will spend three days in Luanda, from Monday to Wednesday, discussing economic, political, and cultural partnerships.
The visit honors a promise Biden made in 2022 to engage more closely with Africa. Originally scheduled for October, the trip was delayed due to Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida.
Despite his “lame-duck” status, Biden’s visit aims to underscore U.S. influence and investment in Africa.
“This is not too little, too late,” said a senior U.S. official. “President Biden has worked to put the U.S. back on the field after years of limited engagement.”
Focus on the Lobito Corridor
Central to Biden’s agenda is the Lobito Corridor, an 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) rail project connecting Angola’s Lobito port with key mining regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.The U.S. and European Union-funded project is the largest U.S. rail investment in Africa, linking cobalt and copper mines critical for tech manufacturing.
Biden will also meet with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss public health, agriculture, military cooperation, and cultural preservation.
Human rights organizations have called on Biden to address Angola’s rights record, citing reports of police violence against protesters and the prolonged detention of government critics.
Amnesty International has urged the U.S. president to demand reforms during his visit.
“President Biden has consistently demonstrated his commitment to democracy,” the senior U.S. official noted, suggesting that human rights discussions will feature prominently during bilateral talks.
U.S.-China Rivalry
Biden’s visit also seeks to counter China’s influence in Africa.Angola owes China $17 billion, roughly 40% of its total debt, raising concerns about the long-term impact of Chinese loans.
“African governments are increasingly seeking alternatives to Chinese investment, especially when it results in generational debt,” said the U.S. official.
President Lourenço has signaled interest in diversifying Angola’s partnerships, including voting in favor of a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
For Lourenço, Biden’s visit symbolizes a diplomatic milestone as Angola looks to expand its global partnerships.
“It fulfills a long-held dream of hosting the first American president,” said Cesaltina Abreu, a sociologist at the Catholic University of Angola.
However, questions remain about the continuity of U.S.-Africa engagement under the incoming Trump administration. Analysts warn that a lack of focus on Africa could erode the progress made during Biden’s term.
“Angola, and countries like it, have many partners to choose from in a world increasingly competing for access to Africa’s vital resources,” said Alex Vines of Chatham House.
Biden’s visit underscores the importance of Angola as a strategic partner in Africa, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen U.S. ties across the continent amid rising global competition.
copperbeltkatangamining
Small Trader
Emerged
You are welcome to be skeptical; I thought you could see from my TSE history how serious I am.
Send me a PM and I'll be happy to enlighten you.
I have certainly read the reports.
But in my opinion, the reports only indicate that Zijin and AVZ have not paid fees, but not whether there have been delays because of this.
I hope that is a legitimate question.
(Of course, it's possible that I've missed something in the mass of posts. I'm online every day).
Dave Evans
Regular
WARNING:- This Article may induce severe Vomiting, Laughing Hysterically, Swearing Uncontrollably to name a few
The DRC, a territory rich in diversified opportunities" (Prime Minister)
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a territory rich in diversified opportunities for investors, said the Prime Minister on Thursday in Tangier, Morocco, during a panel entitled "invest DRC", according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office consulted on Friday, November 29, 2024 by the ACP.
"Judith Suminwa Tuluka highlighted the multiple sectors in which the DRC offers real investment opportunities.
From electricity to agriculture, including infrastructure, industry, digital technology and tourism, the country has unprecedented potential.
This diversity of opportunities makes the DRC fertile ground for entrepreneurs looking to explore new markets," the source said.
"With around 60% of its population representing vibrant and dynamic youth, the DRC is positioning itself as a key player on the African continent.
The Head of Government stressed that this abundant workforce is an undeniable asset for investors, offering them a solid base to develop innovative and sustainable businesses,” the statement added.
She continued: “The Prime Minister’s speech also addressed the issue of the political environment in the DRC, which has become more stable thanks to promising reforms.
This positive development strengthens the attractiveness of the country, thus creating a climate conducive to investment.
World leaders must take note of this significant progress to consider fruitful partnerships, said Judith Suminwa.
Strategically located in the heart of Africa, the DRC offers a potential market of 250 million consumers, facilitating access to other regional markets.
Judith Suminwa spoke of the importance of agreements such as AGOA, which position the DRC as a commercial hub of choice, ready to attract investors in search of growth.”
Securing investments: mechanisms put in place by Tshisekedi
The Prime Minister also noted the efforts made by the President of the Republic to put in place legal protection mechanisms to secure investments in the DRC.
These measures aim to build lasting trust between the State and investors, thus ensuring a robust and beneficial partnership.
"Since 2019, the year marking the first peaceful change of power at the top of the State, the Democratic Republic of Congo has resolutely committed, under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to an ambitious process of cleaning up its business environment.
This process is supported by the implementation of various reforms in several key sectors of the economy, aimed at making this environment more attractive to investors," said the Head of Government.
A Call to Action to Establish Win-Win Partnerships
In her speech, Judith Suminwa made a clear call to international investors to consider the DRC as a preferred destination for their projects.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo represents a fertile ground for business and investment opportunities. We invite you to explore these possibilities and join our adventure of growth and development,” she said.
The Prime Minister also paid a significant visit to the stand dedicated to the Democratic Republic of Congo, hosted by the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (Anapi), installed at the Palais des Arts et de la Culture in Tangier, which is currently hosting the forum.
During this dynamic exchange with potential investors, she stressed the importance of mutual commitment and promising opportunities to strengthen collaborations between the DRC and the business world.
The MEDays Forum, which continues until November 30, is not only a networking event, but also a platform where several world leaders, including the President of the Republic of Comoros, the Prime Minister of Guinea Conakry and other prime ministers and ministers, took part in discussions.
Expected in Kalemie, in the province of Tanganyika, for the closing of the Conference of Governors, the Prime Minister should finally leave Moroccan soil before the closing of the MEDays Forum.
View attachment 73662
Kizito Pakabomba Advocates DRC’s Participation in Mining Indaba and PDAC 2025 to Unlock its Potential
Congolese Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga, has emphasized the importance of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) participation in two key mining events in 2025: the Mining Indaba, from February 2 to 6 in Cape Town, South Africa, and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) forum, from March 2 to 5 in Toronto.
Minister Pakabomba highlighted these forums as critical platforms for promoting long-term economic growth and sustainable development.
He noted that such events provide opportunities to attract investments, form partnerships, and explore technological advancements in the mining sector.
The minister specifically underscored the PDAC’s value in helping the DRC enhance its geological research and certify its mineral reserves.
“Given its immense geological wealth, the DRC is poised to play a central role in the global race for critical minerals and in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change,” stated the minister, according to the report.
The next Mining Indaba is expected to gather nearly 10,000 participants, including 1,200 mining operators and 1,500 investors, under the theme “Preparing African Mining for the Future Today.”
This event will offer the DRC a chance to showcase its vast mineral potential to a global audience, including opportunities in copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals essential for the energy transition.
The DRC government has approved the Minister of Mines’ proposal to participate in both events.
The delegation will aim to present the nation’s potential to meet global energy and climate challenges, reinforcing its position as a critical player in the supply of strategic minerals.
The government and stakeholders are now mobilizing to ensure the country’s effective representation, leveraging these international forums to attract investments and partnerships that will drive the DRC’s mining sector forward.
copperbeltkatangamining.com
View attachment 73664 View attachment 73664 View attachment 73664
View attachment 73666
For those shareholders on X, I think it’s safe to add Christian Kitungwa Muteba to the list of corrupt politicians in the DRC conspiring against us.
Christian Kitungwa Muteba is a member of the AB platform, the political grouping of Guy Loando and Sama Lukonde.
He succeeded Julie Ngungwa of the UDPS as governor of the province of Tanganyika
x.com
x.com
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Thanks mate.
Can you tell me when the relevant parts are 'cos I can't do the madness of the dementia ward for 20 minutes
I had more the idea, due to one his last overseas jollies, they shuffled the pages of his speech up just for giggles.
The Portuguese brothers wouldn't notice.
The positive on overseas trips, no question time. Just do a Homer Simpson after a night shift on arrival, wow that was hard, I need to sleep now.
I don't think he goes to Moscow, people tend to fall out of windows, or get pissed on by hookers in that place.
The Bolshoi theatre is in Lubyanka nice and close to the FSB headquarters.
So what happens when AVZ win at ICSID ?Locke win big if we fail to pay back by Dec 2026. They’ll just sell the asset to the highest bidder. Locke win no matter what happens. But glad to have the funds and I’m sure a result is imminent given we’ve been waiting for close to three years.
About Kinshasa's political life.
By
Contributor
Published
6 days ago
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/20...lese-minister-of-finance-settles-his-scores/#
Cleared by the courts in a case of embezzlement of public funds in the DRC, the former Minister of Finance Nicolas Kazadi strikes back, denouncing a corrupt ruling class while sparing his boss, President Félix Tshisekedi.
The former Minister of Finance has decided to publicly address his concerns. He is taking stock of events in interviews and media appearances.
Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp
Kazadi, a parliamentarian from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the presidential party, was accused of overcharging in the “drilling and streetlights” case.
In mid-October, he was finally exonerated by the prosecutor.However, some critics, such as the Public Expenditure Observatory, have claimed the dropped charges are part of a broader scheme orchestrated by President Félix Tshisekedi to “protect allies.”
Kazadi, known to be close to the president, strongly disputes these allegations.
While the trial of his two co-accused began on November 4, without him, Kazadi has since launched a scathing critique of the Congolese ruling class.
He spoke with “Jeune Afrique” in Paris from the offices of his lawyers, which, by coincidence, are located near the DRC embassy.
THE INTERVIEW
Q: You denounce a political and media cabal against you. Who do you accuse?
Kazadi: There are several groups. In politics, some individuals were threatened by my rise and my successes. In the economic sphere, I likely upset or threatened specific vested interests.
Q: You suggested the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) was involved in your troubles. Do you have a problem with its head, Jules Alingete?
Kazadi: When Jules Alingete began facing criticism in the media, he suspected I was behind it. This assumption arose despite us not being in direct competition. His actions as a consultant to some major Congolese economic players exposed serious conflicts of interest. He found allies to orchestrate attacks against me.
Q: Isn’t Jules Alingete seen as President Tshisekedi’s “anti-corruption man”?
Kazadi: He had the potential to be that figure, but he missed the mark. His conduct, particularly in the Gécamines and Sicomines cases, showed disregard for standards. One cannot act as both a controller and a consultant.
Q. However, he is someone who has become very important and who has not been disavowed by the president…
You don’t know! Let’s wait and see. Whether he is disavowed or not, the facts are what they are.
Q. To hear you speak, the political class, the justice system and the media are sick. Shouldn’t this record be put at the Head of State’s expense?
Kazadi: Not at all, on the contrary! President Tshisekedi is the first president in history who wants to face these great challenges. But he is not a superman. At the time Mobutu said: “I am not a magician, alone I can do nothing.” Everyone has to get involved and it takes time.
Q. The debate that concerns the Congolese political class is the revision of the constitution. Are you in favour of it?
Kazadi: There is not a single political family that has not included this in its program. There is a strong consensus that certain articles of the Constitution need to be revised to make governance more effective, to review the appointment of provincial governors, taxation, dual nationality, etc. What is unfortunate is that this debate did not take place earlier, during the 2023 elections for example. The debate is coming at the wrong time.
Q. Why bring the subject on the table now?
Kazadi: I believe that President Tshisekedi was waiting to receive a clear mandate from the people – which he obtained by collecting 73% of the votes in the last presidential election – to address this important issue. Knowing that the 2023 election is the most transparent and inclusive since 2006. He therefore has all the legitimacy to put this question of the Constitution on the table.
Q. What is being debated is Article 220, which limits the number and duration of the president’s terms. Should it be touched?
Kazadi: That is another question. I am talking to you about a constitutional revision [and Article 220 cannot be amended in the context of a simple constitutional revision]. Let us start there.
Q. You know very well that once you start amending the constitution…
Kazadi: I have not measured the will of the people. I do not know how far they want to go. For me, we must go step by step, and then we will see according to what the Congolese think. For the rest, I will give priority to my point of view to my political family.
Q. Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), has warned of the cost of a referendum in the event of a change in the constitution. What does the former minister of Finance that you are think about this?
Kazadi: These are elements that must be taken into account. We know that a revision is easier to do.
Q. Your party, the UDPS, is in crisis. Do you support its Secretary General, Augustin Kabuya, who is the target of a revolt?
Kazadi: That is not the question. He is the one who has legitimacy today, period. I do not understand this disorder which is likely to weaken the first part of the republic. I can understand the feeling of frustration of the rebels, but not their approach.
Q. You were not reappointed in the new government. Are you disappointed?
Kazadi: Since there was a legal case, and given the virulence of the attacks against me, it was normal for me to step back. And then it allows me to rest today. My ambition is for the country to do well, with or without me.
Q. You gave interviews to Congolese media. Was it to get people talking about you again or to turn the page?
Kazadi: You have an overly political reading of the situation. I was hurt in my honor while I had one of the most remarkable careers in this country. This is what had to be restored.What I did was exceptional and Historic.
Q. You mention your record, but the Finance committee of the National Assembly has highlighted poor management of the 2023 budget, which would have “benefited individuals rather than the population” …
Kazadi: It is still the same lynching that continues in the institutions… I have already said that the Court of Auditors had produced a fake report. The IMF report speaks of 18% of expenditure in emergency procedure [in 2023] and they decide that it is 52%, all shame swallowed! It is then recovered by politicians, most of whom have no training to analyze economic issues. And they continue to repeat these lies in the hope of weakening me.
This is ridiculous. If these are the kind of men who want to run the country, we have to stand up and fight.
“There are things to be sorted out, I have to say. There is a form of drift that consists of making populism, politicizing everything, and making fun of everything as long as it pays off politically. “
Q. So you have no responsibility for the errors?
Kazadi: In what exactly? What we did, no one has done before us. Expenditures on emergency procedures have dropped considerably. In 2023, they increased a little because of the security component, it’s true. But we had set up a new system, thanks to which we made advances and then reported back. I have nothing to reproach myself for, I sleep soundly and I wake up with a smile, proud of what I have done.
The assessment you make of the situation in the DRC is severe… Is there something rotten in the DRC?
Kazadi: This is not going well, there are things to be sorted out, I have to say that. There is a form of drift that consists of making populism, politicizing everything, and making fun of everything as long as it pays off politically. I do not belong to this category of politicians. If that is the case, it will be done without me.
We come back to the responsibility of the president of the republic. You describe a situation that certainly does not date from his term of office, but which has not improved under his leadership…
Kazadi: This is the other side of the coin because President Tshisekedi is a true democrat, who lets people express themselves. At times, I feel that a little more firmness is needed, but that is just my opinion.
Capital News
Africa
“My honour was hurt”: Nicolas Kazadi, former Congolese Minister of Finance, settles his scores.
By
Contributor
Published
6 days ago
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/20...lese-minister-of-finance-settles-his-scores/#
Cleared by the courts in a case of embezzlement of public funds in the DRC, the former Minister of Finance Nicolas Kazadi strikes back, denouncing a corrupt ruling class while sparing his boss, President Félix Tshisekedi.
The former Minister of Finance has decided to publicly address his concerns. He is taking stock of events in interviews and media appearances.
Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp
Kazadi, a parliamentarian from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the presidential party, was accused of overcharging in the “drilling and streetlights” case.
In mid-October, he was finally exonerated by the prosecutor.However, some critics, such as the Public Expenditure Observatory, have claimed the dropped charges are part of a broader scheme orchestrated by President Félix Tshisekedi to “protect allies.”
Kazadi, known to be close to the president, strongly disputes these allegations.
While the trial of his two co-accused began on November 4, without him, Kazadi has since launched a scathing critique of the Congolese ruling class.
He spoke with “Jeune Afrique” in Paris from the offices of his lawyers, which, by coincidence, are located near the DRC embassy.
THE INTERVIEW
Q: You denounce a political and media cabal against you. Who do you accuse?
Kazadi: There are several groups. In politics, some individuals were threatened by my rise and my successes. In the economic sphere, I likely upset or threatened specific vested interests.
Q: You suggested the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) was involved in your troubles. Do you have a problem with its head, Jules Alingete?
Kazadi: When Jules Alingete began facing criticism in the media, he suspected I was behind it. This assumption arose despite us not being in direct competition. His actions as a consultant to some major Congolese economic players exposed serious conflicts of interest. He found allies to orchestrate attacks against me.
Q: Isn’t Jules Alingete seen as President Tshisekedi’s “anti-corruption man”?
Kazadi: He had the potential to be that figure, but he missed the mark. His conduct, particularly in the Gécamines and Sicomines cases, showed disregard for standards. One cannot act as both a controller and a consultant.
Q. However, he is someone who has become very important and who has not been disavowed by the president…
You don’t know! Let’s wait and see. Whether he is disavowed or not, the facts are what they are.
Q. To hear you speak, the political class, the justice system and the media are sick. Shouldn’t this record be put at the Head of State’s expense?
Kazadi: Not at all, on the contrary! President Tshisekedi is the first president in history who wants to face these great challenges. But he is not a superman. At the time Mobutu said: “I am not a magician, alone I can do nothing.” Everyone has to get involved and it takes time.
Q. The debate that concerns the Congolese political class is the revision of the constitution. Are you in favour of it?
Kazadi: There is not a single political family that has not included this in its program. There is a strong consensus that certain articles of the Constitution need to be revised to make governance more effective, to review the appointment of provincial governors, taxation, dual nationality, etc. What is unfortunate is that this debate did not take place earlier, during the 2023 elections for example. The debate is coming at the wrong time.
Q. Why bring the subject on the table now?
Kazadi: I believe that President Tshisekedi was waiting to receive a clear mandate from the people – which he obtained by collecting 73% of the votes in the last presidential election – to address this important issue. Knowing that the 2023 election is the most transparent and inclusive since 2006. He therefore has all the legitimacy to put this question of the Constitution on the table.
Q. What is being debated is Article 220, which limits the number and duration of the president’s terms. Should it be touched?
Kazadi: That is another question. I am talking to you about a constitutional revision [and Article 220 cannot be amended in the context of a simple constitutional revision]. Let us start there.
Q. You know very well that once you start amending the constitution…
Kazadi: I have not measured the will of the people. I do not know how far they want to go. For me, we must go step by step, and then we will see according to what the Congolese think. For the rest, I will give priority to my point of view to my political family.
Q. Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), has warned of the cost of a referendum in the event of a change in the constitution. What does the former minister of Finance that you are think about this?
Kazadi: These are elements that must be taken into account. We know that a revision is easier to do.
Q. Your party, the UDPS, is in crisis. Do you support its Secretary General, Augustin Kabuya, who is the target of a revolt?
Kazadi: That is not the question. He is the one who has legitimacy today, period. I do not understand this disorder which is likely to weaken the first part of the republic. I can understand the feeling of frustration of the rebels, but not their approach.
Q. You were not reappointed in the new government. Are you disappointed?
Kazadi: Since there was a legal case, and given the virulence of the attacks against me, it was normal for me to step back. And then it allows me to rest today. My ambition is for the country to do well, with or without me.
Q. You gave interviews to Congolese media. Was it to get people talking about you again or to turn the page?
Kazadi: You have an overly political reading of the situation. I was hurt in my honor while I had one of the most remarkable careers in this country. This is what had to be restored.What I did was exceptional and Historic.
Q. You mention your record, but the Finance committee of the National Assembly has highlighted poor management of the 2023 budget, which would have “benefited individuals rather than the population” …
Kazadi: It is still the same lynching that continues in the institutions… I have already said that the Court of Auditors had produced a fake report. The IMF report speaks of 18% of expenditure in emergency procedure [in 2023] and they decide that it is 52%, all shame swallowed! It is then recovered by politicians, most of whom have no training to analyze economic issues. And they continue to repeat these lies in the hope of weakening me.
This is ridiculous. If these are the kind of men who want to run the country, we have to stand up and fight.
“There are things to be sorted out, I have to say. There is a form of drift that consists of making populism, politicizing everything, and making fun of everything as long as it pays off politically. “
Q. So you have no responsibility for the errors?
Kazadi: In what exactly? What we did, no one has done before us. Expenditures on emergency procedures have dropped considerably. In 2023, they increased a little because of the security component, it’s true. But we had set up a new system, thanks to which we made advances and then reported back. I have nothing to reproach myself for, I sleep soundly and I wake up with a smile, proud of what I have done.
The assessment you make of the situation in the DRC is severe… Is there something rotten in the DRC?
Kazadi: This is not going well, there are things to be sorted out, I have to say that. There is a form of drift that consists of making populism, politicizing everything, and making fun of everything as long as it pays off politically. I do not belong to this category of politicians. If that is the case, it will be done without me.
We come back to the responsibility of the president of the republic. You describe a situation that certainly does not date from his term of office, but which has not improved under his leadership…
Kazadi: This is the other side of the coin because President Tshisekedi is a true democrat, who lets people express themselves. At times, I feel that a little more firmness is needed, but that is just my opinion.
Cumquat Cap
Regular
Emrrrgggggeddddd - get lost cocksuckerLocke win big if we fail to pay back by Dec 2026. They’ll just sell the asset to the highest bidder. Locke win no matter what happens. But glad to have the funds and I’m sure a result is imminent given we’ve been waiting for close to three years.
Don't lower yourself to their level mate, doesn't look good.
Just some background on Lobito.
This is essentially a western initiative and is / will be controlled by the west in order to facilitate mineral exports to the US & EU.
NB Parts are already operating and shipments of copper were made from Lobito in August 2024
There are loads more artiles, so DYOR:
Lobito Corridor History & Background
The Lobito Corridor is connected by a stretch of railway infrastructure snaking through mineral- and oil-rich parts of Angola, the DRC, and Zambia. It connects Southern and Central Africa, and provides access to Eastern Africa and a pathway to the Atlantic Ocean. The rail route was established...www.lobitocorridor.org
Lobito Corridor – A Reality Check
The key interest of the Lobito Corridor is to use it as a means of transporting minerals and materials from the DRC and Zambia all the way over to the EU and the US.afripoli.org
Connecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Angola to Global Markets through the Lobito Corridor
The Lobito Corridor connects the Southern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), northwestern Zambia and Angola to regional and global trade markets via the port of Lobito.international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu
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Connecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Angola to Global Markets through the Lobito Corridor
The Lobito Corridor connects the Southern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), northwestern Zambia and Angola to regional and global trade markets via the port of Lobito.
The Lobito Corridor is the first strategic economic corridor launched under the flagship G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), in May 2023. In the margins of the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, the EU and the US released a Joint Statement, teaming up to support the development of the Corridor.
The Lobito Corridor will unlock the enormous potential of the region, enhance export possibilities for Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, and create added value and jobs through investments and soft measures.
Background
Announced through a EU-US Joint Statement in the margins of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) event at the G20 in India in September 2023, the Lobito Corridor is a key priority under the G7’s PGII.
The EU and the US are co-leading the support for the Corridor's development, including infrastructure investments, soft measures for trade and transit facilitation, investments in related sectors to foster sustainable and inclusive growth and capital investments (agriculture value chains, energy, transport/logistics, technical and vocational education and training) along the Corridor in Angola, DRC and Zambia.
During the Global Gateway Forum in October 2023, the EU and the US signed - together with Angola, DRC, Zambia, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) - a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define the roles and objectives for the Corridor’s expansion.
Scope and objectives
In January 2023, the Ministers responsible for Transport and Corridor Development from Angola, DRC and Zambia, with support and coordination of the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), signed the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA) Agreement. The LCTTFA Agreement aims to provide an effective and efficient route that facilitates the transportation of goods within territories between the three Corridor Member States, through:
The goal is to support greater participation of SMEs in business value chains, mainly in agriculture and mining, with the view of increasing trade and economic growth along the Lobito Corridor and across the SADC Region.
- harmonisation of policies, laws and regulations;
- coordinated joint corridor infrastructure development strategies and activities;
- dissemination of traffic data and business information; and
- implementation of trade facilitation instruments.
Results
Once transport infrastructure connecting all three countries is fully operational, the line will enhance export possibilities for Zambia, DRC and Angola, boost the regional circulation of goods and promote the mobility of citizens. By significantly reducing the average transport time, the Corridor will lower the logistics costs and carbon footprint for exporting metals, agricultural goods, and other products as well as for future development of any mineral discoveries.
Key information
Implementing organisations: Team Europe +, AfDB, AFC and US
Partners: The European Commission, the Government of the United States of America, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Government of the Republic of Angola, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
Funding instrument: NDICI
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I keep shaking my head also .
If only a few are corrupt in the DRC then certainly taking their time to deliver the mining licence to AVZ .
Sell the project to a buyer of the DRC choosing or one that EU and USA put enough pressure on the DRC to act on.
Port of Lobito and Tanzania can with USA and EU applying enough pressure to restrict lithium being exported by Chinese .
These ports are not controlled by Chinese ?
Especially if AVZ wins all the court cases.
Cobold Metals also work in partnership with BHP and RIO so not lacking in potential funds to make it worthwhile for all involved.?
There is NO asset to sell until AVZ wins.Locke win big if we fail to pay back by Dec 2026. They’ll just sell the asset to the highest bidder. Locke win no matter what happens. But glad to have the funds and I’m sure a result is imminent given we’ve been waiting for close to three years.
If we win, then pay back will not be a problem.
Cheers for the response. Seems I was overthinking in my head. Been a long few years and life is passing by with a large portion of my wealth locked up in this bs. Seeing friends partner up, buy housing, have children and you’re dreams are stuck on hold is depressing. Let’s hope something settles in two years.
Sorry to disagree. Locke has AVZ and all subsidiaries and assets as security. If AVZ can not pay back, Locke could for example sell the stake in Dathcom. Zijin would be the majority shareholder of Dathcom. And everyone has seen how quickly Zijin is getting approvals and permits. By whatever means they apply, they get the paperwork. And with AVZ out who should question it or bring it to court/ arbitration. But maybe I misread it. I am not a native English speaker
Cumquat Cap
Regular
Mandarin native I bet
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