DRC’s Minister of Portfolio Julie Shiku to participate in DRC Mining Week this June

**An event celebrating 21 years of connecting the mining ecosystem**

With just over three weeks to go before the event, enthusiasm is building in the Copperbelt for the annual event in the mining sector. The organizers of the DRC Mining Week have confirmed the participation of the Minister of Portfolio of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Her Excellency Mrs. Julie Shiku, in the 21st edition of the event, which will be held at the Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel in Lubumbashi, from June 17 to 19, 2026.

At the keynote conference, the Minister will take part in a fireside chat and deliver remarks at the WOMEN – Mining & Leadership Forum, an influential and long-standing platform dedicated to promoting inclusion and leadership in the extractive sector.

His participation comes after the confirmation of the presence of the DRC’s Minister of Mines, His Excellency Louis Watum Kabamba, thus strengthening the position of the event as the main high-level meeting of the mining industry in the DRC.

Strategic importance of departmental involvement

The presence of the Minister of Portfolio is of major strategic importance for the sector. The ministry oversees the performance and governance of state-owned enterprises, including those operating along the mining value chain, including Gécamines, the DRC’s state-owned mining company, which celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2026.

Gécamines remains a central player in the country’s mining ecosystem, playing a key role in joint ventures, asset management and the strategic development of copper and cobalt resources.

In this role, the Minister plays a key role in guiding partnerships, investment frameworks and the commercial strategy of state-linked mining assets. Its presence at DRC Mining Week is a strong signal of government support, providing investors with direct access to policymakers and strengthening exchanges around public-private partnerships, investment alignment and sector reforms.

The celebration of Gécamines’ 120th anniversary also underlines the importance of this edition, positioning DRC Mining Week as a platform not only for closing deals, but also for recognizing the historical role and future trajectory of one of Africa’s most influential mining institutions.

Organizer’s comment

Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director – Mining, VUKA Group, says:

“We are honoured to welcome Her Excellency Minister Julie Shiku to DRC Mining Week at a pivotal time for the sector. The Ministry of Portfolio plays a critical role in overseeing state-owned mining assets, including Gécamines, a mainstay of the Congolese mining industry for 120 years.

Its participation reflects the government’s desire to strengthen collaboration with industry and to develop these strategic assets.

The joint presence of the Minister of Portfolio and the Minister of Mines confirms the position of the DRC Mining Week as a reference platform where governments, investors and operators meet to develop partnerships, support reforms and accelerate the growth of the mining sector in the DRC. »

About DRC Mining Week

DRC Mining Week is organised by VUKA Group, a Cape Town-based organiser recognised for its benchmark events across Africa in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility and green economy sectors.

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