Kigali, Rwanda / Kinshasa, DRC — Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed a landmark Declaration of Principles on Economic Cooperation, laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership across several strategic sectors. The agreement, part of the broader Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), was signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with support from the United States government.

In an official statement issued on August 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State confirmed its support for the initiative, which aims to bring economic stability and regional development through investment, infrastructure, and cooperation in key sectors.

Key Areas of Economic Cooperation Between Rwanda and DRC

The two neighboring countries have agreed to coordinate efforts and investments in the following sectors:

  • Mining
    Focus on legal mineral extraction, value chain development, and elimination of illicit mining activities.
  • Energy
    Joint projects including the Ruzizi III hydroelectric project and methane gas exploitation from Lake Kivu to increase electricity generation and distribution across both nations.
  • Infrastructure
    Development of transport networks, storage facilities, ICT systems, and regional markets, with an emphasis on attracting private sector investment to boost trade and mobility.
  • Agriculture & Industry
    Promotion of modern, sustainable agricultural techniques and support for industrial growth that leverages shared resources.
  • Tourism & Conservation
    Joint management of transboundary national parks, creation of secure eco-tourism zones, and support for tourism entrepreneurs across borders.
  • Health Cooperation
    Strengthening public health systems in border areas, joint prevention of epidemics, and collaboration in medical research and data sharing.

Tackling Illegal Mining and Promoting Sustainable Growth

Both countries committed to curbing illegal trade, extraction, and smuggling of precious minerals, a longstanding issue that has contributed to regional instability. Instead, Rwanda and the DRC aim to promote professional, transparent, and inclusive mining practices, ensuring that local communities benefit from resource wealth.

“The goal is to develop a regional economy grounded in principles, productivity, and professionalism — especially in the mineral sector — to uplift low-income populations,” the U.S. statement read.

Energy Cooperation: Powering Shared Growth

The REIF plan places strong emphasis on energy integration, including:

  • Finalizing the Ruzizi III project, a major hydroelectric facility shared by Rwanda and DRC.
  • Harnessing Lake Kivu’s methane gas to boost electricity supply in both countries.
  • Exploring a common electricity market to improve access and reduce costs.

Tourism and Transboundary Park Management

As part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism, the two nations pledged to:

  • Strengthen security and conservation in shared protected areas.
  • Harmonize laws and law enforcement practices related to park management.
  • Develop cross-border tourism circuits and joint tourism investment platforms.

Public Health and Disease Prevention

Rwanda and the DRC also plan to intensify collaboration in public health, including:

  • Preventing the spread of infectious diseases across borders.
  • Coordinating on epidemic response.
  • Sharing medical data and promoting regional medical research initiatives.

Security and Monitoring Meetings Continue

On July 31, both governments held the first monitoring meeting in Washington to review progress on the peace and economic cooperation framework. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for August 4, focusing on:

  • Joint efforts to dismantle the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda).
  • Gradual removal of security measures imposed by Rwanda, contingent on the DRC’s actions toward disbanding armed groups.

Rwanda reiterated its readiness to support peace and regional economic integration, but also emphasized that security concerns remain paramount.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, recently told Parliament that while Rwanda supports peaceful collaboration, it will maintain its defense measures as long as the FDLR remains active with support from within DRC territory.

A New Chapter for Regional Integration

The REIF framework presents a historic opportunity to shift the focus from conflict to cooperation in the Great Lakes Region. With support from the United States and the commitment of both Rwanda and DRC, the initiative could redefine cross-border trade, infrastructure, and shared prosperity in Central Africa.