More than 250 leaders, government officials, and investors from across the Great Lakes region are expected in Kinshasa on Friday, November 14, for a major summit aimed at strengthening cross-border trade, improving regional infrastructure, and promoting lasting peace.
The event will be hosted by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, under the theme:
“The Great Lakes in Action: Economic Integration for Lasting Peace – Success Stories.”
According to the Ministry of Regional Integration and the Public-Private Partnership Coordination Unit (UC-PPP), the meeting will highlight key infrastructure projects that are expected to transform regional trade. These include:
The Lobito Corridor, connecting DRC, Zambia, and Angola to the Atlantic Ocean
The DRC–Uganda Road Corridor, aimed at boosting trade between the two countries
The Tanzania–Burundi–DRC Railway Project, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
These major transport routes are seen as crucial for easing the movement of goods, lowering transport costs, and encouraging investment across the region.
A new digital integration platform will also be launched on the sidelines of the summit. The platform will allow governments, investors, and development partners to track the progress of regional projects in real time and identify areas that need support.
The summit is organized by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), headed by Executive Secretary Ambassador Joao Samuel Caholo. The ICGLR brings together 12 member states:
Angola
Burundi
Central African Republic
Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
Kenya
Uganda
Rwanda
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Zambia
The ICGLR was created in 2000 after the UN Security Council called for a regional body to address long-standing issues such as conflict, insecurity, and underdevelopment. These historical challenges include the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and long-running instability in parts of eastern DRC.
Representatives from major international organizations are also expected, including:
African Union (AU)
European Union (EU)
East African Community (EAC)
African Development Bank (AfDB)
Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Their presence shows the global importance of the Great Lakes region and the strong international support for boosting peace and economic integration.
Ambassador Caholo said the summit aims to promote cooperation among member states and encourage investment in infrastructure, trade, and technology.
“The summit will bring together heads of state, business leaders, and regional organizations to advance the region’s economic transformation,” he said.
With the region facing recurring conflict and economic challenges, leaders hope that stronger economic ties will help build stability and create new opportunities for millions of people.
