Africa Daily – “Is it possible to run a successful business in the war-torn DRCongo?”

Host: Alan Kasuja, BBC World Service
Guest: Shanti Shela Biakte Mutombo (Entrepreneur, Mining Sector)
Contributor: Ikaba Koi (Africa Daily Producer, DRC)
Date: February 20, 2025

Overview

This episode of Africa Daily explores the immense challenges and unexpected possibilities of running a business in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst ongoing armed conflict and political instability. Host Alan Kasuja interviews Shanti Shela Biakte Mutombo, an entrepreneur in the mining sector, to understand how businesses in the resource-rich but war-torn nation survive and even thrive. Producer Ikaba Koi provides crucial background on the current security crisis gripping the country.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Security Crisis: Current Situation in DRC

• Armed Conflict in the East
  • M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of strategic eastern cities (Goma and Bukavu), despite international calls for peace ([00:47]).
  • Even relatively calm regions, like Bukavu and Goma, remain tense, with daily life disrupted—banks, shops, and airports remain closed in Goma ([03:39]).
  • The capital Kinshasa has seen reports of armed men in the streets and gunfire, though details remain unverified ([03:39], [04:56]).
• Nationwide Impact
  • Insecurity is nationwide, not just limited to conflict hotspots: “What is certain is that there is insecurity looming across the country.” – Ikaba Koi ([03:39]).
• Failed Peace Talks, Ongoing Mediation
  • SADC and EAC community peace talks in early February failed to deliver a ceasefire, but African Union and internal religious leaders are still promoting dialogue ([06:16]).
  • “The turmoil… is still ongoing, and there doesn't seem to be any clear end in sight.” – Ikaba Koi ([06:16]).

2. Economic and Social Impact of Conflict

• Disruption to Business Operations
  • Protests and instability in Kinshasa led to closure of banks; even southern businesses far from the fighting are unable to make transactions or support suppliers ([02:24], [14:01]).
  • “Conflict is not a good thing. It's not the way to go. It affects all businesses in general, regardless of our position in the country.” – Shanti Shela Biakte Mutombo ([14:01]).
• Resilience and Adaptation
  • Despite conflict, some sectors (like mining) see growth, particularly when the state enforces local content laws and supports local enterprise ([12:01]).
  • “The future of mining, I believe, lies in collaboration… especially a common vision for sustainable development… it goes through the fabric of our society and uplifts our communities and empowers the local businesses to grow.” – Shanti ([15:31]).
• Lasting Social Trauma
  • Conflict results in mass displacement, human rights abuses, and the disruption of societal structures:
    • “Our women are raped. How do they educate their children? It must end. It must end.” – Shanti ([15:31]).

3. Shanti’s Story: Business in the Mining Sector

• Background & Operations
  • Shanti's company, based in Kolwesi (south DRC, near Zambia), supplies chemical consumables to international mining corporations—copper is the mainstay, though diamonds are in the long-term plan ([08:36]–[10:13]).
  • Business is conducted across borders, reliant on South African suppliers and international markets ([14:01]).
• Role of the State
  • Kolwesi and the copper region have developed rapidly, with infrastructure improvements and enforced local content laws credited to a more present state apparatus ([12:01]):

    “The state is enforcing local content laws… saying to major Mining companies… this is about legacy… building businesses that thrive not only during the life of a mine, but long after the mining operations have ceased.” – Shanti ([12:01]).

• Determination to Stay
  • Shanti returned from South Africa, driven by faith in her homeland’s potential:

    “I want to have faith in my country. It's one of the reasons why I returned home.” – Shanti ([12:01]).

  • Despite challenges, she describes signs of progress and business opportunity—tied directly to stability and government enforcement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Peace and Prosperity

  • “If our land is not in peace, business cannot thrive, right? Peace is crucial for prosperity.” – Shanti Shela Biakte Mutombo ([02:58], [14:01])

• On the State’s Role

  • “The Koloesi I first visited in 2019 has developed. Our infrastructures have gone up. So that can only be done if the state is present.” – Shanti ([12:01])

• On Social Impact and Urgency for Change

  • “Communities are being displaced. Women are being violated… Our minerals… are important for the advancement of the world, but they are also important for the progress of our people. We could share this mineral with the world, but our people must come first.” – Shanti ([15:31])

• On Hope and Collaboration

  • “The future of mining, I believe, lies in collaboration, partnership and innovation, but especially a common vision for sustainable development.” – Shanti ([15:31])

Key Timestamps

• 00:47 – Alan Kasuja sets the scene in conflict-affected Bukavu, introduction to the security crisis.
• 02:24 – Shanti details disruption to business operations from national protests despite distance from conflict.
• 03:39–06:16 – Ikaba Koi’s update on the DRC’s latest conflict developments, failed and ongoing peace talks.
• 08:36–10:13 – Shanti describes her mining contracting business, the supply chain, and the regional context.
• 12:01 – Discussion on state presence, development in Kolwesi, and enforcement of local content in mining.
• 14:01–15:22 – Shanti on how conflict filters through the business environment and society.
• 15:31–17:45 – Reflection on generations-long conflict, hope for sustainable peace, and human rights issues.

Tone & Language

• The episode is sober and clear-eyed but not without hope. Shanti’s tone is resilient and optimistic, stressing faith in her country and the power of collaboration. Ikaba Koi provides calm, factual updates on the crisis. The language is accessible, direct, and often emotional—especially when discussing human costs.

Summary Conclusion

Running a business in DRC is an act of resilience and hope, made possible by a mix of state engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, and the sheer will to overcome adversity. While the current conflict presents enormous obstacles, there is still progress and optimism—particularly in sectors bolstered by both local initiative and government support. Yet Shanti’s testimony is clear: for business and for society, peace is absolutely vital, and the true measure of DRC’s mining wealth is not just its benefit to the world, but to its own people.