The Democratic Republic of Congo's economic potential remains largely unexploited. The mining sector is the centrepiece of the national economy, with the US State Department estimating the value of its mineral resources at 25 trillion in 2023. Yet it also possesses huge hydroelectric potential, a rapidly growing population and the world's second-biggest rainforest with potential for valuable carbon credits. Once its strategic location at the heart of Africa is thrown into the mix, the country's economic attraction is clear but it has barely begun to turn that potential into value.
After decades of conflict and instability, the economy has grown since the Covid-19 pandemic, averaging 7.25 annual growth over the four years from 2021 to 2024. Mining sector growth of 12.8 in 2024, mainly from higher cobalt and copper production, helped drive 6.5 growth in the economy, while the World Bank predicted 5.1 growth in 2025.
Long-term trends suggest that the country could become more important to African economic development. Its unique position at the centre of Africa means that it is well placed to facilitate international trade, particularly through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA.
