DRC, Rwanda Forge Regional Economic Integration Pact

Overview & Vision

The Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda) is designed to unlock the incredible economic potential of the Great Lakes region made possible by peace. The United States believes in the transformative potential of this vision and stands ready as a key partner to engage the DRC and Rwanda as they change the course of history for their citizens. The REIF establishes mechanisms for joint coordination in areas such as energy, mineral supply chains, infrastructure, national park management and tourism, and public health and safety. Under this framework, the DRC and Rwanda aim to foster practical cooperation to formalize mineral supply chains, improve cross-border infrastructure, enhance conservation efforts, and strengthen public health systems. The REIF envisions a future where durable peace and regional cooperation drive economic progress and improve the lives of communities across the Great Lakes region, which will enable U.S. companies to responsibly source from the region, contribute to secure, reliable global critical mineral supply chains, and create opportunities for the U.S. private sector.

Focus Areas

• Energy: The REIF seeks to harness the region's vast energy potential, which has been constrained by conflict, to expand electricity access to power homes and industries. These efforts will help communities, including in eastern DRC, have consistent and reliable electricity access, while also powering a new era of economic growth for the region.
• Mineral Supply Chains: The REIF aims to transform the mineral sector into a transparent and responsible driver of economic growth for the Great Lakes region. It includes strong commitments to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining, establish traceability, and eliminate corruption and smuggling. By building a system of cross-border cooperation and value sharing, free of illicit flows or conflict financing, these efforts will create safer working conditions for miners and improve the lives of local communities, while creating opportunities for the private sector to invest. This approach will allow the mineral trade to propel a more stable and prosperous future for the region rather than funding armed groups and violence. The REIF will also establish resilient and secure global critical minerals supply chains vital to the future of U.S. industry.
• Infrastructure: The REIF focuses on building infrastructure that connects people, businesses, and markets across the Great Lakes region. This includes upgrading transportation systems, such as roads and ports, and expanding internet and telecommunications access. These efforts will attract investment, create jobs, and link the region to international trade routes like the Lobito Corridor, helping businesses and people thrive while connecting the region's mineral sector to U.S. industry.
• National Park Management and Tourism: The REIF supports collaboration to protect the region's national parks and develop sustainable tourism. The DRC and Rwanda will improve park management, strengthen security, protect wildlife, and create tourism opportunities that benefit local communities and position the region as a top destination for visitors.
• Public Health and Safety: The REIF prioritizes public health by strengthening cross-border coordination to prevent disease outbreaks, improve healthcare systems, and enhance emergency response capabilities. Efforts include creating cross-border communication channels to share outbreak alerts, developing health protocols, and promoting scientific research to drive innovation to address health challenges. These measures aim to strengthen resilience and promote long-term health security for residents across the region.

How It Works

• Local ownership: The REIF is led by the DRC and Rwanda, with local communities, provincial authorities, entrepreneurs, and civil society playing a central role in shaping projects, monitoring progress, and driving implementation. This approach ensures that regional integration efforts address local priorities and deliver tangible benefits to the people of the Great Lakes region.
• Creating the Environment for Commerce and Innovation: The REIF is a high-level commitment by DRC and Rwanda to operationalize a new economic vision for the region, thus creating the environment for American and local innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to seize a historic opportunity to help build the region's future.
• Coordination mechanisms: Annual summits, technical working groups, and provincial engagement platforms coordinate efforts across key sectors, monitor progress, and ensure local voices are reflected in shaping and implementing projects.
• International support: Like-minded partners committed to seeing the region become more peaceful and prosperous, including the United States, intend to explore offering technical expertise, provide investment, and support capacity-building. This support is intended to complement local efforts, helping to unlock resources, attract private sector investment, and ensure successful implementation of initiatives.

Next Steps

• REIF Summit: The DRC and Rwanda will prepare for the launch of the Inaugural REIF Summit to set priorities, establish technical working groups, and ensure coordination with the broader Peace Agreement implementation. The DRC and Rwanda, including in collaboration with the United States and other partners as appropriate, will develop projects in mining, infrastructure, national park management, and public health to advance the REIF. Over time, the DRC and Rwanda will scale investments to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and foster lasting stability and economic growth in the Great Lakes region.
• USG and private sector mobilize resources: The United States government intends to facilitate support for the DRC and Rwanda in achieving the vision set out in the REIF using a wide array of interagency tools. In collaboration with the DRC, Rwanda, the private sector, and other partners, the United States intends to advance high-impact initiatives and projects that anchor lasting peace and prosperity.