# DRC bilateral resource and trade cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drc-bilateral-resource-and-trade-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-26T12:30:15.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has initiated several bilateral agreements to enhance the management and trade of its natural resources with neighboring countries.

In August 2026, President Félix Tshisekedi directed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Hydrocarbons to create a roadmap for cooperation with Uganda. This initiative focuses on the shared oil and gas resources in the Lake Albert transboundary basin to drive industrialization and economic emergence. Activists have noted the need for the DRC to use legal and commercial levers to ensure equitable exploitation of these resources alongside Uganda’s existing projects.

Concurrently, President Tshisekedi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan reached an agreement in Zanzibar to cooperate on the mining and marketing of precious minerals. This partnership aims to improve bilateral trade, enhance border services, and add value to mineral products through joint research and the use of Tanzania’s gemstone center.

Expanding its energy diplomacy, the DRC also met with officials from the Central African Republic in Kinshasa in mid-August 2026. Discussions between energy ministers focused on strengthening petroleum cooperation, specifically regarding the transit of petroleum products to the landlocked Central African Republic to ensure future supply stability.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: DRC and Central African Republic strengthen oil partnership

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic are enhancing petroleum cooperation to secure vital energy transit for the landlocked Central African nation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-and-central-african-republic-strengthen-oil-partnership

### 2026-08-18: Tanzania and DRC agree to cooperate on mineral trade

Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have signed agreements to cooperate on mining, mineral value addition, and enhancing bilateral trade and regional security.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanzania-and-drc-agree-to-cooperate-on-mineral-trade

### 2026-08-16: DRC President orders cooperation with Uganda over Lake Albert oil resources

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has ordered increased cooperation with Uganda to manage shared oil and gas resources in the Lake Albert basin to drive national economic growth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drc-president-orders-cooperation-with-uganda-over-lake-albert-oil-resources

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Cite as: DRC bilateral resource and trade cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drc-bilateral-resource-and-trade-cooperation